Aston Martin was a rare breed at this weekend’s Classic Motor Show, but there were some stunning examples on display. Here are our favourites
1972 Aston Martin DBS V8
A finalist in the Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership contest, this 1972 DBS V8 has benefited from a sympathetic restoration and is presented in outstanding condition as a result; its owner, Adrian Howells, has aimed to preserve as many original details as possible since he became the DBS’ third owner in 2001. Its remarkable paintwork is the product of a full respray in 2018.
Upgrades include a Vantage-spec stainless exhaust from manifolds back, plus uprated EFI fuel injection in place of the original Bosch system. Adrian has endeavored to keep the car’s interior almost entirely original, with great patina throughout: only the seat cushions have been replaced.
One of three DBS examples we found at the show (including a rare Series 1 manual for sale at Silverstone Auctions), this particularly good-looking example was a real highlight.
1978 Aston Martin V8 Series 3
Resplendent in Jubilee Silver with contrasting red leather interior, this Series 3 V8 was an eye-catching addition to Silverstone Auctions’ sale at the Classic Motor Show. With just 79,000 miles on the clock and boasting an extensive history file, plus a full respray in its recent past, its a fine example of a special car.
Unlike the DBS above, the Series 3 features four twin-choke Weber carbs in place of a fuel injection system, a technical change evidenced by the power bulge on its bonnet. Its purposeful look is completed by redwall tyres to set off that sumptuous interior.
At time of writing, this car was available to buy now. Check out the SIlverstone Auctions listing here for more information.
1934 Aston Martin Mark II ‘Hedgehog’
The oldest Aston on display, this Mark II took centre stage on the Aston Martin Owners Club stand in Hall 1. Known by the nickname ‘Hedgehog’, this example was the third produced and first owned by actor Sir Ralph Richardson. It enjoyed a fleeting racing career before engine trouble saw it laid up in a barn in a partly dismantled state; in 2020, these parts were brought back together as part of a ‘sympathetic conservation’ by Ecurie Bertelli, the impressive results of which can be seen here.
‘Hedgehog’ won Car of the Year at the 2021 Historic Motoring Awards, beating the famous Aston Martin Bulldog to the post. Owner Tom told us that since its return to active service this year, ‘Hedgehog’ has covered some 5000 miles, including a round trip to Le Mans. This incredibly original 1930s racer is no pampered show car!
Aston Martin DB2/4 MkIII DHC
One of 84 drop-head coupe examples built, this DB2/4 was originally finished in Peony Red but has since been refinished in a refined dark blue. It was used in the past for hillclimbs and sprints, with its Marek-revised 2922cc twin-cam engine providing an impressive 195bhp of punch. The car is one of 14 DHC examples to used the revised powerplant.
The engine has since been rebuilt to a higher-than-standard tune and now enjoys a healthy 235bhp output. Overdrive has also been fitted, along with a rebuilt steering box and front suspension.
Much like ‘Hedgehog’, this DB2 was well presented but did not seem overly preened and cossetted; it’s a driver’s car that’s used and appreciated as intended.
1999 Aston Martin DB7 Volante
Presented in a rare combination of Tay Gold with charcoal and magnolia leather (plus burr yew wood veneer) as part of its AML Works specification, this DB7 Volante on the AMOC stand has an intriguing history. Its list of previous owners includes a member of rock band The Birds (of Ronnie Wood fame), while its more recent resume features a stint as a film car for the smash-hit musical Mamma Mia.
Enjoyed regularly for touring, this is another interesting Aston that’s hasn’t been relegated to a static collection.
