Aston Martin V8 Vantage
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. Aston Martin V8 Vantage engine was shared with Lagonda, but uses camshaft high performance, increased compression ratio, larger intake valves and bigger carburetors mounted on new manifolds for increased production. Straight-line performance was the best part of the day, with acceleration from 0-60 mph (97 km / h) in 5.3 seconds, a tenth of a second faster than the Ferrari Daytona.
The first series had 375 hp (280 kW), and the number of specific details, such as a ventilation hood removed and a separate rear wing. 38 of these were built (over 13 “Cosmetics” for USA). The Oscar de la India (October 1, the date of introduction) version introduced in late 1978, featured a tea-tray spoiler and softer integrated hood bulge. Inside, a covering of black leather dashboard replaces the previous walnut. The Aston Martin V8 Vantage dashboard wood found its way back to the Vantage during the eighties, giving a more luxurious look. Oscar India’s version also received a slight increase in power to 390 hp (291 kW). This line was produced, with some changes in operation until 1989 From 1986 the engine had 403 horsepower (301 kW).
The Vantage name had previously been used in a number of performance versions of Aston Martin cars, but this was a separate model. Although based on Aston Martin V8, numerous detail changes added to a unique driving experience. One of most noticeable features was the closed-off hood bulge rather than the open scoop found on the normal Aston Martin V8 Vantage. The grille area was also closed, with individual driving lights inserted and added to the trunk lid spoiler.
1986-1989 580 The ‘X-Pack’ was a new update, with Cosworth pistons and heads Nimrod type of racing that produced 403hp. A ‘big hole’ in the aftermarket option was also available from Service Works with 50mm carbs (instead of 48 mm) and exhaust system straight-through giving 432hp (same engine mounts on the limited edition Aston Martin V8 Vantage Zagato. 16-inch (406-mm) wheels were now fitted also. If this were not enough, a 450 hp (336 kW) 6.3-liter version was also available for Aston Martin, and offer a separate version of 7 liters.
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage 304 Series 2 coupes were built Vantage – X-Packs including 131 – and 192 Ruffle (despite only having been officially launched in 1986, near the end of production). From ‘Aesthetics’ Vantage (for Swiss USA and Japanese markets, with fuel injection instead of carburetors Weber), 14 and 56 series 2 coupes were built Flyers. Cosmetics lacked the powerful Vantage Vantage engine but retained the Vantage name and most of his body changes – although the lack of carbs allowed a flattened bell. Since 1980 filed DOT approved-5 mph bumpers (8 km / h) front and rear security. Most of these cars have been fitted with all the power, the engines of European specifications. Although (carburetor) full specification Vantage models were not imported into the USA when new, now qualify for entry under the dot rules ‘Show Show and’ in most of the United States. Federal requirements are also less stringent for vehicles over 25 years old (as most are now Vantage).
Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante convertible version was also produced between 1986 and 1989, six mechanically similar cars were built before the special order, but was not regularly available until then. The Aston Martin V8 Vantage production version had an even more profound than the one installed in the Vantage, wider wheel steps even front spoiler and side skirts. In 1987 the Prince of Wales took delivery of a Vantage Volante, but at his request and without steps wider wheel automobile production, air dam and side skirts front. This became known as the ‘Prince of Wales’ Spec’ (or POW) and about 26 other of these cars were built by the factory. These are generally considered the most desirable of all the decades of 1970-1980 V8 models. The James Bond car (registered on 18 March 1985 as B549 WUU; past on the road July 1, 2006) in the 1987 film “The Living Daylights”.
Aston Martin V8 Vantage 2013
At the beginning of the film, the car is a Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante (convertible). The Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante used in these scenes was a Volante owned by the chairman of Aston Martin Lagonda, Victor Gauntlett. Later, the car is fitted with a hardtop (“for the winter”) at Q Branch, and these scenes are feature a pair of Aston Martin V8 Vantage Vantage rooms not equipped with the same serial number as the original car but with Vantage badges now equipped to match the previous Vantage.
