Automotive

Would be nice to find a vintage Rolex or JLC (or… anything) in that sort of NOS condition. 

not many miles on its clock.

So I had to do the research.  

Add to that the fact that as an owner of 2 of them (serial 6xxx and 9xxx) I noticed immediately some changes like the high headrest seats and the overall condition which made me curious.

So, the factual story:

This is indeed a 1963 P1800 (chassis number 1716), but this specific chassis number originated with the Volvo B18 engine.

After the introduction of this car in 1961, and as its body was first build by Jensen UK, Sir David Brown the Aston Martin chief decided to check the possibility of installing a larger/more powerful engine. The name: project DP208. That started in late 1961 into a 1962-3. 

Aston made 3 engines and a single P1800 car was fitted with one of the AM engines for experiments. 

 Due to issues with Jensen, Volvo moved the entire production to Sweeden, and that test car was scrapped. 

Fast forward to 2003, engine no 3 was found, and a Swiss shop Aston Martin owner acquired the engine.

This shop, founded in 1975 expertise in maintaining and restoring classic Aston Martin cars.

 and restored it. then the shop sourced a Jensen built P1800 car and got this 1963 car. They fully rebuilt the car, alternating all that is required to install the AM engine in it (like the bonnet) and made some changes like the green upholstery seats etc.   

The restoration took 2 years and 200,000 Sfr (around 200,000 dollar).

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So basically, its a restored and altered car, matched to a restored engine, both periods correct but not that single specific car originally built or "factory fresh" time capsule.

 (Nico...that research time is billable on you my friend   ).

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