Aston Martin 'DBS' V8 Series 3 "Highly original" "Highly original" - You don't often see this level of originality on the V8 series, Ordered from Garage Mirabeau Paris - Importateur de Aston Martin 1974

Aston Martin 'DBS' V8 Series 3 "Highly original" "Highly original" - You don't often see this level of originality on the V8 series, Ordered from Garage Mirabeau Paris - Importateur de Aston Martin

This Aston Martin spent some time in the care of a marque specialist. Another Aston Martin was being restored, and they needed a reference car. That fact alone immediately tells you just how original this V8 still is.

The Aston Martin V8 Series 3 was introduced as the next step in the evolution of the DBS V8. The DBS name disappeared, the front end received a pair of single headlamps, and Aston Martin quietly continued refining what was intended to be a large, fast, and above all impressive British grand tourer. This was an Aston Martin in which you could leave Paris in the morning and step out somewhere along the Côte d’Azur that same evening still feeling remarkably relaxed. Although, in all likelihood, you would find yourself stopping for more than just coffee along the way.

Beneath the hood sits the legendary 5.3-liter V8. For the Series 3, the earlier Bosch fuel injection system gave way to four twin-choke Weber carburetors. They required so much space that Aston Martin had to incorporate a prominent hood bulge and air intake into the design. It is hardly subtle, but then subtlety is not necessarily the defining characteristic of a large, hand-built Aston Martin equipped with four Webers.

This particular example was ordered in 1974 through Garage Mirabeau in Paris, at the time Aston Martin’s official importer for France. It remains in an exceptionally original state to this day. And at this level, that is something rarely encountered with a V8 from this era. Many examples have been restored, modified, or rebuilt at various stages of their lives.

Not this one. That is also one of the reasons it served as the reference car for another restoration at an Aston Martin specialist. How should a particular trim piece fit? Where exactly does that mounting point belong? Which material did the factory use here? “Let's have a look at this car.” That may well be a greater compliment than any gleaming concours trophy.

A 1974 Aston Martin V8 Series 3, originally delivered to France through Garage Mirabeau and preserved with such remarkable originality that it was chosen as the benchmark for restoring another Aston Martin. Feel free to share the secret—this car already tells the story itself. Its originality speaks volumes.

Still not convinced? We would be delighted to welcome you to Gallery Aaldering. Since 1975, we have been a family-owned business with a passion for the world's finest and most exceptional automobiles. We export our vehicles worldwide—please inquire about the available possibilities.