One of the most eye-catching cars on the road, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage is an iconic symbol of automotive performance and beauty. With a classic style that always fascinates car enthusiasts, it has maintained its place as the entry point into Aston's portfolio since its launch in 1977. With regular Aston Martin creating newer generations of the car, the V8 Vantage is still a strong competitor in the premium sports car market, putting it one step closer to its rivals like the Porsche 911 and Jaguar F-Type Coupe. The Vantage comes with various engine capacities and performance capabilities depending on the year of manufacture. The vintage cars built between 1977 and 1989 had V8 engines with a 5.3-liter or 6.3-liter capacity, producing 390 and 450 horsepower, respectively. This got the car to a top speed of 170 mph and 0-60 mph acceleration within 5.2 seconds. The V8 Vantage produced between 2015 and 2017 had a 4.3-liter or a 4.7-liter engine, which produces 380 and 420 horsepower, respectively. The 4.7-liter engine has a top speed of 180 mph, with an acceleration of 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds. The 2018-2023 model also has a 4.0-liter engine that delivers 503 horsepower. The top speed of the third-generation V8 Vantage is 195 mph, accelerating from 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds. The British-built V8 Vantage, a two-seater grand tourer, is poised to confirm its reputation as the ultimate luxury sports vehicle by providing a driving experience that is both sophisticated and luxurious. For the first-generation V8 Vantages, the asking price averages about $80,731, while for the second and third-generation, the average asking price is about $66,770 and $144,404, respectively. Whether you are looking for a classic car to add to the vintage collection or a modern powerhouse that holds its own against other sportscars, the Aston Martin V8 will surely do the trick. Since its inception in 1977, this Vantage was created to embody excellent driving experience and outstanding performance.
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage has a rich history that spans decades, marked by a legacy of performance and luxury. Introduced in 1977 as the V8 Vantage, this model was a more powerful and aggressive version of the standard Aston Martin V8. The car was hailed as one of “Britain’s First Supercar” due to its performance and reaching a remarkable top speed of 170 mph. However, this first generation only ran from 1977 to 1989 before it was discontinued. In 2005, Aston Martin introduced the second generation of the V8 Vantage, featuring a sleek and aerodynamic design paired with a more powerful eight-cylinder engine. This V8 had a more modern look that embodied most of the other sports cars in the market. The second generation was available from 2005 to 2017 before the introduction of the third generation in 2018. This generation got an engine upgrade together with a refined body and interior. Simply put, the V8 Vantage has remained true to its roots, maintaining the essence of Aston Martin's heritage while embracing innovation.
All the Aston Martin V8 Vantage generations have retained their eight-cylinder powerhouse. However, depending on the generation of the car, the engine capabilities varied. The first generation came with a .5.3-liter or a 6.3-liter engine with a power output of 390 and 450 brake horsepower, respectively. The car’s top speed is 170 mph, and the acceleration is 0-60 mph within 5.2 seconds. The first generation had a six-speed manual ZF gearbox transmission. In 2005, the second V8 Vantage generation came with a 4.3-liter, producing 380 horsepower. In 2008, an updated V8 Vantage was introduced to the generation with a 4.7-liter V8 engine, which produced 420 brake horsepower. Additionally, the 4.3-liter had a torque of 409 N.m at 5,000 rpm, while the 4.7-liter had 470 N.m of torque at the same rpm. The 4.7-liter engine has a top speed of 180 mph, with an acceleration of 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds. The second generation also comes with multiple transmission options: six-speed Graziano manual, six-speed Sportshift automated manual, and seven-speed Sportshift II automated manual. The second generation also got stiffer suspensions and could handle highways and moderate rough riding. The third generation also came with more engine, transmission, and suspension alterations to improve performance. This Aston Martin gets a 4.0-liter Mercedes-AMG M1777 Twin-turbo V8 engine, producing 503 horsepower and 505 N.m of torque. The top speed of the third-generation V8 Vantage is 195 mph, accelerating from 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds. The engine is moved more to the rear of the chassis, giving the car 50-50 front-rear weight distribution. Likewise, the transmission is upgraded to an eight-speed ZF 8HP75 automatic gearbox.
The first Aston Martin V8 Vantage generation had a classic interior with leather seats. The dashboard was partially covered with leather and a wood veneer running to the analog gauges. The center console has huge manual knobs and buttons, also adding to the car’s vintage feel. However, the second and third generations got a considerable upgrade to their interior trim. The dashboard and seats are fully covered with leather, with the center console having a wood veneer finish on the 2009-2017 models. The console also has a hidden screen for infotainment and car settings control. Additionally, Aston Martin upgraded the car’s gauges to modern ones with added digital gauges.
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage’s exterior also varies depending on the generation. For the 1977-1989 models, the car has more rigid and distinct corners and lines. The design was meant to increase the car’s aerodynamics. Additionally, the cars were all convertibles, with a deep spoiler under the nose, which improved airflow to the engine for better performance. The hood also had a blanked-off bonnet air scoop to give it more character. However, the second generation had less corner definition, replacing them with finer curves. The nose spoiler was also reduced, with the hood dropping closer to the ground, to reduce air drag at high speeds. Additionally, Aston Martin changed the V8 Vantage’s body style from a convertible to a coupé. The Vantage did not get a considerable exterior change in the third generation. However, the car's hood was elongated, and the boot space was reduced.
The 1977-1989 V8 Vantage models used a six-speed ZF manual gearbox that helped the car smoothly transition between gears without losing power. The deep spoiler under the nose ensured better airflow to the V8 engine for a richer air-fuel mixture, resulting in better performance. However, the second and third generations have considerable features that help improve the car’s safety, performance, and driving experience. The newer six-speed, seven-speed, and eight-speed transmission ensured faster shift response and better fuel efficiency. The third generation was also the first Aston Martin to feature an electronically controlled differential system with torque vectoring.
The price of Aston Martin V8 Vantage depends on a variety of factors. The first thing to consider is the generation and year of manufacture. For the 1977-1989 Vantages, the asking price averages to about $80,731. However, the price can range from as low as $33,250 to $165,000. For the second generation, the average asking price is about $66,770, with a price range between $19,000 and $493,420. Lastly, the third V8 Vantage generation has an asking price of $144,404, with a price range between $73,471 and $368,853. The difference in price depends on the condition of the car, its engine capacity, type of transmission, manufacturing date, and mileage. The first generation is placed in the vintage car category. Unlike the other generations, the 1977-1989 models get pricier the older they get. That means they are perfect for vintage car enthusiasts looking to expand their classic collection.
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage is a shining example of automotive perfection. From its classic first-generation model to the newer models with a more modern design and cutting-edge technology, these cars provide an exhilarating driving experience and excellent performance capabilities. Aston Martin designed the bodies in all the models to have aerodynamic shapes, improving the car’s performance. Vintage car enthusiasts will love the first generation’s deep nose spoiler and large carburetors, which give the car more power while adding to the car’s character. On the other hand, the newer models have more refined engines, which deliver more power to the wheels and smoother gear changes for an excellent driving experience. Exotic Car Trader offers a seamless experience for those interested in owning an Aston Martin V8 Vantage, simplifying the buying and selling process. For sellers, the platform takes care of everything from taking pictures to listing and setting up private sales. Buyers can take advantage of the trade-in service to upgrade to a more recent Aston Martin V8 Vantage model or acquire a collector's item. With a focus on providing reliable solutions, Exotic Car Trader ensures that every aspect of the car transaction is handled carefully and professionally, making it the ideal destination for those looking to buy or sell their dream car. The V8 Vantage never fails to impress and surprise supporters worldwide, showing the ageless nature of real beauty and performance, whether you are drawn to it by its performance or design.
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