BUYER’S GUIDE

Aston Martin V8 Vantage review

V8 Vantage’s mix of ‘70s style and ‘80s excess combine with spectacular effect for this classic Brit bruiser…

What Is It?

Cliched descriptions like ‘prime slice of British beef’ are all too tempting when writing about the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, but the combination of class and clout are too delicious to consider it as anything other. True, there’s more than a bit of classic American muscle car in both its styling and character, albeit carried off with a level of quality and sophistication no Camaro or Mustang could hope to match.

A development of the late ‘60s DBS, the Vantage itself was a faster and more focused evolution of the AMV8 it sold alongside, its blanked-off grille, brutish bodykit and thunderous supercar-beating performance cementing its reputation as the unreconstructed bad boy of ‘80s exotica.

Corrosive Areas

Steel chassis can rot beneath the aluminium bodywork

Sills a known weakspot

Bulkheads, boot floor and outriggers also vulnerable

Checklist

Launched in 1977, the Vantage built on the foundations of the earlier AMV8 it then sold alongside, but was always the noisier, ruder and faster alternative
Vantage used an evolution of the Tadek Marek-designed all-aluminium, twin-cam Aston Martin 5.3-litre V8 but with power increased by a claimed 40 per cent and torque up by 10 per cent, through improved breathing, hotter cams and bigger carbs
Power steadily increased over the Vantage’s long life, earlier cars often referred to as V540 to distinguish from later V580 and X-Pack evolutions
1986 X-Pack engine is very desirable and commands a serious premium for breaking through the 400PS (294kW) threshold thanks to Cosworth pistons and revised heads; an optional factory hop-up to 50mm carbs took power to 432PS (318kW), this engine featuring in the exotic Zagato version
Early cars sometimes referred to as ‘bolt-in/flip-tail’ for their more improvised grille blanking plate and rear wing installation, a combination some purists appreciate for its ‘skunk works’ vibe
Later ‘Oscar India’ cars from 1978 onwards have a more refined look, while wider BBS wheels were added in 1983 before the 1986 arrival of the X-Pack engine
Final run of cars reverted to Ronal wheels with improved springs and dampers, both of which can be fitted as an upgrade to any post-1983 car
‘Cosmetic’ Vantages offered to some overseas markets where the engine didn’t meet emissions regs – these were effectively reclothed AMV8s and may include right-hand drive Japanese market versions
For this, and the fact some AMV8s may have been retrospectively modified to look like a Vantage, make sure any car you’re considering is the genuine article
Three-speed automatic is a possible giveaway for this, for fact most Vantages sold with the standard ZF five-speed manual
Engine is tough and long-lasting with proper care and adherence to 5,000-mile service intervals, which alternate between minor and more involved with latter including cam chain adjustment
Service history is vital to ensure this has been carried out, though usual checks for leaks, contaminated coolant, oil pressure and any untoward rattles and clatters should also be performed – engine rebuilds are possible but expensive
Vantage uses classic Aston construction of aluminium skin over steel frame, the latter obviously susceptible to rust – as a first check look under removable sill plates for a sense of condition, given repairs will be costly
The cars have a strong support network of knowledgeable specialists who can carry out anything from regular maintenance to full restorations, but nothing comes cheaply so buying on condition and history is vital – many specialists will offer expert inspection services which could be well worth it for peace of mind
Vantage was one of the fastest cars on sale at the time, as many owners found to their cost – check carefully for any historic accident damage and bodged repairs

How does it drive?

In some ways, the Vantage drives exactly as you’d expect given its muscular looks, heft and power. But beneath the brutish exterior is a car of greater sophistication than you might credit, with surprisingly fast and precise steering and decent brakes for a machine of its era. The power, performance and near two-tonne weight take their toll, though, and if there’s any slop or lack of precision from the wheel, check the condition of the suspension components and budget for regular replacement of bushings and the like.

If perhaps not fast by modern standards, the Vantage was one of the quickest cars of its day and capable of blitzing contemporary Ferraris, Porsches and Lamborghinis with ease. It still feels genuinely rapid, the quad-cam V8 building from low-rev grunt to a properly exciting top-end as it sucks in vast gulps of fuel and air through the carbs under that prominent bonnet bulge, the noise from the exhaust equally compelling. A physical and thrilling experience, it’s not hard to see why it has such a following.

What’s good?

In its brighter colours the Vantage’s unapologetic brashness made a loud statement, even in its ‘80s heyday. It’s not a car for the shy and retiring owner. A little more elegant in its earlier configurations, the looks in either case have aged well and there’s attitude in the Vantage’s stance and character to pluck the heartstrings.

If something of a squeeze in the back, the Aston Martin at least offers greater scope for sharing the fun than many contemporary supercars, as well as a broad bandwidth of ability stretching from back road blasts to longer, cross-continental tours as required. And fuel budget allows. While undeniably macho in its driving manners there’s, more to the handling than you might have credited, too.

What’s bad?

Nothing comes cheap on a V8 Vantage, even former Aston Martin boss Andy Palmer had to stump up a six-figure sum out of his own pocket to realise his dream of owning one while he was head of the company! As with so many classics, prices that once seemed relatively affordable have skyrocketed into the realms of proper exotica, even if they have mellowed a little since previous highs. Buying one is only the start of the expense, though, and running costs can be ruinous before you even budget for any restoration work.

Five-figure starting prices for engine rebuilds, interior retrims and resprays of sufficient quality all easily tot up to equal or indeed exceed the purchase price if you’re doing it properly. The value placed on X-Pack engines and other upgrades also lays traps for the unwary, with dressed up AMV8s or otherwise modified cars ready to snare those too impatient to do the necessary due diligence.

Which model to choose?

Later X-Pack cars are prized for their extra performance, chunkier looks and improved handling. And you’ll pay for the privilege, which may help rationalise any investment in ongoing restoration or other work that could be required, given the value in the vehicle. But all Vantages have the same fundamental charm, and a nice example of an earlier car could be yours for a (relatively) more reasonable price even if upkeep won’t be any less.

In the inevitable way some purists prefer the more handbuilt nature of these earlier cars and their embodiment of the Vantage’s passion project vibes, while others chase the final versions for their more polished construction. Open top Volantes have their fans as well, though given the Vantage’s performance credentials we’d argue a coupé (or saloon, in the correct Aston Martin terminology) is the more appropriate choice.

Specifications – V540 ‘Oscar India’

Engine

5.3-litre V8 petrol

Power

396PS (291kW) @ 5,800rpm

Torque

550Nm (405lb ft) @ 4,500rpm

Transmission

Five-speed manual/three-speed auto, rear-wheel drive

Kerb weight

1,990kg

0-62mph

c. 5.4 seconds

Top speed

170mph

Production dates

1977-1990 (all versions)