Aston Martin V8 Vantage (1977)
- See also Aston Martin V8 Vantage (disambiguation) for other models sharing this name
Aston Martin V8 Vantage | |
---|---|
FR layout | |
Related | Aston Martin V8 Aston Martin V8 Zagato |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 5.3 L or 6.3 L V8 |
Power output | 390–450 bhp (395–456 PS; 291–336 kW) |
Chronology | |
Predecessor | DB6 Vantage |
Successor | Virage/V8 Vantage |
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage is a British grand tourer, a higher performance version of the
Design
The first series equipped with four 48IDF2/100
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 403 hp. A 'big bore' after-market option was also available from Works Service, with 50 mm carbs (instead of 48 mm) and straight-through exhaust system giving 432 hp (the same engine as fitted to the limited-edition V8 Zagato.[9] 16-inch wheels were also now fitted. If this wasn't enough, a 450 bhp (456 PS; 336 kW) 6.3-litre version was also available from Aston Martin, and independents offered a 7-litre version.[10]
304 Series 2 Vantage coupés were built – including 131 X-Packs[11] – 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.[9] 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.[9]
Although the full spec (carburettor) Vantage models were not imported into the US 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 all Vantages now are).[12]
Vantage Volante
A Vantage Volante
V8 Zagato
The V8 Zagato is a limited edition version of the V8 Vantage with a body by the
The Living Daylights
The alterations and gadgets featured were:
- Head-up display
- Police band radio
- Tyre spikes
- Rocket motor behind rear number plate
- Retractable outriggers
- Heat-seeking missiles behind front fog lights
- Lasers in front wheel hubcaps
- Bulletproof windows and body
- Self-destruct system
The car returns to the franchise in the film No Time to Die where James Bond drives it to return to MI6 and when he and Madeleine go to Norway to visit her childhood home as well as meeting Mathilde, their daughter.[14] At the end of the movie, the V8 Vantage would be driven by Madeleine Swann as she takes her daughter Mathilde to Matera and tells her the story of James Bond.
In other films
In the James Bond parody Johnny English Strikes Again, Johnny English drives an Aston Martin V8 Vantage similar to the one used by James Bond, though it is coloured red, less modified, and was provided by Rowan Atkinson, who had purchased it six months before filming started.
References
- ISBN 1-84425-014-8.
- ^ "1977 Aston Martin V8 Coupe". RM Sotheby's. 18 July 2015. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
- ^ Koch, Jeff (March 2012). "Power and Style – 1977-1989 Aston Martin V8 Vantage". Hemmings. American City Business Journals. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
- ^ "Introducing the new Vantage: the successor to a true sporting dynasty". Aston Martin. 22 November 2017. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
- ^ Axon, Gary (25 September 2020). "William Towns was a British car design hero – Axon's Automotive Anorak". Goodwood. Archived from the original on 25 October 2020. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
- ^ "Aston Martin V8 Vantage". supercars.net. 19 April 2016.
- ^ "1977 Aston Martin V8 Vantage". automobile-catalog. Retrieved 8 July 2018.
- ISSN 0992-5007.
- ^ ISSN 1555-6867.
- ^ Chauvin, p. 39
- ^ Kean M Rogers Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volume 5 2010
- ^ Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 134 / Wednesday, 14 July 1999 / Rules and Regulations
- ^ "Aston Martin V8 Vantage Zagato". astonmartinzagato.com. Retrieved 6 December 2023.
- ^ "James Bond Shows off His Suave Aston Martin V8 Vantage".
External links
- "V8 Vantage". Archived from the original on 27 September 2007.
- Sujatha Menon, ed. (2004). Super Cars, Classics of Their Time. Quintet Publishing. ISBN 0-7607-6228-7.