Aston Martin V8 Vantage (1977)

The first series equipped with four 48IDF2/100 Weber carburetors produced 390 bhp (395 PS; 291 kW) (estimated) at 5800 rpm and 406 lb⋅ft (550 N⋅m) at 4500 rpm of torque,[3] and series specific details such as a blanked bonnet vent and a separate rear spoiler.[4] 38 of these were built (plus 13 "Cosmetics" for the US).[5] The Oscar India (for 1 October, the date of introduction) version, introduced in late 1978, featured an integrated tea-tray spoiler and smoother bonnet bulge. Inside, a black leather-covered dash replaced the previous walnut. The wooden dashboard did find its way back into the Vantage during the eighties, giving a more luxurious appearance. The Oscar India version also received a slight increase in power, to 390 bhp (291 kW).[5] This line was produced, with some running changes, until 1989. From 1986 the engine had 403 bhp (301 kW).

One of the most noticeable features was the closed-off hood bulge rather than the open scoop found on the normal V8. The grille area was also closed off, with twin driving lights inserted and a spoiler added to the bootlid.

1990 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante, with the big wheelarches and sideskirts

1986 V8 Vantage Volante (USA Specification)

The 1986–1989 580 'X-Pack' was a further upgrade, with Cosworth pistons and Nimrod racing-type heads producing 403 hp. A 'big bore' after-market option was also available from Works Service, with 50 mm carbs (instead of 48 mm) and straight-through exhaust system giving 432 hp (the same engine as fitted to the limited-edition V8 Zagato.[5] 16-inch wheels were also now fitted. If this wasn't enough, a 450 hp (336 kW) 6.3-litre version was also available from Aston Martin, and independents offered a 7-litre version.[6]

304 Series 2 Vantage coupés were built - including 131 X-Packs[7] - and 192 Volantes (in spite of only having been officially introduced in 1986, near the end of production). Of the 'Cosmetic' Vantage (for the US Swiss and Japanese markets, with fuel injection instead of Weber carburettors), 14 Series 2 coupés and 56 Volantes were built.[5] Cosmetic Vantages lacked the powerful Vantage engine but retained the Vantage name and most of its body alterations - though the lack of carburettors allowed a flattened hood. From 1980 they featured DOT-approved 5 mph (8 km/h) safety bumpers front and rear. Most of these cars have since been retrofitted with full power, European spec engines.[5]

Although the full spec (carburettor) Vantage models were not imported into the USA when new, they now qualify for entry under the DOT's 'Show and Display' rules in most US States. Federal requirements are also less strict for cars over 25 years old (as most Vantages now are).[8]

A Vantage Volante convertible version was also produced between 1986 and 1989. Six mechanically similar cars had been built earlier to special order, but it was not regularly available until then. The production version featured an even deeper front spoiler than fitted to the Vantage, even wider wheel arches, and extended side skirts. The Vantage Volante also had a rear spoiler, which the regular Volante did not feature. In total, 166 Vantage Volantes were built, with the last ones leaving the factory in December 1989. In 1987 Charles, Prince of Wales took delivery of a Vantage Volante, but at his request without the production car's wider wheelarches, front air dam and side skirts. This became known as the 'Prince of Wales Spec' (or PoW) and around another 26 such cars were built by the factory. These are now generally considered the most desirable of all the 1970s/80s V8 models. Combined with the PoW cars, 192 Vantage Volantes were built.

James Bond's car (registered on 18 March 1985 as B549 WUU; last on the road 1 July 2006)[9] in the 1987 film The Living Daylights.

At the beginning of the film, the car is a V8 Volante (convertible). The car used in these scenes was a Volante owned by Aston Martin Lagonda chairman, Victor Gauntlett. Later, the car is fitted with a hardtop ("winterised") at Q Branch, and these scenes feature a pair of non-Vantage V8 saloons, fitted with the same number plate as the initial car, but with Vantage badges now fitted to match the previous Vantage. The number plate B549 WUU was painted on the upper portion of Pierre Gasly's Red Bull Racing RB15's rear wing for the 2019 British Grand Prix.

The alterations and gadgets featured were:

• Police band radio
• Tyre Spikes
• Rocket motor behind rear number plate
• Retractable outriggers
• Heat-seeking missiles behind front fog lights
• Lasers in front wheel hubcaps
• Bulletproof windows and body
• Self-destruct system

The car is set to return to the franchise in the film No Time to Die, to be released in April 2021. [10]