Known as 'Oscar India' in factory parlance, the Aston Martin V8 Series 4 arrived in October 1978 boasting a revised bonnet and boot lid tail spoiler.

The interior became even more opulent, gaining the Volante's wood-embellished fascia together with leather headlining, re-styled centre console and improved air conditioning.

The latter was by now standard equipment, as was power-assisted steering, limited-slip differential, electric window lifts and a heated rear window.

Launched in January 1986, the Aston Martin V8 Series 5 adopted the latest Vantage specification, engine excepted, the following year and thus boasted the Vantage's revised bodywork and 16" wheels.

Fuel injection was reintroduced on the Series 5, this time a Weber system rather than the earlier Bosch.

Power output of the standard car was now quoted as 305bhp.

Automatic was the standard transmission offering, five-speed manual an option, and even when equipped with the former the V8 could reach 100mph in around 15 se...