Aston Martin V8 Vantage (1977–1989) History
Catalog record
This is a brief catalog introduction with limited source documentation. A licensed, identity-checked lead photograph has not yet been added for this page. Detailed year, configuration and ownership coverage must be identified separately; this page is not a complete vehicle catalog.
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Introduced in 1977 as a high-performance version of the Aston Martin V8, the V8 Vantage was widely dubbed 'Britain's first supercar'. With high-lift camshafts, larger valves and carburettors, and higher compression, it reached around 170 mph and ran 0–60 mph in about 5.3 seconds — quicker than the contemporary Ferrari Daytona.
An open Vantage Volante followed (1986–1989), and the styling reached its wildest expression in the limited-production Zagato-bodied V8 Vantage Zagato of the mid-1980s. The V8 Vantage anchored Aston Martin's performance image through the end of the Newport Pagnell V8 era.
Body styles
- Coupe
- Convertible (Volante)
Notable special editions & performance variants
V8 Vantage Zagato
Sharp, aerodynamic, limited-run Zagato-bodied coupe (and a small batch of Volantes) on the V8 Vantage running gear.
Vantage Volante
Convertible V8 Vantage; about 166 were built.
Related models
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