Aston Martin V8 (1969-89)

About: The Aston Martin V8 was manufactured from 1969 to 1989. This grand tourer was entirely hand-built, with each car requiring 1,200 man-hours to finish. The V8 model became Aston Martin's mainstream car for nearly two decades, eventually being retired in favor of the Virage in 1989.
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Common Faults
The Aston Martin V8, like many classic cars, has its share of common faults. Here are some issues that owners have reported:

1. **Electrical Problems**: Issues with the electrics, especially related to the sat-nav and air conditioning, are common.
2. **Transmission Failures**: Problems with the Sportshift gearbox, including difficulty selecting gears and random shifts to neutral.
3. **Rust**: Rust on the subframe can be a costly issue to fix.
4. **Clutch Wear**: The clutch and six-speed manual gearbox can show signs of excessive wear and tear.
5. **Hydraulic Fluid**: Issues with the hydraulic fluid in the clutch system, which can be overlooked and lead to problems.

Despite these issues, many enthusiasts find the Aston Martin V8 to be a rewarding car to own and drive.
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Generations /Trim Levels
The Aston Martin V8 had several generations and trim levels over its production run from 1969 to 1989. Here’s a breakdown:

### Generations
1. **Series 1 (1969-1972)**: The original V8, also known as the DBS V8, featured a 5.3-litre V8 engine with Bosch fuel injection.
2. **Series 2 (1972-1973)**: Introduced Bosch fuel injection, which improved performance and reliability.
3. **Series 3 (1973-1978)**: Known for its Weber carburettors, this series saw improvements in power and performance.
4. **Series 4 (1978-1985)**: Often referred to as the "Oscar India" model, it featured significant interior and exterior updates.
5. **Series 5 (1986-1989)**: The final iteration, also known as the "Oscar India Fuel Injected" model, included further refinements and updates.

### Trim Levels
1. **V8 Saloon**: The standard model, available throughout the production run.
2. **V8 Vantage**: A high-performance version introduced in 1977, featuring a more powerful engine and sportier styling.
3. **V8 Volante**: The convertible version, introduced in 1978, offering open-top motoring with the same V8 power.
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Engines
The Aston Martin V8 was fitted with a range of engines over its production run. Here are the details:

### Engine Sizes and Power
1. **5.3-liter V8 (1969-1972)**: The original engine produced around 315 horsepower.
2. **5.3-liter V8 (1972-1973)**: With Bosch fuel injection, the power output remained similar at around 315 horsepower.
3. **5.3-liter V8 (1973-1978)**: Equipped with Weber carburettors, the power increased to approximately 320 horsepower.
4. **5.3-liter V8 (1978-1985)**: Known as the "Oscar India" model, this engine produced around 305 horsepower.
5. **5.3-liter V8 (1986-1989)**: The final iteration, also known as the "Oscar India Fuel Injected" model, had a power output of around 305 horsepower.

Each generation brought its own unique features and improvements, making the Aston Martin V8 a beloved classic among car enthusiasts.
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Performance
The Aston Martin V8 offered impressive performance for its time. Here are some key performance figures:

1. **0-60 mph (0-100 km/h)**: Approximately 5.2 seconds.
2. **Top Speed**: Around 175 mph (282 km/h).

These figures made the Aston Martin V8 one of the fastest cars of its era. It's no wonder it remains a beloved classic among car enthusiasts.
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Dimensions
The Aston Martin V8 had the following dimensions:

- **Length**: 4,620 mm (181.9 inches)
- **Width**: 1,830 mm (72.0 inches)
- **Height**: 1,320 mm (52.0 inches)
- **Wheelbase**: 2,610 mm (102.8 inches)
- **Curb Weight**: Approximately 1,800 kg (3,968 lbs)

These dimensions contributed to its imposing presence and classic grand tourer proportions. It's a car that certainly makes a statement!
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Spares/Specialists NI
For sourcing Aston Martin V8 spares in the UK and Ireland, you have several options:

1. **Aston Engineering**: They offer a wide range of parts for the Aston Martin V8 and provide worldwide shipping. You can check out their offerings [here](https://astonheritage.co.uk/collections/aston-martin-amv8).
2. **Aston Parts**: This site provides replacement parts for all models of Aston Martin, including the V8. You can explore their inventory [here](https://www.astonparts.com/).
3. **AutoVillage**: They have listings for Aston Martin V8 car parts and spares in Annahilt, Northern Ireland. You can find more information [here](https://www.autovillage.co.uk/car-parts/aston-martin/v8/area/northern-ireland/county-antrim/annahilt).

As for specialist garage services in Northern Ireland, here are a couple of reputable options:

1. **Stephen Groves Jaguar Specialist**: While they specialize in Jaguars, they offer high-quality garage services and repairs for various car models. They are located in Hillsborough and serve customers across Northern Ireland. More details can be found [here](https://www.stephen-groves.co.uk/).
2. **Burnside Garage Ltd**: Located in Coleraine, they are Northern Ireland's leading automatic transmission repair specialists and offer a range of garage services. You can learn more about them [here](https://www.burnsidegarage.co.uk/).

These resources should help you keep your Aston Martin V8 in top condition.
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Racing
The Aston Martin V8 did compete in racing, particularly in endurance events. One notable example is the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, which was developed for racing and competed in various events, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The V8 Vantage GTE, for instance, secured class wins at Le Mans in 2014 and 2017.

The racing versions of the V8 were modified to meet the demands of competitive motorsport, featuring enhancements in aerodynamics, weight reduction, and performance tuning. These cars showcased the capabilities of the V8 engine and the engineering prowess of Aston Martin.

It's always exciting to see classic cars like the Aston Martin V8 making their mark in the racing world.
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Valuation
The value of a 1969 Aston Martin V8 can vary significantly based on its condition, history, and originality. On average, you can expect to see prices ranging from £60,000 to £150,000. Pristine, well-maintained examples or those with a notable history can fetch even higher prices at auctions.

It's always fascinating to see how these classic cars appreciate in value over time.
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