Aston Martin V8 (1972)

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Aston Martin
Aston Martin V8 Saloon (1978)
Aston Martin V8 Saloon (1978)
V8
Production period: 1972-1989
Class : Sports car
Body versions : Coupé , convertible
Engines: Otto engine :
5.3 liters
(183–294 kW)
Length: 4585 mm
Width: 1830 mm
Height: 1330 mm
Wheelbase : 2610 mm
Empty weight : 1820 kg
Previous model Aston Martin DBS
successor Aston Martin Virage

The Aston Martin V8 presented in 1972 is a sports car from the British car manufacturer Aston Martin , which was produced in four series until 1989. In addition to the closed version, there was also the Cabriolet Volante from 1978 . Upgraded versions were sold as V8 Vantage . A late copy of the V8 made public appearances in the 1987 James Bond film The Living Daylights .

background

Predecessor of the V8 with twin headlights: Aston Martin DBS V8

The Aston Martin V8 is a further development of the DBS hatchback coupé , with which it basically corresponds technically and stylistically. The DBS presented in 1967 was the last model that Aston Martin had developed while it was part of the David Brown group. It gradually replaced the outdated DB6 . The DBS was initially only available with the in-line six-cylinder engine known from its predecessor; From 1969, however, the DBS V8 with a newly developed eight-cylinder V engine was also available as an alternative. Both versions were produced side by side in this form until 1972.

During 1971 Aston Martin faced bankruptcy. David Brown then sold the company to the investor Company Developments , who took over management on January 1, 1972. By April 1972 Aston Martin processed the existing orders for DBS and DBS-V8 models; During this time, 23 six and 34 eight-cylinder models were created, which were completely identical to the vehicles of the David Brown era.

In April 1972, the new Aston Martins of the Company Developments era appeared. Technically, they corresponded to the previous DBS and DBS-V8 models; On the outside, however, they had a new front section with two large instead of four small round headlights. William Towns had proposed further stylistic changes in the stern area, but they were not implemented for economic reasons. In the future, the name “DB”, which stood for David Brown , was dropped . The eight-cylinder model DBS V8 therefore became the Aston Martin V8, and the six-cylinder version previously sold as DBS was now, contrary to tradition, the name Aston Martin Vantage .

After another economic crisis, Aston Martin was acquired by a consortium of British and Canadian business people in June 1975. Under his leadership, the company continued production of the V8 and gradually expanded the product range. In addition to an open V8 version, the high-performance version Vantage appeared, and with the wedge-shaped Lagonda , Aston Martin finally brought a four-door sedan onto the market in 1979, which was also based on V8 technology. The Aston Martin V8 and the models derived from it remained in the range until 1989, when the American Ford group, which had since taken over the company, introduced a modern successor generation with the Virage.

Technology and body

Engine and power transmission

Eight cylinder V engine from the Aston Martin V8

The Aston Martin V8 uses an eight-cylinder V-engine, the basic construction of which corresponds to the engine of the DBS V8. Aston Martin had developed the engine from 1963 under the direction of Tadek Marek . The cylinder head, cylinder block and numerous add-on parts are made of aluminum alloys for reasons of weight. The cylinder bank angle is 90 degrees. Each cylinder bank has two overhead camshafts that control one intake and one exhaust valve per cylinder. The dimensions were such that cubic capacities of 4.6 to 5.4 liters were sensibly feasible. While Tadek Marek initially favored a displacement of less than 5.0 liters, the management ultimately opted for 5.3 liters (5341 cm³; bore × stroke: 100 × 85 mm) for series production. The decision was made primarily with a view to the North American market, where Chrysler, Ford and General Motors had engines of similar size in their ranges for their sports cars. This cubic capacity was retained at the factory until production was discontinued in 1989. However, some tuners such as RS Williams offered revised versions with a displacement of up to 7.0 liters in the 1980s.

With regard to the mixture preparation, the individual series differ:

  • The first series of the Aston Martin V8, known as the V8 Series 2, has, like the DBS V8, mechanical gasoline injection from Bosch , which, however, caused "many problems" in everyday use. According to the factory, the output was 320 bhp (239 kW, 325 PS).
  • Starting with the Series 3 introduced in 1973, Aston Martin switched to Weber carburetors . Four double carburettors (Type 42 DCNF) were used, which were also retained in the 4 series. For the 3 series, the factory specified an output of 280 bhp (208 kW, 283 hp), for the 4 series 310 bhp (231 kW, 314 hp).
  • With the 5th series from 1985, an electronic petrol injection from Weber- Marelli was introduced, through which the engine output increased to about 315 bhp (235 kW, 320 PS).

Power is transmitted either by a three-stage automatic transmission from Chrysler ( TorqueFlite ) or a manual five-speed transmission from ZF .

body

Coke bottle line and round individual headlights: Aston Martin V8 (here a Series 2 )

The body of the Aston Martin V8 was designed by William Towns , a former designer with the Rootes Group . With the exception of the front, it corresponds to that of the DBS. The V8 is designed as a two-door hatchback coupé. With the long bonnet and the narrow passenger cell, the proportions correspond to the pattern that has been customary for sports cars since the 1950s. The design of the rear fender follows the so-called Coke-Bottle line ; Here Towns was inspired by the Chevrolet Camaro , in his own words . The sloping roofline is often seen as a quote from the fastback version of the first Ford Mustang .

The essential external distinguishing feature between the DBS and the V8 is the design of the front section. While the DBS has four small iodine vapor lamps, which are integrated into the radiator cover together with the turn signal / parking light units of the Ford Cortina , all versions of the V8 have large, round individual headlights. The indicators, which now come from the MGB , are each mounted under the bumpers. Aston Martin justified the decision in favor of the individual headlights with a greater light output. The internal, from the outside imperceptible changes compared to the DBS include a modified petrol tank, which increased the trunk volume, as well as improved noise and thermal insulation.

Outwardly, the individual series of the Aston Martin V8 differ primarily in the shape of the air inlets on the bonnet and the positioning of the ventilation grilles in the rear area.

The standard coupes

In total, Aston Martin produced four series of the V8 Saloon. A breakdown of the individual series that goes back to the Aston Martin Owners Club evaluates the Aston Martin DBS V8 produced under David Brown's aegis as series 1. The models produced under Company Developments and their successors then include series 2 to 5. The official factory names vary.

Series 2: Aston Martin V8

Aston Martin V8 Series 2

The first Aston Martin model, which bears the designation V8 (without the addition of DBS), appeared in April 1972. It is internally referred to as Series 2 . This version received the eight-cylinder V-engine with Bosch petrol injection and an output of. The Series 2 is externally recognizable by a wide, low air inlet on the bonnet, the dimensions of which correspond to the air inlet of the DGB V8. This version was not available on the North American market because the injection engine did not meet US emissions regulations.

The Series 2 was produced for 15 months. During this time, a total of 288 Series 2 vehicles were built . From April to December 1972, the chassis of the V8, like those of the predecessor models, was still manufactured by David Brown in Huddersfield in Central England ; that affected the first 153 vehicles. In the following months, however, the production of the V8 shifted completely to Aston Martin in Newport Pagnell . Another 135 cars were built here in the first half of 1973.

The sales price for the Series 2 was £ 8,749 including tax in 1972.

Series 3: Aston Martin V8

Aston Martin V8 Series 3

Series 3 was presented in August 1973. With regard to the exhaust gas behavior, the cars received a modified mixture preparation: now four double downdraft carburettors from Weber were used. Aston Martin attributed the change to practicality reasons: The Weber carburetors were more reliable than Bosch's gasoline injection, and the carburettor cars were easier to drive. In the literature, however, there are assumptions that Aston Martin has changed the mixture preparation mainly for financial reasons: The Weber carburetors were significantly cheaper than the Bosch system. Externally, the Series 3 was characterized by a significantly enlarged air scoop on the bonnet, which was due to the complex carburetor. In addition, some minor technical changes had been made. The change in mixture preparation had a positive effect on driving behavior. The acceleration, in particular, was smooth and uninterrupted; the previously recorded jerking when accelerating was completely eliminated.

In October 1974 the first Aston Martin V8 was registered in the United States . Shortly beforehand, the company, in close cooperation with the carburetor manufacturer Weber, had succeeded in meeting the American emission standards. The hoped-for increase in sales did not materialize, however: the first oil crisis had also hit the USA, so that large, fuel-intensive vehicles were no longer easy to sell.

In the summer of 1975, the German trade journal auto motor und sport tested an Aston Martin V8 with automatic transmission . From the testers' point of view, the driving performance was disappointing. They determined a top speed of 234 km / h.

Series 4: Aston Martin V8 Saloon ("Oscar India")

Without hood air intake: Aston Martin V8 Series 4 (OI).

The fourth series was presented in October 1978. It is known internally and among lovers of the brand as Oscar India , a paraphrase of the letters O and I, which in turn stands for October-Introduction or - according to other sources - for October-Introduced. For the first time, the Series 4 featured extensive wood paneling on the dashboard and a newly designed, massive center console. There were also some minor technical modifications. The Oscar India is by far the most sought after version of the Aston Martin V8 Saloon today. It was produced until 1985.

Series 5: Aston Martin V8 Saloon EFI

The last series of the Aston Martin V8 was produced from 1985 to 1989. The most important change was the introduction of electronic fuel injection, which replaced the four Weber twin carburettors that had previously been used. Externally, the car received more voluminous bumpers, and the ground clearance had been increased slightly. A spoiler was now integrated into the tailgate, a feature that had previously been reserved for the Vantage models. In addition, the hood bulge disappeared due to the modified engine.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage

Aston Martin V8 Vantage Coupe

As a performance-enhanced version of the V8, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage was available from February 1977. A modified mixture preparation with more voluminous carburettors and larger inlet valves ensured that the engine's output rose to initially 279 kW (380 hp) and from 1986 to 294 kW (400 hp). Finally, in the 1980s there was also a particularly high-compression engine version that developed 318 kW (432 hp). The maximum speed was between 265 and 275 km / h. The torque was so high that the Torqueflite automatic reached its limits. Therefore, the Vantage models (with one exception) were only delivered with a manual five-speed transmission from ZF Friedrichshafen .

Externally, the Vantage was recognizable by deep front aprons, a fully clad radiator grille with recessed additional headlights, widened wheel arches and a spoiler integrated into the tailgate. These changes allegedly resulted in the Vantage's aerodynamic drag being 10 percent lower than that of the basic saloon.

Volante: the convertibles

After the regular hatchback coupé and the more powerful Vantage, the third model in the V8 family appeared in 1978 with the convertible. It was the first open Aston Martin since the DB6, production of which had ceased in July 1969. Like the previous convertibles, the open V8 also received the additional designation Volante . Its development was largely due to Aston Martin's importer for North America, where no domestic convertibles have been produced since 1976.

construction

The development of the open V8 began in 1976. The responsible designer was Harold Beach, who also designed the lines of the body. Stylistically, the Volante corresponds to the closed version, from the front bumper to the doors. The rear section, on the other hand, is independent. The main difference concerns the trunk closure, which is significantly higher than in the saloon. When folded, most of the convertible top is below the belt line. A notchback body is created when the top is closed. The top was designed by George Mosely, who had already designed the folding roof of the Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible . The construction of the convertible top, however, was carried out by the specialist company CHI. The outer skin of the convertible top is made of the plastic Everflex . The convertible top mechanism is operated electrically as standard. The necessary stiffening of the body, which makes the convertible 70 kg heavier than the closed model, was developed by Aston Martin together with the body construction company Woodall Nicholson from Halifax .

The individual models

V8 Volante

Aston Martin V8 Volante

When it was launched in February 1978, the first Volante anticipated the stylistic changes that the fourth series of the closed V8 ("Oscar India") received in October 1978. Above all, this includes the completely closed engine hood, which does not have an air inlet opening. In 1985 the Volante Series 2 appeared . Technically and optically, it corresponds to the V8 EFI Series 5 , so it also has an injection engine and a flat bonnet. Almost all valances are equipped with the automatic transmission. The first manual cabriolet was not made until 1983.

The V8 Volante Series 1 achieved a top speed of 233 km / h with the carburettor engine, which was also used in the V8 Saloon Oscar India. The V8 Vantage, along with the Lagonda S4, was the most expensive Aston Martin model. In 1988 the V8 Volante cost £ 89,900.

Initially, the V8 Volante was reserved for the North American market. The first British customers did not receive their cars until early summer 1980. Series 1 of the Volante produced 656 cars, and series 2 a total of 245 vehicles. More than 75 percent of the Volante production was exported.

V8 Vantage Volante

Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante

In October 1986, a performance-enhanced version was therefore released, which combined the body of the convertible with the performance-enhanced technology of the Vantage: the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante . The vehicle was sufficiently fast with 294 kW (400 hp). At the factory, this model also received the extensions and spoilers of the Vantage. With its expressive look, the car did not suit everyone's taste.

V8 Vantage Volante "Prince of Wales"

Prince Charles , a lover of the brand for years, had a Volante made with the drive technology (and performance) of the Vantage, which had a conventional, unchanged convertible body. Subsequently, Aston Martin launched a small series of appropriately equipped models, which became known as the Vantage Volante Prince of Wales . 20 copies of this version were made; they are sought-after collector's models today.

Special models

Based on the Aston Martin V8, a number of special models were created, some of which were offered at the factory and some of which were designed by independent designers:

  • Between 1974 and 1976 Aston Martin manufactured an elongated, four-door version of the V8. The hatchback sedan was sold under the name Aston Martin Lagonda Series 1 . A total of only seven copies were made. The Aston Martin Lagonda Series 2 presented shortly afterwards was also based on the technology of the V8, but had a separate, wedge-shaped body.
  • Between 1986 and 1988 the Aston Martin V8 Zagato was produced in small numbers , a special model initially only offered as a coupé with an independent, rather eye-catching body by Zagato , which was built in Milan . After some time, an open version with the addition of Volante was offered. The Zagato versions were the most expensive Aston Martins of their time.
  • In 1971 and 1973, the British bodywork factory Ogle Design , which had previously worked primarily for Reliant , produced two copies of a sensational, wedge-shaped coupé called the Ogle Sotheby Special .
  • The Aston Martin Bulldog , a wedge-shaped mid-engine coupé with gull-wing doors, which was presented in 1980 and produced in a single copy, was based on the technology of the V8 .

The Aston Martin V8 in the movie James Bond 007: The Living Daylights

Aston Martin V8 from the movie James Bond 007 - The Living Daylights

The Aston Martin V8 is used in the 1987 film James Bond 007 - The Living Daylights as the official vehicle of the agent James Bond played by Timothy Dalton . The script suggests that it is consistently a vehicle that will be extensively converted by the technology department of the secret service in the course of the event. In fact, several different vehicles were used. At the beginning of the film, a Cumberland Gray V8 Volante is shown, which was equipped with a Vantage engine. The Volante shown in the film was the private vehicle of Aston Martin owner Victor Gauntlett . Later, Department Q allegedly made the car “suitable for winter”. One scene in the film shows the attempt to place the roof section of a saloon on the open volante. The closed V8 that is shown in later scenes actually has nothing to do with the Volante. Instead, two used V8 saloons from the Oscar India series were used, one of which was equipped with special gimmicks such as rocket launchers, extendable side sliding boards, a head-up display and a self-destruct system.

Production numbers

The production numbers of the different series were as follows:

  • DBS V8: 402
  • V8 Saloon Series 2: 288
  • V8 Saloon Series 3: 967
  • V8 Saloon Series 4: 352
  • V8 Saloon Series 5: 405
  • V8 Volante Series 1: 656
  • V8 Volante Series 2: 245
  • V8 Vantage Series 1: 38 + 13 US models
  • V8 Vantage Series 2: 304 + 14 US models
  • V8 Vantage Volante: 192 + 56 US models
  • V8 Vantage Zagato / Vantage Volante Zagato: 89

literature

  • Dieter Günther: The flying gentleman's room: Aston Martin DBS, V8, Vantage and Volante , in: Oldtimer Markt 5/2004, p. 187 ff.
  • Chris Harvey: Aston Martin and Lagonda , The Oxford Illustrated Press, 1979, ISBN 0-902280-68-6
  • F. Wilson McComb: Aston Martin V8s , Osprey Publishing, London 1981, ISBN 0-85045-399-2
  • NN: Buying an Aston Martin DBS and V8 : Kaufberatung in Thoroughbred & Classic Cars, December 2002, p. 128 ff.
  • Andrew Noakes: Aston Martin fascination . Parragon, Bath 2006, ISBN 978-1-40547-900-4 .
  • William Presland: Aston Martin V8 . Crowood Press 2009. ISBN 978-1-84797 066-4
  • Rainer Schlegelmilch, Hartmut Lehbrinck, Jochen von Osterroth: Aston Martin . Verlag Könemann 2005. ISBN 3-8331-1058-9 .
  • Jonathan Wood: Aston Martin DB4, DB5 and DB6: The Complete Story , The Crowood Press Ltd (August 3, 2000), ISBN 9781861263308
  • Andrew Whyte: The Aston Martin and Lagonda. Volume 1: Six-cylinder DB models . Motor Racing Publications, London 1984, ISBN 0900549831 .

Web links

Commons : Aston Martin V8  - collection of pictures, videos and audio files

Remarks

  1. ↑ This turned the previous traditions upside down: While up to the DB6 the name Vantage had been used for the more powerful versions, the weakest model was now given this name. It was discontinued in 1973; from 1977 the most powerful version of the Aston Martin coupés was given the name Vantage .
  2. ↑ The last American convertible was the Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado , production of which ended in the summer of 1976.

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ a b c Chris Harvey: Aston Martin and Lagonda , The Oxford Illustrated Press, 1979, ISBN 0-902280-68-6 , p. 34.
  2. ↑ William Presland: Aston Martin V8 . Crowood Press 2009. ISBN 978-1-84797 066-4 , p. 39.
  3. ↑ Andrew Noakes: Fascination Aston Martin. Parragon, Bath 2006, ISBN 978-1-40547-900-4 ., P. 93.
  4. ↑ William Presland: Aston Martin V8 . Crowood Press 2009. ISBN 978-1-84797 066-4 , p. 40.
  5. ↑ Andrew Noakes: Fascination Aston Martin . Parragon, Bath 2006, ISBN 978-1-4054-7900-4 , p. 102.
  6. ↑ William Presland: Aston Martin V8 . Crowood Press 2009. ISBN 978-1-84797 066-4 , p. 27.
  7. ↑ William Presland: Aston Martin V8 . Crowood Press 2009. ISBN 978-1-84797 066-4 , p. 32.
  8. ↑ Presland: Aston Martin V8 . Crowood Press 2009. ISBN 978-1-84797 066-4 , p. 196.
  9. ↑ Chris Harvey: Aston Martin and Lagonda , The Oxford Illustrated Press, 1979, ISBN 0-902280-68-6 , p. 35.
  10. ↑ a b William Presland: Aston Martin V8 . Crowood Press 2009. ISBN 978-1-84797-066-4 , p. 42.
  11. ↑ William Presland: Aston Martin V8 . Crowood Press 2009. ISBN 978-1-84797 066-4 , p. 51 (for series 3), p. 100 (for series 4) and p. 127 (for series 5).
  12. ↑ William Presland: Aston Martin V8 . Crowood Press 2009. ISBN 978-1-84797-066-4 , p. 20.
  13. ↑ a b c Rainer Schlegelmilch, Hartmut Lehbrinck, Jochen von Osterroth: Aston Martin , Verlag Könemann 2005, ISBN 3-8331-1058-9 , p. 184.
  14. ↑ Andrew Noakes: Fascination Aston Martin . Parragon, Bath 2006, ISBN 978-1-40547-900-4 , p. 94.
  15. ↑ a b William Presland: Aston Martin V8 . Crowood Press 2009. ISBN 978-1-84797 066-4 , p. 41.
  16. ↑ a b c Andrew Noakes: Fascination Aston Martin , Parragon, Bath 2006, ISBN 978-1-40547-900-4 , p. 96.
  17. ↑ Chris Harvey: Aston Martin and Lagonda , The Oxford Illustrated Press, 1979, ISBN 0-902280-68-6 , p. 37.
  18. ↑ Chris Harvey: Aston Martin and Lagonda, The Oxford Illustrated Press, 1979, ISBN 0-902280-68-6 , p. 38.
  19. ↑ Jonathan Wood: Aston Martin DB4, DB5 and DB6: The Complete Story , The Crowood Press Ltd (August 3, 2000), ISBN 9781861263308 , p. 178.
  20. ↑ a b Andrew Noakes: Fascination Aston Martin . Parragon, Bath 2006, ISBN 978-1-40547-900-4 , p. 114
  21. ↑ William Presland: Aston Martin V8 . Crowood Press 2009. ISBN 978-1-84797 066-4 , pp. 84 f.
  22. ↑ William Presland: Aston Martin V8 , Crowood Press 2009, ISBN 978-1-84797 066-4 , p 88th
  23. ↑ William Presland: Aston Martin V8 , Crowood Press 2009, ISBN 978-1-84797 066-4 , p 89th
  24. ↑ Andrew Noakes: Fascination Aston Martin . Parragon, Bath 2006, ISBN 978-1-40547-900-4 , p. 143
  25. ↑ a b Andrew Noakes: Fascination Aston Martin . Parragon, Bath 2006, ISBN 978-1-40547-900-4 , p. 188.
  26. ↑ Description of the cars on the website www.astonmartins.com (accessed October 18, 2019).
  27. ^ Robert Edwards: Aston Martin . Haynes Publishing, Sparkford 2004, ISBN 1-84425-014-8 , p. 123.