Introduced in October 1978 at the Birmingham International Motor Show, the “Oscar India” specification (from the phonetic alphabet for “October Introduction”) marked a new chapter for the Aston Martin V8. Officially the Series 4, it carried over the muscular presence of its predecessors but added a level of polish that reflected the company’s renewed sense of stability and craftsmanship. A smooth, closed power bulge replaced the signature bonnet scoop, while an integrated rear spoiler, styled under William Towns’s direction, gave the tail a more cohesive profile. Inside, the Oscar India ushered in a more luxurious era for Aston Martin, reintroducing rich burr walnut veneers for the first time since the DB2/4 and trimming the cabin in nine hides of the finest Connolly leather, including a full leather headlining. Performance from the 5.3-liter V8 remained strong, allowing the cars to achieve speeds in excess of 225 km/h and sprinting from a standstill to 100 km/h in as little as 6.6 seconds. This brutish power came from the type V540 hand-built engines installed in early examples from 1978 through 1980. They boasted hand-ported cylinder heads, with a thunderous intake noise courtesy of its four downdraft Weber 42 DCNF carburetors. A digital copy of the Aston Martin Car Record Card shows that this example was completed on 18 December 1978 in Crusader White over a Blue leather interior with a Grey leather headliner, and Blue Onslow carpeting. As a result of the holidays, the car was then shipped on 9 January 1979 to the Middle East where it ultimately resided in Kuwait with its original owner. By the end of the 1980s, the car was brought to continental Europe, where it resided in Italy. In 1995, the car was brought to the Alpine paradise of Switzerland with its next caretaker, before a complete restoration commenced. During the restoration, the car was refinished in its current livery of Cumberland Grey over a white leather interior with black piping and bordeaux Wilton wool carpeting. Following the restoration, the car was upgraded with a ZF five-speed manual transmission in place of the original Chrysler Torqueflite three-speed automatic transmission in 2018. When new, only 12 examples were specified with the manual transmission like this car is now equipped. This work was completed by marque experts at René Wagner Fast Line GmbH for a total of nearly 30'000 CHF. Should the next owner wish to return the car to its original specification, the automatic transmission will accompany this Aston. The most recent service was rendered on 28 May 2025 by Quality by Karel Koch, which included changing the engine and transmission oil as well as performing an emissions test. Lovingly referred to as the “Brute in a Suit,” Aston Martin’s V8 stands as a testament to the good looks and engineering prowess, and the resulting popularity from that formidable combination. This example has the added appeal of being upgraded with a ZF five-speed manual transmission. Restored three decades ago, the car has aged beautifully and still presents well today and is furnished with records dating back to 1995, along with a copy of its owner’s manual. More than just an excellent addition to any collection, this example is an outstanding example to enjoy any number of the sporting Alpine passes encountered on a grand tour.