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Aston Martin V8 Vantage (1977)
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| Aston Martin V8 Vantage (1977) | |
|---|---|
| Aston Martin | |
| aka | DBS Oscar India |
| Production | 1977 - 1989 |
| Class | GT car |
| Body Style | 2-door coupe |
| Length | 4648 mm |
| Width | 1829 mm |
| Height | 1328 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2611 mm |
| Weight | 1724 kg |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Engine | V8 |
| Power | 340 bhp 5600 rpm
542 Nm 5600 rpm |
| Similar | |
| Designer | William Towns |
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage was hailed at its 1977 introduction as "Britain's First Supercar" for its 170 mph (274 km/h) top speed. Its engine was shared with the Lagonda, but the it used high-performance camshafts, increased compression ratio, larger inlet valves and bigger carburettors mounted on new manifolds for increased output. Straight-line performance was the best of the day, with acceleration from 0–60 mph (0–100 km/h) in 5.3 seconds, one-tenth of a second quicker than the Ferrari Daytona.
The Vantage name had previously been used on a number of high-performance versions of Aston Martin cars, but this was a separate model. Although based on the Aston Martin V8, numerous detail changes added up to a unique driving experience. 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 Oscar India, introduced in 1978, featured an integrated tea-tray spoiler and smoother bonnet bulge. Inside, wood replaced some of the vinyl padding giving a more luxurious appearance. This line was produced, with some changes, until 1990.
The 1986-1989 580X V8 Vantage was more of a mechanical update. 16-inch (406-mm) wheels were now fitted, as was the more powerful V8 from the limited-edition V8 Zagato.
Cosmetic Vantages were built for the United States market — they lacked the powerful Vantage engine but retained the Vantage name, and the look was changed with a flattened hood. From 1980 they featured DOT-approved {{#ifeq:|on|}}{{convert/{{#if:1|mi/h}}|5|{{#ifeq:{{#expr:km/h*0}}|0|0}}|km/h|0|||r={{#ifeq:{{{sp}}}|us|er|re}}|d=LoffAonDbSoff|s=}} safety bumpers front and rear.
A Vantage Volante convertible version was also produced.
| place image here in 300 pixels | |
| Aston Martin V8 Vantage (1977) | |
|---|---|
| place marque here - not manufacturer | |
| aka | Type aka here, not up there |
| Production | produced from when to when+total units made (optional) |
| Class | denote market class |
| Body Style | how many doors+how many seats+what type of body |
| Length | length - type here |
| Width | Width - type here |
| Height | Height - type here |
| Wheelbase | wheelbase - type here |
| Weight | Weight - you get the point |
| Transmission | transmission + drive |
| Engine | engine |
| Power | N/A hp @ N/A rpm N/A lb-ft of torque @ N/A rpm |
| Similar | similar (competition) |
| Designer | Designer (lead designer if it was a team effort) |
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James Bond
James Bond's car (B549 WUU) in the 1987 film The Living Daylights is somewhat confusing. At the beginning of the film, the car is a V8 Vantage Volante (convertible), complete with Vantage badges. The car used in these scenes was a preproduction Vantage Volante owned by Aston Martin Lagonda chairman, Victor Gauntlett. Later, the car is fitted with a hardtop ("winterised") at Q Branch, and these scenes feature a pair of non-Vantage V8 saloons, fitted with the same number plate and Vantage badges as the initial car. Clearly, the later cars are intended to be the same Volante.[1]
The alterations and gadgets featured were:
- Tire Spikes
- Jet engine behind rear number plate
- Retractable outriggers
- Heat-seeking missiles behind fog lights
- Lasers in front wheel hubcaps
- Bulletproof windows
- Fireproof body
- Self-destruct system
