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 £/td> | £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 –
Auction Source: Gooding & Company 2010 Amelia Island Auction
