1978 Aston Martin V8

The Aston Martin DBS was intended to house the company's new V8 engine, but production difficulties resulted in the DBS first appearing with the DB6's 4.0-liter six. It was larger and more luxuriously appointed than its DB6 sibling and, due to its weight, disappointed some by virtue of its slightly reduced performance. This was rectified in 1969 when the V8 finally arrived. It had an estimated 315 horsepower produced from its 5,340cc four-cam powerplant, giving the DBS V8 a zero-to-100 mph in under 14 seconds with a top speed of 160 mph.

In 1972, after Aston Martin's acquisition by Company Developments, production resumed with the Series 2, now known as the Aston Martin V8 (dropping the 'DBS' portion). These models were distinguished by a restyled front end inspired by the appearance of earlier Astons. Production of the Series 2 lasted from May 1972 through July 1973. Rather than carburetors, the Series 2 received a Bosch fuel injection system. A total of 288 examples of the Series 2 were built; the first 34 examples wore leftover 'DBS V8' badging.

The Aston Martin V8 survived the changes of ownership and financial upheavals of the 1970s. During its production lifespan, lasting from 1969 to 1988, a total of 2,919 examples were sold. The V8 was built in several variants, including the Volante Convertible, which first appeared in June of 1978. V8 Volante and Vantage Volante chassis numbers ran from '15001' to '15849', a total of 849 cars.

The Series 3 models reverted back to Weber carburetors, helping it satisfy new stricter emissions standards in California. To accommodate the four twin-choke two-barrel Weber carburetors, the hood received a scoop. With 310 horsepower on tap, zero-to-sixty mph was accomplished in 6.1 seconds with an automatic transmission and 5.7 seconds with a manual. By 1976, emission-choking requirements reduced output to 288 hp. The performance was boosted the following year with a more powerful 'Stage 1' engine which brought output to 305 hp, thanks to new camshafts and exhaust.

Series 3 production lasted from 1973 through October 1978 but was halted for all of 1975. A total of 967 examples of the Series 3 were built.

The Series 4, known as the 'Oscar India' specification, was introduced in October 1978 at the Birmingham International Motor Show, and 352 examples were built from 1978 through 1985. Most received a Chrysler 'TorqueFlite' three-speed automatic transmission, and due to emissions, output was around 245 hp during the early 1980s. The Oscar India cars were distinguished by an integrated spoiler at the back and a closed 'power bulge' on the bonnet, replacing the previous 'open' scoop.

The Series 5 was introduced at the New York International Auto Show in January 1986. The addition of a compact Weber/Marelli fuel-injection system replacing the previous carburetors meant the bonnet bulge was eliminated. Production continued through 1989, with 405 examples built.

1973 Aston Martin V8
The 1978 Aston Martin V8 two-door fastback coupe had a base price of approximately $52,300 (USD) in standard guise, $55,700 (USD) for the Vantage fastback coupe, and nearly $72,000 (USD) for the Volante Convertible Coupe. The wheelbase measured 102.8 inches, had a height of 52.5 inches, a width of 72 inches, and a length of 183.8 inches. A ZF five-speed manual or three-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission was paired with the 90-degree, dual-overhead-camshaft, 325.9 cubic-inch (5,340cc) V8 engine, which had a light alloy block and head. With five main bearings, four Weber dual-choke carburetors, and 8.3:1 compression, it delivered an estimated 350 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. The Vantage version boosted output to around 400 bhp. The steering was via a rack and pinion unit.

Standard amenities included power windows, electrically-heated rear window, reclining front bucket seats, Sundym glass, a front passenger footrest, and a contoured rear seat with a folding armrest.

The Aston Martin V8 was entirely handbuilt, with each example requiring approximately 1,200 man-hours to complete. The production of a V8 Volante took roughly four months to complete. The Aston Martin V8 was replaced by the Virage.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2017