Lot 161 - 1973 Aston Martin AM Vantage Coupé

• Extensively restored in 2012/13
• Low mileage and delightful condition
• Five-speed manual gearbox

The Aston Martin AM Vantage was the first model produced by the new Aston Martin team after their purchase of the company from David Brown. Numerous improvements were made to the existing DBS6 on which the car was based, the most significant of these being the change in the frontal styling to incorporate single headlamps rather than the twin headlight set up used in the DBS.  The car was produced during 1972/3 and only 70 of this model were manufactured, thus making it a very rare motor car. All of these fantastic cars were built to Vantage specification and to the highest state of tune for this engine, breathing through triple Weber Carburettors. They represent a special place in Aston Martin history as they were the last six-cylinder cars with a heritage stemming from the greatest era of the firm’s racing history and the last to be fitted with wire wheels. The model benefited from many improvements developed and implemented throughout the five years of DBS production, including many mechanical and cosmetic changes. It is notable that, though the V8-engined model with the same body style was introduced in 1970, demand for the six-cylinder AM Vantage continued through 1973 until the factory no longer offered the alternative. Though the V8-engined cars are fine in their own right, the affection and appreciation for the six-cylinder cars has had a direct bearing on demand and they now command a premium in the market up to 50% higher than their V8 counterpart.

Built in 1973, this superb Aston Martin AM Vantage was first registered to a gentleman residing in Southern Ireland. It was subsequently re-imported and first registered in the UK on 3^rd March 1976 and presents beautifully in Stronsay Silver with a sumptuous burgundy leather interior. Prior to the sale to the previous owner in 2013 the car was extensively restored by respected marque specialists Runneymede Motor Company and one of the most attractive things about the car at the time was the genuine 44,000 miles showing on the odometer. During the restoration the body was stripped back to bare metal and any corrosion present in the chassis at the time was thoroughly eradicated and the body repainted in its current shade of Silver, the paint finish being of a very high quality. The engine was rebuilt and upgraded to 4.2 litres and the sluggish automatic transmission was discarded and replaced with a five-speed T5 Tremac manual gearbox with an uprated clutch. The Harvey Bailey handling kit was also fitted, transforming the way in which this AM Vantage holds the road. The car also benefits from a complete re-trim in Burgundy, using very best quality Vaumol hides, together with a new wiring loom and additional soundproofing for greater comfort whilst driving. Supplied with a current V5C registration document, together with a significant history folder, with numerous invoices fully confirming the extent of the restoration. This quintessentially British sports car is offered for sale with a sensible reserve given the condition and mileage, we are proud to present this Aston Martin to the market. Come and see for yourself why this car is so special….You won't be disappointed.