Aston Martin V8 Vantage

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The Aston Martin V8 Vantage was hailed at
its 1977 introduction as "Britain's First
Supercar " for its 170 mph (270 km/h) top
speed. Its engine was shared with the
Lagonda , but it used high-performance
camshafts , increased compression ratio, larger
inlet valves and bigger carburettors mounted
on new manifolds for increased output.
Straight-line performance was the best of the
day, with acceleration from 0–60 mph (97 km/
h) in 5.3 seconds, one-tenth of a second
quicker than the Ferrari Daytona . [2]
The first series had 375 hp (280 kW), and
series specific details such as a blanked
bonnet vent and a separate rear spoiler. [3] 38
of these were built (plus 13 "Cosmetics" for
the US). [4] The Oscar India (for 1 October,
the date of introduction) version, introduced in
late 1978, featured an integrated tea-tray
spoiler and smoother bonnet bulge. Inside, a
black leather-covered dash replaced the
previous walnut. The wooden dashboard did
find its way back into the Vantage during the
eighties, giving a more luxurious appearance.
The Oscar India version also received a slight
increase in power, to 390 hp (291 kW). [4] This
line was produced, with some running
changes, until 1989. From 1986 the engine
had 403 hp (301 kW).
The Vantage name had previously been used
on a number of high-performance versions of
Aston Martin cars, but this was a separate
model. Although based on the Aston Martin
V8 , numerous detail changes added up to a
unique driving experience. One of the most
noticeable features was the closed-off hood
bulge rather than the open scoop found on the
normal V8. The grille area was also closed
off, with twin driving lights inserted and a
spoiler added to the bootlid.
The 1986–1989 580 'X-Pack' was a further
upgrade, with Cosworth pistons and Nimrod
racing-type heads producing 403hp. A 'big
bore' after-market option was also available
from Works Service, with 50mm carbs
(instead of 48mm) and straight-through
exhaust system giving 432hp (the same
engine as fitted to the limited-edition V8
Zagato . [4] 16-inch (406-mm) wheels were
also now fitted. If this wasn't enough, a
450 hp (336 kW) 6.3 litre version was also
available from Aston Martin, and independents
offered a 7 litre version. [5]
1988 Aston Martin V8 Vantage X-Pack
304 Series 2 Vantage coupés were built -
including 131 X-Packs [6] - and 192 Volantes
(in spite of only having been officially
introduced in 1986, near the end of
production). Of the 'Cosmetic' Vantage (for
the US Swiss and Japanese markets, with fuel
injection instead of Weber carburettors), 14
Series 2 coupés and 56 Volantes were built. [4]
Cosmetic Vantages lacked the powerful
Vantage engine but retained the Vantage
name and most of its body alterations -
though the lack of carburettors allowed a
flattened hood. From 1980 they featured DOT-
approved 5 mph (8 km/h) safety bumpers
front and rear. Most of these cars have since
been retrofitted with full power, European
spec engines. [4]
Although the full spec (carburettor) Vantage
models were not imported into the USA when
new, they now qualify for entry under the
DOT's 'Show and Display' rules in most US
States. Federal requirements are also less
strict for cars over 25 years old (as most
Vantages now are). [7]
A Vantage Volante convertible version was
also produced, between 1986 and 1989. Six
mechanically similar cars had been built
earlier to special order, but it was not
regularly available until then. The production
version featured an even deeper front spoiler
than fitted to the Vantage, even wider wheel
arches, and extended side skirts. In 1987 The
Prince of Wales took delivery of a Vantage
Volante, but at his request without the
production car's wider wheelarches, front air
dam and side skirts. This became known as
the 'Prince of Wales Spec' (or POW) and
around another 26 such cars were built by the
factory. These are now generally considered
the most desirable of all the 1970s/80s V8
models.
James Bond
James Bond 's car (registered on 18 March
1985 as B549 WUU; last on the road 1 July
2006) [8] in the 1987 film The Living Daylights .
At the beginning of the film, the car is a V8
Volante (convertible). The car used in these
scenes was a Volante owned by Aston Martin
Lagonda chairman, Victor Gauntlett . Later, the
car is fitted with a hardtop ("winterised") at Q
Branch, and these scenes feature a pair of
non-Vantage V8 saloons , fitted with the same
number plate as the initial car, but with
Vantage badges now fitted to match the
previous Vantage.
The alterations and gadgets featured were:
Tire Spikes
Jet engine behind rear number plate
Retractable outriggers
Heat-seeking missiles behind fog lights
Lasers in front wheel hubcaps
Bulletproof windows
Fireproof body
Self-destruct system
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