Overview

The Aston Martin V8 is a two-door sports car manufactured by the British automaker, Aston Martin. The car was first introduced in 1969 and production ended in 1989. The Aston Martin V8 was introduced due to pressure from buyers who wanted an Aston Martin with V8 performance. The Aston martin V8 was intended to be introduced at the same time with the DBS but the V8 engine was not ready.

Variants

1969 was the first year when buyers had the option of buying an Aston Martin with a V8 engine. The V8 option was introduced this year for the Aston Martin DBS. The V8 model shared the body and the name with the DBS but it was significantly more expensive than the six-cylinder variant. Distinguishing features of the V8 model were the Hilman Hunter tail lights, larger front air dam and the lack of wire wheels.

The DBSV8 was heavier than the standard DBS with 250 lbs although Aston martin claimed that the V8 model will be 30 lb heavier. Major contributions to the weight gain were the large V8 engine, heavier ventilated brakes, air conditioning, a stronger gearbox, flatter tires and extra bodywork beneath the front bumper.

The V8 engine used on the Aston Martin was built by Tadek Marek. It was a 5.3-Liter V8 engine that produced 320 horsepower and 361 lb-ft of torque. The engine was mated to a five speed manual transmission. The DBS V8 accelerated to 60 mph from standstill in 5.9 seconds and ran the quarter mile in 14.2 seconds. The maximum speed reached was 160 mph.

In 1972 the six-cylinder engine was dropped and so was the DBS nameplate. The DBSV8 was now known as the Aston Martin V8 and many refer to the car as the series II. The Series II featured a mesh grille with twin quart headlights. The Series II was produced for only one year, being replaced by the series III in 1973.

The Series III were distinguished by a taller hood scoop installed to accommodate the four twin-choke Weber carburetors. The switch to carburetors meant a 10 horsepower decrease of the engine. In 1976 due to stricter emissions regulations power dropped again, the V8 now producing 288 horsepower. In 1977 the engine was improved with new camshafts and a new exhaust system which improved the car’s output, bringing it back to 304 horsepower. Production for the Series II ended in 1978.

To replaced the Series III Aston Martin introduced the Series IV (also Known as the Oscar India) at the 1978 Birmingham International Motor Show. Cosmetic changes of the Series IV included a closed power bulge, which replaced the hood scoop on the bonnet, and an integrated rear spoiler. A new Chrysler three speed automatic transmission was offered as an option and wood trim was available for the first time since the DB4/2 of the 1950s.

In 1986 the Series V was introduced at the New York International Auto Show. The main difference between the series V and previous series was the elimination of the power bulge on the bonnet because the Weber/Marelli system replaced the carburettors and there was no longer need for extra space.

Additional Information

In 1987 the Aston martin V8 was featured in the James Bond movie, The Living Daylights. There were actually two Aston Martin V8 cars used in the film. The first was a V8 Volante and the second, which was used in most of the scenes, was a Vantage Volante owned by Aston Martin Lagonda chairman, Victor Gauntlett. Later in the movie the car was fitted with a hardtop. Gatgets used on the car included spiked tires, skis, lasers and missiles.