by Mike Gulett –
The era of the ‘70s and ‘80s seems like a forgotten time for Aston Martin. Although Aston Martin did make some beguiling cars in the ‘70s and ‘80s, they were not clever about selecting model names such as “V8”. It can be difficult to understand all the variations in features and even names.
1969 Aston Martin DBS V8 – photo by Mike Gulett
Following the well known DB4, DB5 and DB6 they desperately needed a modern styling and performance update. Along came the DBS in 1967 with a modern styling change but unfortunately it still was powered by the same inline 6-cylinder engine as the previous models because the new V8 engine was not ready for production.
The V8 engine, designed by Tadek Marek, was introduced in the DBS V8 in 1969 and served Aston Martin well for many years.
Below is the evolution summary of the Aston Martin V8.
DBS V8
The V8 5340cc engine has 4 overhead camshafts and Bosch mechanical fuel injection. This engine was the basis of all Aston Martins for the next 20 years. The DBS V8 was the fastest 4 seater production car in the world at the time.
1970 Aston Martin DBS V8 – photo by Anders Svensson
1970 Aston Martin DBS V8 – photo by Anders Svensson
AM V8
The main visual changes on the AM V8 were the change to single headlamps and a revised front grille. The AM V8 kept the Bosch mechanical fuel injection system until August 1973. The new version included: four twin choke Weber carburetors, a bigger bonnet bulge to clear the carburetor air box, and a re-designed fuel tank to allow more luggage space.
1973 Aston Martin V8 – photo by Anders Svensson
1973 Aston Martin V8 – photo by Anders Svensson
“Oscar India” AMV8
The “Oscar India” (aka “October Introduction”) AM V8 was released, with a facelift and revised suspension to control rear-end lift at speed. Now with a burr walnut trim, a blanked off hood scoop and a revised boot lid and rear wings to create a sculpted spoiler.
1979 Aston Martin V8 ‘Oscar India’ – photo by Dylan Miles
V8 Vantage
The V8 Vantage was introduced in February 1977. Revised camshafts, air-box, larger inlet valves and carburetors, new inlet manifolds and different plugs, provided an increase in power of 40% with 10% more torque.
1987 Aston Martin V8 Vantage ‘X-Pack’ – photo by RM Sotheby’s
More power meant that aerodynamic improvements were needed. This resulted in: a spoiler on the tail, a deep spoiler under the nose and blanked off radiator (on most but not all cars), and blanked off bonnet air scoop.
1987 Aston Martin V8 Vantage ‘X-Pack’ – photo by RM Sotheby’s
The 580 X Pack engine was the most powerful version developed for production cars. A 0-60 mph time of 5.2 seconds and a top speed approaching 170 mph made the V8 Vantage not only the UK’s first true supercar but also the fastest 4-seater production car in the world at that time.
Summary
The Aston Martin V8 is a very desirable collector car and whenever I see one in person I stop and stare. I like the looks, the performance and the history.
In my opinion the Aston Martin V8 would be an excellent alternative to anyone considering an Iso Grifo.
Let us know what you think in the Comments.
1987 Aston Martin V8 Vantage X-Pack – photo by Bonhams
1987 Aston Martin V8 Vantage X-Pack – photo by Bonhams
Mike, I remember going to the San Francisco International Auto Show in 1977 (I was 21). I’ve been an avid AM fan since I was a kid and saw “Goldfinger”! The Aston’s were roped off at the auto show and the gentleman from British Motor Cars on Van Ness saw me ogling the AM V8’s. He kindly came over and he let me in the roped off area and gave me a tour of the V8 and Vantage models. I’ll never forget how nice he was and let me sit in the cars and showed me the engine bays, including the plaque showing who built that particular motor. That event is still imprinted in my mind and even made me more of a lifelong fan of the Aston Martin marque. The V8’s are absolutely beautiful cars and I agree with your thought on them.
Here are 2 photos sent by Rob Krantz from the 1977 San Francisco Auto Show.
Photo no 2
Years ago I had a 4 headlight V-8 Aston with a 5 speed, and I loved it, fast and comfortable, and I really liked the 4 headlight grille treatment… wish I still had it… only thing I was not fussy about was the color which was a very drab metallic green…