This head-turning 5.3-litre 1980 Aston Martin V8, recently consigned to our 24 November sale at Bolesworth Castle, has a fascinating history, having once been owned by Graham Chapman on Monty Python fame, perhaps best-known today as King Arthur from the much-loved movie ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’.
The car has been cherished by its current long-term owner since 1996, during which time is has been tuned and upgraded, resulting in a personal, unique and very special machine. The vendor says it was inspired by famed Aston Martin specialist Andre Bloom and “this unique car was his dream machine”.
Rebuilt to a combination of X-Pack and PoW specification from a standard V8 Volante, ‘3003 DH’ been converted to high-performance Vantage specification with uprated steering, suspension and brakes. It also has a five-speed dog-leg manual gearbox and redesigned bodywork with Vantage flared wheelarches, front spoiler and rear under-valance, while the side markers were removed and later square indicators fitted.
“The list is endless,” says the vendor, with renowned specialist Aston Engineering carrying out the X-Pack conversion to give it the 1986-89 look. Attention to detail even extends to later door locks, while the cosmetics and trim have been tirelessly fine-tuned.
While in its current ownership, the car has been regularly serviced mainly by Aston Martin-approved facilities. The history file includes all the paperwork from this time plus some earlier documentation. In the past year alone, this Aston Martin has received a new mohair hood, and a near-full respray in unique BMW Glacier Blue to complement the dark blue hood and cream interior. It has also recently had full underbody sealant and restuffed seats. ‘3003DH’ was registered in September 1980. It has had just 6 previous keepers in its 44 years on the road, well below the average for cars of this age.
Estimate: £200,000-£240,000
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