![]() Plentiful firm deposits were received and all 50 examples were spoken for within five months, leaving some collectors disappointed. Steering is tight and nicely weighted with ample feedback for spirited sprints without compromising the kind of ride comfort desired for extended excursions.The announcement of the V8 Vantage Zagato n 1985 aroused immense interest. The Drive: This Grand Tourer comfortably seats four and has the performance to still thrill enthusiasts today.Bushings and shocks have been replaced in order to maintain the original ride quality and performance expected of an Aston Martin. Handling – The four-wheel independent suspension and four-wheel disc brake drivetrain remains unmodified and has been maintained as systematically as the powertrain. It’s worth noting the V8 Volante was clocked dashing to 60mph from a standstill in just 5.8-seconds-fast in the ‘80s, and still quick today. The Drive: The three-speed automatic transmission slots into “Drive” with smooth engagement and accelerates through the gears with no hesitation going up or down the gears.Gearbox Number: Available upon request.Transmission – The original automatic gearbox is in place and works as intended with up-to-date servicing documented. The 5.3-liter V8 growls with great gusto without deafening its driver or passengers, nor is it obnoxiously boastful to pedestrians and fellow motorists-it sounds refined and powerful without being overly noisy. ![]() The Drive: The engine promptly fires from cold and idles steadily without hesitation, in large part thanks to the Series V model being fuel-injected (versus the earlier carbureted models).Being a Series V model, the fuel-injection delivery setup eliminated the previous iteration’s bulky carburetor/induction system, which ultimately negated the need for the early model’s bulged hood-hence why the Series V have smooth bonnets. Offered by Cooper Classic Cars, this rare Aston Martin V8 is one of just 245 Volante versions produced.Įngine – Under the long bonnet, the original 5,340cc 5.3-liter fuel-injected 380-horsepower V8 remains unmodified from stock and has been routinely serviced since new. Fully documented service records since new are archived and included in the sale, and everything runs and works as Aston Martin intended. Otherwise, the accident-free car is very original with no rust. The car remains unmodified from stock both aesthetically and mechanically, with the sole exception of a modern Alpine CD player. The two-tone grey and black leather interior is said to be all original and has been impressively kept, telling that this car has been pampered with great care over its 54,XXX miles since new. Recently repainted in its factory-ordered Kensington Silver metallic paint, this three-decade-old convertible looks as fresh as it did new in 1988. This 1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante is a pristine, highly original example that drives as sharp as it looks. However, the V8 was sharp, fresh, and packing Aston’s most powerful production engine to date, making it a popular option for enthusiasts looking for a comfortable but capable GT. Compared to its DB predecessors, the AM V8’s sharp lines, wider stance, and fastback greenhouse was far more more American muscle-esque than the slim-bodied GTs before it. The DBS evolved into the Series 2 V8, which gained a heavily revised front fascia, hood, lights, and various trim. The DBS debuted in 1967 and it’s larger but more athletic demeanor made a bold statement. By the late 1960s, its distinguishable design was getting outdated though, calling for an all-new mold to take shape. ![]() DESIGNĪston Martin had long carried a strong design language from the DB4 through the DB6 models. The AM V8 saw a number of aesthetic and mechanical alterations throughout it’s near-20-year production cycle, most notably a more compact fuel injection delivery system over the earlier bulbous carburetors meant the large hood scoop of the early cars was no longer necessary. By 1972 the “DBS” nomenclature was dropped and the model continued on simply badged as the “V8.” After further customer feedback, a convertible version of the V8 was made available in 1978.ĭubbed the V8 Volante, the convertible grand tourer proved to be so much more popular than the fixed roof model that coupe production was only made upon order. The all-new chassis was ready by 1967 but due to engineering setbacks, Tadek Marek’s all new aluminum V8 wasn’t ready, so the first two years (1967-1969) of the DBS Vantage were fitted with the leftover DB6 predecessor’s powertrains-the tried and true straight-six.īy 1969, Marek’s eight-cylinder was ready and subsequently replaced the DBS Vantage’s six-pot, appropriately renaming the model the DBS V8 in the process. ![]() 1 OF 245: ASTON MARTIN’S FIRST V8 CONVERTIBLEĪfter years of customer demand, Aston Martin finally planned to add a V8-powered model to its lineup. ![]()
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