Aston Martin V8 Vantage (1977-89)
The **Aston Martin V8 Vantage (1977-89)** was conceived as a **high-performance grand tourer**, designed to rival the likes of **Ferrari and Porsche** while reinforcing Aston Martin’s reputation for **luxury and power**. It was Britain’s first true **supercar**, offering **exceptional speed, aggressive styling, and refined craftsmanship**.
**Concept & Intention**
- **Performance Evolution** – The V8 Vantage was based on the standard **Aston Martin V8**, but featured **significant upgrades** to enhance speed and handling.
- **Power & Engineering** – Initially powered by a **5.3L V8**, later versions delivered up to **432 bhp**, making it one of the fastest British cars of its era.
- **Aggressive Styling** – Introduced **bold aerodynamic enhancements**, including a **front air dam, bonnet bulge, and rear spoiler**, distinguishing it from the standard V8.
- **Luxury & Craftsmanship** – Despite its muscular performance, the V8 Vantage retained **hand-built craftsmanship**, featuring **leather interiors and wood trim**.
- **Market Positioning** – Aston Martin aimed to establish itself as a **premium British sports car manufacturer**, appealing to **enthusiasts and affluent buyers**.
**Legacy**
The **V8 Vantage** became **Aston Martin’s flagship model**, evolving through multiple iterations and influencing future designs like the **Virage and DB7**. It remains a **highly regarded classic**, appreciated for its **blend of power, luxury, and exclusivity**.
You can explore more details [here].
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Popularity
The **Aston Martin V8 Vantage (1977-89)** was **globally popular**, marking a significant shift for Aston Martin by introducing a **high-performance grand tourer** that appealed to a broader audience. It became a **flagship model**, evolving through multiple iterations and solidifying Aston Martin’s reputation for **luxury and power**.
**Market Reach & Popularity**
- **United Kingdom** – The V8 Vantage was highly successful in its home market, appealing to buyers seeking a **muscular yet refined grand tourer**.
- **Europe** – Strong sales in **France, Germany, and Italy**, where Aston Martin had an established presence.
- **North America** – The V8 Vantage was well-received in the **United States and Canada**, helping Aston Martin gain a stronger foothold in the luxury sports car segment.
- **Middle East** – Found success in **Saudi Arabia and the UAE**, where its **powerful V8 and exclusivity** appealed to wealthy buyers.
- **Australia & South Africa** – Some units were exported, but sales remained relatively low compared to Europe and North America.
**Reasons for Global Popularity**
- **Performance & Prestige** – The **5.3L V8** delivered **310-432 bhp**, making it one of the fastest British cars of its era.
- **Luxury Appeal** – Hand-built craftsmanship and **high-quality materials** reinforced its **premium status**.
- **Evolution & Variants** – Multiple iterations, including the **V8 Vantage**, kept the model fresh and competitive.
- **Cultural Impact** – Featured in **James Bond films**, enhancing its global recognition.
The V8 Vantage’s success **cemented Aston Martin’s reputation** as a maker of **powerful, elegant grand tourers**, paving the way for future models like the **V8 Vantage and DB9**. You can explore more details [here].
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COMMON FAULTS
Please Note: Common Faults in Regularly Used Vehicles vs. Low-Mileage Stored Vehicles that have been used consistently over many years, accumulating approximately 10,000–12,000 miles annually, are more prone to common faults due to regular wear and tear. These issues typically arise from the natural aging of components subjected to frequent use, such as engine parts, suspension systems, brakes, and tires. In contrast, vehicles with low mileage that have been stored or preserved are likely to experience different types of issues. These vehicles are often better maintained to ensure their longevity and may avoid some of the typical wear-and-tear problems seen in regularly driven cars. However, they can still face unique challenges such as degradation of rubber seals, corrosion from prolonged inactivity, or fuel system issues caused by old or stagnant fuel.
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage (1977-1989) had a few common faults that owners often encountered:
- **Electrical Issues**: The V8 Vantage was known for its electrical problems, including issues with the wiring and electrical components.
- **Cooling System**: The cooling system could be problematic, with some owners experiencing overheating issues.
- **Oil Leaks**: Oil leaks were a common issue, particularly from the engine and transmission.
- **Rust**: Rust could be a problem, especially in the chassis and body panels.
- **Suspension**: The suspension components could wear out quickly, leading to handling issues.
Despite these faults, the V8 Vantage remains a beloved classic for its performance and design.
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Generations/Trim Levels
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage (1977-1989) had several generations and trim levels:
Generations
1. **Series 1 (1977-1978)**: Known as the "Bolt-on & Flip-tails" model.
2. **Series 2 (1978-1986)**: Also referred to as the "Oscar India" model.
3. **Series 3 (1986-1989)**: Known as the "X-pack" model.
Trim Levels
- **V8 Vantage Saloon**: Available in various versions across the generations.
- **V8 Vantage Volante**: The convertible version, also available in multiple versions.
Each generation and trim level had its own unique features and improvements, making the V8 Vantage a standout model in the luxury sports car market.
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Designer/Dimensions
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage (1977-1989) was designed by **William Towns** - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aston_Martin_V8_Vantage_%281977%29). Here are the vehicle's dimensions:
- **Length**: 4,745 mm (186.81 in)
- **Width**: 1,944 mm (76.54 in)
- **Height**: 1,320 mm (51.97 in)
- **Wheelbase**: 2,610 mm (102.76 in)
- **Kerb Weight**: 1,990 kg (4,387.2 lbs) | Technical specs, data, fuel ...](https://www.auto-data.net/en/aston-martin-v8-vantage-5.3-385hp-3061).
William Towns' design gave the V8 Vantage its distinctive and timeless look, making it a standout model in the Aston Martin line-up.
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Production Total: Aston Martin produced a total of 534 V8 Vantage cars between 1977 and 1989
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Price New: The Aston Martin V8 Vantage was priced at around £19,000 when it was first introduced in 1977. This made it one of the most expensive and exclusive cars of its time, reflecting its high performance and luxury features. £19,000 in 1969 is equivalent to approximately **£321,600** today.
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Main Rivals (Price)
In 1977, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage faced competition from several high-performance and luxury cars. Some of its main rivals included: -
**Ferrari 308 GTB**: Approximately £13,000 -
**Porsche 911 Turbo (930)**: Approximately £15,000 -
**Jaguar XJ-S**: Approximately £8,000 -
**Maserati Khamsin**: Approximately £14,000
These cars were all vying for the attention of buyers looking for luxury, performance, and prestige in the late 1970s.
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Engine/s
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage (1977-1989) was fitted with several engine configurations, each offering impressive power outputs:
Series 1 (1977-1978)
- **Engine**: 5.3-liter V8
- **Power Output**: 370 horsepower
Series 2 (1978-1986)
- **Engine**: 5.3-liter V8
- **Power Output**: 390 horsepower
Series 3 (1986-1989)
- **Engine**: 5.3-liter V8 (X-Pack)
- **Power Output**: 403 horsepower
Special Versions
- **6.3-liter V8**: Available as an aftermarket option, producing 450 horsepower
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Performance
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage (1977-1989) offered impressive performance for its time. Here are some key performance figures:
- **Top Speed**: Approximately 170 mph (270 km/h)
- **0-60 mph**: Around 5.3 seconds
- **Horsepower**: Between 370 to 403 hp, depending on the series
These figures made the V8 Vantage one of the fastest and most powerful luxury sports cars of its era.
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Recorded in UK 2025
As of the latest data, there are approximately 266 Aston Martin V8 Vantage cars from the 1977-1989 era still recorded on UK roads. This includes both licensed and SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) vehicles.
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Spares/Specialists NI
For Aston Martin V8 Vantage spares in the UK and Ireland, you can check out the following sources:
- **Aston Store**: They offer a wide range of parts for the V8 Vantage, including body panels, engines, transmissions, brakes, and more. You can explore their inventory on their [website](https://www.astonstore.co.uk/product-category/complete-catalogue-new/aston-martin-v8-vantage/).
- **Eurospares**: Another great option for V8 Vantage parts, offering a variety of components such as body parts, brakes, and suspension. You can browse their offerings on their [website](https://www.eurospares.co.uk/Aston_Martin/V8_Vantage).
As for garage services in Northern Ireland, you can consider:
- **Andrew Lindsay Specialist Cars**: An independent Aston Martin and Jaguar specialist with over 20 years of experience. They offer a range of services, including maintenance and repairs. You can find more details on their [website](http://andrewlindsayspecialistcars.com/).
- **McMillan Specialist Cars**: They provide quality Aston Martin servicing in Antrim, with a reputation for excellence in both workmanship and customer service. You can find more details on their [website](https://mcmillanspecialistcars.com/car-service-prices/aston-martin/aston-martin-v8-vantage-all/).
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Racing
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage (1977-1989) did compete in racing. It was particularly successful in endurance racing events. Here are some highlights:
- **Le Mans**: The V8 Vantage competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of the most prestigious endurance races in the world.
- **IMSA GT Championship**: The V8 Vantage also participated in the IMSA GT Championship in the United States.
- **British GT Championship**: It had a presence in the British GT Championship, showcasing its performance on home soil.
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Valuation
The value of an Aston Martin V8 Vantage (1977-1989) in the UK can vary significantly based on its condition, history, and specific model. Generally, a well-maintained V8 Vantage can fetch anywhere from £100,000 to £300,000 or more in the classic car market. The unique design and performance of the V8 Vantage make it a highly sought-after classic among collectors.
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HISTORY-ENVIRONMENT
PLEASE NOTE: The information provided below is given in averages across Northern Ireland at the date specified. Petrol reflect average prices for four star fuel in litres.
Road Tax: In 1977, the road tax for an Aston Martin V8 Vantage in the UK was approximately **£25 per year**.
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Petrol: In 1977, the average price of four-star petrol in the UK was approximately **78.2 pence per gallon**. This translates to about **17.2 pence per litre**.
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Insurance: In 1977, the average cost of insurance for an Aston Martin V8 Vantage in the UK was approximately **£200 per year**. £200 in 1977 is equivalent to approximately **£1,200** today - NimbleFins](https://www.nimblefins.co.uk/cheap-car-insurance/average-cost-car-insurance-uk).
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COST OF L:IVING UK In 1977, the average annual salary in the UK was approximately **£3,000**. £3,000 in 1977 is equivalent to approximately **£18,000** today.
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In 1977, the average price of a house in the UK was approximately **£13,650**](https://www.propertyinvestmentproject.co.uk/property-statistics/nationwide-average-house-price/). £13,650 in 1977 is equivalent to approximately **£82,000** today](https://www.propertyinvestmentproject.co.uk/property-statistics/house-prices-adjusted-for-inflation-graph/).
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In 1977, the average price of a new car in the UK was approximately **£3,000**. £3,000 in 1977 is equivalent to approximately **£18,000** today.
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In 1977, the average price of a loaf of bread in the UK was approximately **21 pence**. 21 pence in 1977 is equivalent to approximately **£1.20** today.
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In 1977, the average cost per mile for a bus journey in the UK was approximately **2 pence**. 2 pence per mile in 1977 is equivalent to approximately **12 pence per mile** today.
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In 1977, the average charge per mile for a taxi journey in the UK was approximately **20 pence**. 20 pence per mile in 1977 is equivalent to approximately **£1.20 per mile** today.
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In 1977, the average cost per mile for a railway journey in the UK was approximately **3 pence**. 3 pence per mile in 1977 is equivalent to approximately **18 pence per mile** today.
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In 2025, the average cost per mile of a railway journey in the UK is approximately **33 pence per mile**. In 2025, the average cost per mile of a car journey in the UK is approximately **33 pence per mile**.
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In 1977, there were approximately **18 million vehicles** on UK roads. As of 2025, there are approximately **41.4 million vehicles** on UK roads.
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