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 Dan Vaughan

Fastback Coupe
Chassis number: V8/11719/LCAV
Engine number: V/540/1719/V

This 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.

In 1990, the engine was returned to the European specification for Series 3 Vantages known as the X-Pack. It was given larger valves, re-ground camshafts, a redesigned intake, and a 48mm Weber carburetor.

In 1998, it was purchased by Patrice Runner. An additional $25,000 was spent to have it professionally cared for, including routine maintenance and detailing. In July of 2008, it was sold to Autosport Designs, who allocated approximately 17,000 over the following year to address a range of minor needs including paint touch-ups, new wheel hubs and bearings, re-finished original stock 16-Series 3 wheels and a complete rebuild of the high-compression engine.

In July 2008, it was purchased by John Carr of Norfolk, Virginia, who commissioned Autosport Designs to conduct a moderate cosmetic restoration. This work, which cost almost $21,000, included the installation of new seat cushions, re-upholstery of the trunk with the correct beige Wilton wool carpet, detailing of the engine compartment, re-chroming of the front and rear bumpers, and a meticulous re-paint in the car's original shade of Raven Black.

In January 2010, Mr. Carr traded this Vantage back to Autosport Designs who has since rebuilt the engine's Weber carburetors. It currently shows just over 62,300 miles.

In 2010, this Aston Martin was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company Auction held in Amelia Island, Florida. The car was expected to sell for $150,000 - $210,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $330,000, inclusive of the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Fastback Coupe
Chassis number: V8/11904/LCA
Engine number: V/540/1904/S

During the Aston Martin V8's nearly 20-year lifespan, a number of rolling changes were incorporated. These were essentially hand-built luxury sports cars that were built-to-order.

Eight cars were built for the Canadian market with Vantage-type cosmetics, which added a front air dam, plugged bonnet bulge, and rear 'Fliptail' spoiler. The engines were built to European Stage 1 specification as indicated by the suffix 'S' in the engine number and the chassis number suffix LCA. Four examples were given automatic transmissions and four had manual gearboxes. These cars were called 'Canadian Vantages,' although they were not technically factory Vantages.

This example was constructed in March of 1978 and delivered new through Grand Touring Automobiles in Toronto. It was sold new to a customer in Vancouver, British Colombia. It was later acquired by another Canadian, who kept the V8 at his residence in Palm Desert, California. It was later purchased by Kean Rogers in 1999, who refinished it in a burgundy called Royal Cherry and sympathetically restored it as necessary. It received a full brake system overhaul, new clutch assembly, rebuilt water pump, plus a carburetor rebuild.

There are Fawn Connolly leather seats, Wilton carpets, and Fawn wool headliner.

The car was later sold to an Aston Martin collector on the East Coast. In 2015 the car received an engine rebuild and was converted to six-liter 'big bore' specification, being fitted with authentic Vantage components.

by Dan Vaughan

Fastback Coupe
Chassis number: V8/11900/LCAV
Engine number: V/540/1900/LFM

The Vantage name, which began as an option on the DB2, referred to Aston Martin model that received an uprated engine. The V8 Vantage was introduced in 1977, and instead of being an option, it was a distinct model, separate from the V8 Saloon that had preceded it. It had a similar appearance to the Saloon, with the addition of a 'fliptail' rear end, and other aerodynamic elements. After the first sixteen V8 Vantages were produced, Aston Martin made additional subtle changes to the model. The early cars had spoilers bolted-on post-production; the remaining cars were made with an integrated tail and are referred to as 'Molded Filptail.'

The V8 Vantage had larger Weber carburetors, an increased compression ratio, and high-performance camshafts. With 390 horsepower, the top speed was in the neighborhood of 170 mph.

1978 was the first year the V8 Vantage was available for the U.S. market and just 11 examples were imported across the pond. This particular example is finished in Kentucky Blue. It was given a comprehensive restoration that began in 2002, with the work costing over $100,000. The engine received a complete full specification rebuild during which the 540 engine was uprated to the European Vantage specification. A Steel Wings six-speed transmission was also fitted, and the suspension was upgraded. It received a repaint in its original color scheme.

This car was used in The Discovery Channel's Ultimate Cars program and in Steve Coogan comedy Lies and Alibis.

by Dan Vaughan

Fastback Coupe
Chassis number: V8/11714/LCAS
Engine number: V/540/1714/S

This V8 Sport Saloon was hand built at Aston Martin's Newport Pagnell plant during the Summer of 1978 and intended for the Canadian market. It is a left-hand-drive vehicle with a Weber carbureted V8 paired with a five-speed manual transmission, a hood-mounted intake, a stainless-steel exhaust system, and Vantage-type front and rear spoilers. It wore a Cricket White exterior with a Blue leather interior, Onslow Blue carpeting, and a Grey headliner.

It is believed that this Aston Martin remained in Canada for thirty-four years, largely in the Ontario province. The current owner purchased the car in 2012 with 103,000 miles on the odometer. During the past decade, it has gained a mere hundred miles.

The 5,430cc dual overhead camshaft eight-cylinder engine has four dual-throat Weber carburetors and delivers 300 horsepower at 6,000 RPM. There is a three-speed automatic transmission, an independent suspension, and four-wheel disc brakes.

by Dan Vaughan

The Aston Martin V8 was produced from 1969 through 1990 and was, of course, powered by an eight-cylinder engine. For many years eager customers had been pleading with Aston Martin to produce an eight-cylinder car. Expected to be completed by 1967, the engine took a few more years of development before being ready. In the meantime, Aston Martin introduced the DBS which borrowed its Vantage six-cylinder engine from the DB6.

In the 1987 film 'The Living Daylights', famous British Secret Agent James Bond could be seen on the big screen driving around in his V8 Vantage Volante. A few years earlier Roger Moore had driven a DBS V8 in the movie 'The Persuaders.' His car was built to resemble the V8 version but actually powered by a six-cylinder engine.

In 1969 the eight-cylinder engine was ready and successfully adapted to the DBS. The engine had been designed by Aston Martin's head engineer, Tadek Marek. The engine had made an appearance in the Lola T70 LeMans racer but was more of a learning and testing experience than a true success. The DBS was now available with either the six- or eight-cylinder engine, with the eight-cylinder version being the more popular. Over the years, the 5.3 liter V8 was fitted with either Bosch fuel injection or carburetors, double overhead camshafts, and was capable of producing around 300-315 horsepower. Zero-to-sixty took a mere 5.9 seconds with top speed being achieved at 160 mph.

The square grille, four headlights, and large front air dam were the traditional Aston Martin persona. Gone were the wire wheels.

By 1972 the DBS V8 became the Aston Martin V8; since the six-cylinder DBS was no longer offered. This left the V8 and the Vantage as Aston Martins's entire model line.

In 1972 Aston Martin offered the Series II which incorporated minor visual and mechanical changes. The front featured a mesh grille with twin quart headlights while under the hood the engine was given a little extra tuning. Production of the Series II continued until 1973 with just over 285 examples being produced. After the Series II came the Series III which incorporated four twin-choke Weber carburetors and a larger hood scoop. The 310 horsepower engine took the car from zero-to-sixty mph in 5.7 seconds, when equipped with the manual transmission. Soon strict emissions and government regulations sent the performance tumbling. A new exhaust and camshaft helped boost power a little but was still down by about ten horsepower.

The Series III continued production from 1973 through 1978 except for 1975 when production was temporarily halted. In total, over 965 examples were produced. Production ceased in 1975 due to financial difficulties. A take-over from a consortium in 1975 meant the company could continue producing vehicles. It was decided that instead of creating new models which often consume large amounts of capital, the company would focus its attention and abilities on fine-tuning the products already in production.

At the Birmingham International Motor Show in 1978, Aston Martin introduced the Series IV, also known as the 'Oscar India.' The hood scoop was replaced with a bulge, and a spoiler could now be found on the rear. On the interior could be found wood trim, not seen on an Aston Martin since the DB2/4 of the 1950's. Most were equipped with Chrysler's Torqueflite 3-speed automatic gearbox. Production continued from 1978 through 1985, with a total of 291 examples being produced.

1978 also saw the introduction of the V8 Volante which was a convertible. Though the United States had strict rules concerning safety and convertibles, many of the 650 Volantes produced during the 12-year period made their way State-side.

In 1985 a partnership was formed with the famous Italian coachbuilder Zagato to build a limited-edition Zagato-bodied version of the V8 Vantage. Sketches were shown to the public at the 1985 Geneva Motorshow with the production version making an appearance a year later. These cars were lighter and smaller with an estimated top speed of around 300 km/h. Though production was limited to only 50 examples, demand was much higher. Even before the cars were produced, the money had already been collected from buyers and the original sticker price had even seen escalation due to the popularity.

Planning always takes a back seat to reality. The car was estimated to have a top speed of 300 km/h but when testing began, the engine proved inadequate to meet the goal. The fuel injection system was replaced with Weber carburetors but this caused a new problem. The hood needed to be enlarged to house the cabs resulting in a design that was not aesthetically pleasing to many customers.

The 'double bubble' roof was Zagato's signature trademark. The aerodynamic body was shorter than its counterpart and weighed 10% less. Handling was considerably better as was the overall performance.

Since the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Zagato was produced in limited numbers many investors purchased the vehicles in hopes of turning a profit. Though the designs are very elegant, the true strength of the car was in its performance; sadly many have not been given the opportunity to prove their potential to their owners.

At the 1986 New York Auto Show, Aston Martin introduced their fuel-injected Series V. Since there were no bulky carburetors, there was no need for the bulge. Production continued until 1989 with around 61 examples being produced.

In 1998 a limited edition version of the Vantage was introduced and dubbed the V600. Outfitted with the 5.3 liter V8 and fitted with dual superchargers, the car was capable of producing an astonishing 600 horsepower. Some of the design cues were taken from the DBR1 LeMans racer that won the 1959 LeMans race. Production was low due to problems with emission regulations. Instead, Aston Martin introduced the V12 Vanquish in 2001.

During the production of the Aston Martin V8, it was hailed by many as Britain's 'super car'. It's eight-cylinder engine was a bold move for the small, low-production quantity Aston Martin firm. In the end, it was the right decision and one that carried the company for many years. Its performance was legendary and the design was elegant.

by Dan Vaughan