1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante 5.3L Petrol · LM 672

The most recent DVSA examination on 29 July 2026 returned a pass with no defects or advisories recorded, continuing an unbroken sequence of clean tests stretching back over five consecutive annual submissions. With every entry from 2022 through to 2026 showing a straightforward pass and no advisory notes, the official record indicates a stable and consistent maintenance pattern rather than any progressive deterioration in tested items such as lighting, braking efficiency, suspension condition, exhaust emissions, or structural integrity. The absence of advisory notes across multiple tests is particularly relevant on a car of this vintage, as DVSA examiners typically flag component wear as soon as items approach the threshold of failure, so a clean sheet suggests that the consumable elements inspected at test are being addressed proactively. With 51,991 miles recorded over approximately 47 years on the road, the V8 Volante has averaged around 1,100 miles annually, which is exceptionally low even for a hand-built grand tourer of this era. Such modest annual use, combined with the regularity of the MOT entries, suggests the car has been exercised sufficiently to prevent complete dormancy, yet lightly enough that major drivetrain wear is unlikely to be a pressing concern. However, low recorded mileage on a vehicle of this age frequently masks long periods of standing or seasonal use, and it is precisely these intermittent-use scenarios that introduce age-related failures that the MOT does not necessarily cover. A careful inspection is therefore essential to distinguish true mechanical condition from the misleading reassurance of low odometer readings. Given the clean MOT history and the car's age, prospective buyers should conduct a thorough physical inspection focused on time-based degradation rather than mileage-based wear. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing and cracking, as rubber compounds on a vehicle of this antiquity can deteriorate significantly even with adequate tread depth, and original-equiameter tyres of the correct period-correct specification should be confirmed where originality matters. The 12V battery is a likely failure point, particularly if the car has stood between MOTs, and any signs of sluggish cranking or the need for frequent jump-starts should be investigated along with the condition of the charging system. Brake discs should be checked for severe standing corrosion, and the calipers must be confirmed as freeing fully, as binding calipers are a common consequence of infrequent use and can lead to uneven pad wear, brake shudder, and elevated fuel consumption. Fluid condition requires equal scrutiny, as brake fluid is hygroscopic and should be replaced on a calendar basis regardless of mileage, while coolant, power steering fluid, and engine oil will all have suffered degradation over decades even if the distance travelled has been minimal. A test drive should pay particular attention to the suspension for any clonks or knocks indicative of perished bushes, worn shock absorbers, or fatigued coil springs, all of which are common on V8 Volantes that have spent considerable time resting on their original mountings. Listen for any irregularity from the rear axle, verify smooth gearchange action in the manual transmission, and inspect the underside and inner box sections carefully for the onset of corrosion, especially around the sills, chassis outriggers, and suspension mounting points where classic Aston Martins are known to suffer. Finally, confirming a complete and traceable service history from a recognised marque specialist will be invaluable in verifying that the mechanical fundamentals have been maintained with the requisite attention to detail that such a significant motor car demands.