First seen at the New York Motor Show on January 25th 1986, the Aston Martin V8 EFI Series 5 Saloon was produced from 1986 through to 1989.
The Series 5 models, still hand built back then, are generally considered the most refined and reliable of the AMV8 lineage. Beyond the fuel injection system, they incorporated various updates and improvements developed throughout the V8's long production run. The electronic fuel injection (utilizing a Weber/Marelli system) notably improved tractability and fuel efficiency. This also removed the necessity for the bonnet bulge that characterised earlier V8 models, leading to a flatter bonnet design.
The Series 5 cars retained the venerable 5.3L V8 engine, but the adoption of the Weber/Marelli electronic fuel injection system led to a smoother and more fuel-efficient power delivery, delivering 310 bhp and 345 lbs/ft torque.
The Series 5 also features an integrated rear spoiler, adding to its sleek design. Of the 405 V8 EFI saloon built worldwide, only 61 were made for the UK market.
This early example in Salisbury Blue, with a light blue piped Connolly leather interior and contrasting blue carpets, comes with an Aston Martin Heritage Trust Vehicle Heritage Certificate, confirming it as a matching numbers car in its original colour.
It has a full service history totalling 28 to date, from a mixture of Aston Martin Ltd in Newport Pagnell and marque specialists such as Aston Works, R.S Williams and Nicholas Mee. There are 25 stamps in its service books to 2020 and invoices for all other services from 2021, to its last in October 2024 at 88,796 miles. There is also a comprehensive file of additional maintenance invoices going back from 2025 to the 1990s.
The current owner when sourcing an AM V8 was clear he wanted an EFI Series 5, that he could use and enjoy, as opposed to one just to add to a “collection”. As such, an excellent service and maintenance history and consistent MOT history showing regular usage, with no long periods of inactivity, were an imperative. Overall condition needed to be very good, but he was not looking for a concours or fresh restoration example, as originality was also an important factor. The car was to be used and enjoyed as the GT car it was built to be. Current mileage is just over 89K and beyond continued servicing and maintenance, remains in the same condition as when he bought it from the Aston Workshop in 2020. The one exception being the fitment of an uprated suspension handling kit, which greatly improves the driving dynamics over the standard set-up.
As the ultimate, last-of-line model before the Virage, the Series 5s are much sought after not just as the rarest of the AM V8 lineage, but also for their improved refinement, easier starting and excellent build quality, representing the pinnacle of this iconic V8 era.
Having thoroughly enjoyed the car for 5 years, the current owner is in the heartbreaking process of downsizing his current collection.
This however, provides the opportunity for the next enthusiast looking for an attractively priced excellent example of a Series 5, that has been lovingly maintained and usefully upgraded, to drive and enjoy.
Any inspection is welcome and recommended, with lift facilities available on request to enable proper underside viewing.
Finished in Salisbury Blue the overall condition of the paintwork is very good given it appears largely original and not the subject of any recent restoration.
As part of the pre-sales preparation, the paintwork was treated to a comprehensive detailing, culminating in the application of two layers of Swisswax's remarkable Crystal Rock car wax. This cutting-edge car wax contains an impressive 76% Brazilian Ivory Carnuba wax by volume, forming a sleek and lustrous shield on the car's paintwork. Not only does it provide a durable and water-resistant barrier, but it also boasts a longevity far exceeding all other high Carnuba content waxes.
As to be expected from a near 40 year old car, not fresh from a restoration, there are some minor paint blemishes and early signs of paint blisters in some areas, such as the front offside rear wheel arch and bottom of the rear screen. However, these areas are small, isolated, have not broken the paint and can be viewed in the pictures.
All brightwork and badging is still in great condition, albeit, with the front bumper overriders now showing some signs of patina. In addition, all lights are clear and free from any cracks or chips, as is all window glass.
The car’s cabin is a wonderful place to be both visually and in aroma. Finished with a light blue piped Connolly leather, with contrasting blue carpets. The seats and door cards are in excellent condition, still exceptionally comfortable and wearing just the right level of patina, befitting an exceptionally well kept Aston Martin of near 40 years old. The Burr Walnut veneer on the dashboard and door inserts, are also in lovely condition, with just the gear box surround beginning to show some early signs of “dulling”, as compared to the depth of lustre exhibited by the rest of the car’s Burr Walnut.
All controls, switches and dials function as they should, as does the air conditioning, having recently been re-gassed. A functioning immobiliser has been fitted which operates off the key fob, of which there are two.
The car has been fitted with an aftermarket Sony Radio/CD head unit with MP3 capability and an external USB port. It has also been fitted with a 6 CD player mounted in the boot.
The car comes with its original toolkit, jack original BBS alloy spare wheel fitted with the same tyre as the driven wheels and an external battery cut-off switch.
The engine was designed by legendary Chief Aston Martin engineer Tadek Marek, back in the late 1960s. It’s a 5340 cc quad cam V8 and in the Series 5 was fitted with a Weber/Marelli electronic fuel injection system. This did not provide for a significant increase in power over the previous carburetted model, but made for more reliable starting, smoother and more tractable power delivery and increased fuel economy. Power figures were 310 bhp and 345 ft/lbs torque.
Drive was delivered to the rear wheels via the tried and tested 3 speed Chrysler Torqueflight automatic gearbox. The car could also have been specified with a 5 speed ZF manual gearbox, although most, like this example were automatic, very much suiting the driving dynamics of the torquey engine.
On the road the car pulls cleanly and strongly, all the time accompanied by the AM V8’s gloriously sonorous exhaust note. Gear changes are smooth with kick down operating as it should.
In driving the car there is a proper weight to the steering, unlike many power steering systems of the time. An aftermarket handling kit, comprising revised springs, Koni dampers and uprated front anti roll bar, offers a noticeable improvement in handling over the standard car and optimise its role as a long legged GT car.
The standard De Dion rear axle set-up helps keep the rear wheels/tyres vertical to the road surface despite cornering loads, maximising handling and grip, also aided by inboard rear discs, that lower unsprung weight.
The car sits on its factory issued 15” x 7” BBS alloy wheels, all fitted with correct OEM specified Avon Turbosteel 235/70 /15 tyres (all date stamped 2020) and all still with significant tread remaining. The spare wheel and tyre are the same as for the driven wheels.
The dual circuit braking system, works as it should, with progressive stopping power devoid of any pulling to either left or right. Although, braking is strong it’s best noting that braking performance on modern day high performance cars, has improved from 40 years ago.
As part of the pre-sales preparation, the car was sent to a professional Ice Blaster to have the entire underside thoroughly cleaned ahead of inspection.
The chassis, which had previously been protected, was found to be mostly free from all but minor surface corrosion in a few areas. Invoice history evidences R.S. Williams have previously replaced the sills in the car, a significant undertaking in these cars.
The car’s entire underside and wheel arches were then treated to our proprietary underbody preservation treatment. This combines wire brushing off any surface corrosion, treatment with rust converter and then the application of various long lasting underbody protection coatings, depending on the mechanical componentry and underside area and which include Dinitrol anti-corrosion coatings and POR 15 heavy duty rust anti rust paint.
Consequently, the underside preservation treatment offers the vehicle comprehensive and exceptionally durable, jet wash-proof corrosion protection, even were the car to be used all year-round.
With a total mileage of just over 89,000 miles from new, this car has been meticulously maintained throughout its life. For the first 9 years of its life it was maintained by Aston Martin Ltd Newport Pagnell’s workshops. From then on, service and maintenance was provided marque specialists such as R.S. Williams, Aston Martin Works and Nicholas Mee.
28 services are documented for the car over its life to date. There are 25 stamps across multiple service books, with the final 3 (up until the most recent in October 2024), being evidenced via invoices.
The service and maintenance records together with MOT history dating back to 1996, all support recorded mileage as being accurate.
In addition to the current V5C document and a clear HPI check dated 06/11/2025, the car comes with its original Dealer’s book pack with Owner’s manual and two sets of keys.
Maintenance as per the service booklets:
Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure accuracy of the vehicle descriptions and information, some inaccuracies may occur. It is important that you do not rely on this information but check with Montpellier Motor Cars Limited about any items which may affect your decision to buy this vehicle, as well as examine the vehicle and check the accuracy of the information before purchasing any vehicle. We cannot accept any liability arising from any errors in the data provided.
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