Evaluation: Delivered new to the Sultan of Oman with a manual gearbox and painted green. No word on when the transmission swap happened, but the engine is original to the car. Dull brightwork. The pearl paint is striking but there are numerous flaws, including several large blisters as well as a run on the left front. Rough interior with seriously worn and discolored seats and door panels. Rough wheels. A bit dirty underneath. Attractive from a distance, but scruffy up close. And, like so many of the old Astons consigned by Bonhams lately, it comes from a large and neglected collection, and will need mechanical attention.
Bottom Line: After one of Aston’s many ownership changes, they thoroughly reworked their V8 model and debuted it at the Birmingham International Motor Show in October 1978. “October Introduction” turned into “Oscar India,” which is how this particularly desirable configuration of Aston is commonly known.
Among the changes to these Series IV “Oscar India” cars were closing of the hood scoop, commonly fitted driving lights, an integral spoiler, and an upgraded interior with extra wood. In Vantage specs like this one, the car offered supercar performance on top of luxury and refinement. But this one won’t be traveling at speed any time soon, even if the buyer did pay a big number. It deserves to be put right, but this Aston will get even more expensive as soon as the hood is opened.
