Sold 1985 Aston Martin V8 Saloon Series 4 ‘Oscar India’
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Vehicle Highlights
A superb 1985 Aston Martin V8 Saloon Series 4 ‘Oscar India’, finished in Cumberland Grey over Parchment Hide, and fitted with the highly desirable, matching-numbers ‘V580’ Vantage 5,340cc V8. From a run of just 352 ‘Oscar India’ cars, it’s understood that only 134 were built to this specification and just 94 received the ‘V580’ engine, making this example especially rare. Showing 45,340 miles, it benefited from a comprehensive exterior restoration in 2015 at 40,863 miles and a major mechanical overhaul by renowned Aston specialist Rikki Cann, with invoices exceeding £80,000. The work was personally overseen by Mike Peach, who hand-built this car’s V580 in 1985. Supplied new by Stratton Motor Company (October 1985), long-term prior ownership (24 years from 1990), then acquired by the current owner in February 2014 and kept in heated storage with regular upkeep. MOT to 27 April 2026, HPI clear, books and substantial restoration records present.
Information: The ‘Oscar India’ update introduced a smoother, closed bonnet bulge, the elegant R-shape body kit with front air dam, and a more luxurious cabin with leather dashboard and wood veneers. This car also features the BBS alloy wheels introduced in 1983 and the uprated ‘V580’ Vantage engine derived from Lagonda head architecture, delivering markedly stronger mid-range torque than the earlier V540. Restored externally in 2015 and mechanically overhauled to an exceptional standard by Rikki Cann, the car has covered only c. 4,477 miles since the work, presenting as a highly correct, collector-appeal example in one of the most desirable colour combinations.
History: Sold new by Stratton Motor Company in October 1985, this ‘Oscar India’ spent a portion of its life cherished overseas in Spain before returning to the UK. It remained with its prior keeper for 24 years from 1990, evidencing stable, careful ownership. The current owner purchased the car in February 2014 and subsequently commissioned a thorough exterior restoration (2015, 40,863 miles) and a full mechanical overhaul of the matching-numbers V580 by Rikki Cann, with oversight by Mike Peach. Since then it has been preserved in heated storage with frequent checks and maintenance by the owner’s mechanic. The history file includes pre- and post-restoration invoices, owners’ handbooks, and supporting documentation.
› 02 — Exterior
Paintwork: Refinished in its Cumberland Grey during the 2015 restoration, the exterior presents with a deep, even gloss and crisp panel fit, highlighting the ‘Oscar India’ closed bonnet bulge and R-shape aero details. The finish remains sharp and consistent with limited mileage since completion, complementing the car’s mechanical standard.
Structural: The car presents straight and solid, in keeping with its careful ownership and restoration program. Panel gaps are even, closures feel robust, and inspection will confirm the integrity of sills, floors, rails and mounting points. Lift inspections are welcomed.
Wheels & Tyres: Correct BBS alloys suit the car’s period presence. They would now benefit from a refurbishment, and a fresh set of tyres is advised to match the overall standard and for optimal touring performance. Full brand/date-code/tread details can be provided.
Trims: Exterior brightwork, lenses and rubbers present cleanly and in keeping with the quality of the body restoration, while the interior retains the leather dash and wood veneer signature of the ‘Oscar India’ update, offering an authentic, gently aged feel.
Convertible Top: Not applicable — fixed-roof coupé/saloon. Door, screen and aperture seals present neatly and sit correctly.
› 03 — interior
Accessories: Supplied with owners’ handbooks, a substantial file of restoration invoices (including the Rikki Cann works), and supporting documentation. The car is HPI clear. Tools/spares present as pictured.
Carpets & Mats: Original carpets present well with consistent colour and pile, showing light, honest wear commensurate with age and mileage. Mats fit correctly; heel-pad areas remain tidy.
Dash & Trim: The leather-trimmed dashboard and wood veneers are original and presentably patinated, with switchgear, instruments and console components clean and functional. Veneer lustre and leather grain remain pleasingly authentic.
Seats & Upholstery: Finished in Parchment Hide, the seats and door trims remain original and highly presentable, showing light to moderate wear consistent with careful use over four decades. A retrim or sympathetic refresh would elevate the cabin to the same standard as the exterior and mechanicals, should the next custodian desire.
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Mechanical and electrical
Overall Mechanical Health Evaluation: Following the comprehensive mechanical overhaul by Rikki Cann (invoices £80,000+), the matching-numbers V580 delivers the broader mid-range torque and smooth, muscular character that define the best ‘Oscar India’ cars. Road manners, braking and driveline performance are consistent with a freshly sorted grand tourer; the work was personally overseen by Mike Peach, who originally hand-built the engine in 1985.
Electrical Evaluation: Electrical systems present and operate as expected, with instruments, lighting and ancillary functions behaving correctly during our checks. Buyers are invited to verify all functions to their own satisfaction.
Suspension and Undercarriage: The undercarriage is clean and honest, reflecting careful storage and the scope of the overhaul. Steering, damping and braking exhibit a composed, grand-touring feel with the tightness expected after comprehensive recommissioning. Ramp inspections can be facilitated.
Recent Maintenance: 2015 (40,863 miles): Full exterior restoration and major mechanical overhaul of the matching-numbers V580 by Rikki Cann, with works supervised by Mike Peach; invoices exceed £80,000.
2014–present: Heated storage with regular oversight and upkeep by the owner’s mechanic; the car has covered only ~4,477 miles since restoration. MOT valid to 27 April 2026.
Alterations From Factory Specification: Presents largely to original specification with correct ‘Oscar India’ body features, BBS alloys, and the factory matching-numbers V580 Vantage engine. No non-standard modifications are noted; the sympathetic interior patina remains as built, leaving room for a future owner to choose preservation or refurbishment.
HPI Check:
Every example comes supplied with a complete 'Pre-Sales Checklist', signed and guaranteed by 'The Matt Johnston Collection'
