1977→1989 Aston Martin V8 Vantage

The V8 engine having proved to be an exceptionally reliable and robust unit, it was clear that there was scope for a significant increase in the power that it could deliver. The Aston Martin V8 Vantage was announced on 18th February, 1977. Revised camshafts, air-box, larger inlet valves and carburettors, new inlet manifolds and different plugs, claimed to provide an increase in power of 40% and 10% more torque. The same ZF manual gearbox as in the V8 Saloon was standard equipment. This was enough to give a top speed of about 170 mph and accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.3 secs.

The power increase meant that aerodynamic improvements had to be made. This included a spoiler on the tail, a deep spoiler under the nose and blanked off radiator and bonnet air scoop.

Story by Aston Martin Lagonda Limited

In Detail

submitted by	Richard Owen
type	Series Production Car
production years	1977 – 1989
built at	Gaydon, Warwickshire, England
price Â£/td>	Â£20,000
engine	V8
valvetrain	DOHC 2 Valves ./ Cyl
displacement	5341 cc / 325.9 in³
bore	100 mm / 3.94 in
stroke	85 mm / 3.35 in
compression	9.0:1
power	290.8 kw / 390.0 bhp @ 5800 rpm
specific output	73.02 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	214.88 bhp per tonne
body / frame	Unit Steel
driven wheels	RWD
front brakes	Vented Girling Discs
rear brakes	Vented Girling Discs
f suspension	Double Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar
r suspension	deDion-Type Axle w/Watts Linkage, Coil Springs
curb weight	1815 kg / 4001 lbs
wheelbase	2610 mm / 102.8 in
front track	1499 mm / 59.0 in
rear track	1499 mm / 59.0 in
length	4585 mm / 180.5 in
width	1829 mm / 72.0 in
height	1346 mm / 53.0 in
transmission	ZF 5-Speed Manual
top speed	~274 kph / 170.3 mph
0 – 60 mph	~5.3 seconds

Auction Sales History

1982 Aston Martin V8 Vantage ‘Oscar India’ V8VOL12332 – sold for $132,000 Single-family ownership since new. Originally built for Ranger Oil founder Jack Pierce. Believed to be one of three Canadian-delivery Vantages. Ultimate specification and ultimate power1982 Aston Martin V8 Vantage ‘Oscar India’.
Auction Source: Arizona 2015 by RM Auctions

1979 Aston Martin V8 Vantage “Oscar India”

Finished in Jubilee Silver, actually a silvery green, the car on offer is an exceptional, original example just over 70,000 miles from new. The V-8 Vantage benefits from an unleaded conversion by an Aston Engineering mechanic and sills replaced by Marksdanes Ltd. After achieving numerous concours awards in the early 90s, it was featured on the Top Gear BBC television series in 1999, and an eye-opening video (as you can imagine) accompanies the car, along with a thick history file, original jack and owners handbook.

Auction Source: 2010 Automobiles of London by RM Auctions

1978 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Coupe V8/11719/LCAV –

his V-8 Vantage was completed in August of 1977, and is one of the last to wear the third series AMV8 body, and one of the only 38 first series AMV8 Vantages. Eight more of these cars were exported to Canada. This striking AMV8 Vantage is not only one of these 8 cars, but it is believed to be the personal car of Canadian George Minden, one of the principal owners of the company between 1975 and 1981.