Anyone that is a fan of British super cars will know about the Aston Martin V8 Vantage from 1977. Even if you are not a huge fan of them, you will likely recognize it from the famous James Bond movie series.
They are well and truly far behind the speeds of any modern-day super car. But for the time, its top speed of 170 mph was unheard of in the British car scene. If boasts an impressive engine and amazing performance. Yet, there is something more special about it that wins the place for its best feature.
Let's take a closer look at the best feature of the 1977 Aston Martin V8 Vantage.
The Specification
The V8 Vantage was born in 1977 and since, this model has proven to be truly iconic. Because of that, many people already know what kit it features. However, not everyone does, and it is pretty exciting and fun to run through it time and time again.
Aston Martin's famous V8 Vantage from 1977 was kit out with a reliable and robust unit, a 5.3-liter V8 engine. The second generation of the V8 Vantage saw an engine upgrade. Yet, the original 1977 version boasts one that could offer speeds of up to 170 mph, which was unseen in the British automotive scene. It could also offer a whopping 389 horsepower, which still to this day some super cars cannot churn out. Therefore, the V8 Vantage engine was pretty unique and paved the way for the future of the Aston Martin super cars.
It wasn't just powerful, it was fast too. The V8 Vantage could race from 0 to 62 mph in about 5.5 seconds, which is insanely quick. Even comparing it to the likes of the modern day super car, such as the Aston Martin DBX707 that boasts 3.3 seconds, it is impressive. For a car from five decades ago, everyone can admit that Aston Martin definitely made way for the future of super cars.
In comparison to previous Aston Martin models, the V8 Vantage saw a revision of the camshafts, air-box, larger inlet valves and carburetors, new inlet manifolds and different plugs, which help to provide an increase in power of 40% and 10% more torque.
The 1977 model was a hardtop. In the '80s, convertibles were made and seen as much more trendy and popular. Yet, seeing as this was the original, we still think its structural hardtop roof is a statement.
The Best Feature
Seeing as this was the first-ever British super car, thanks to its powertrain, its engine has to take the place for being the best feature. The 5.3-liter V8 was exhilarating. It could churn out immense power and unheard of speeds, which made this model stand out among the rest.
Even today, this engine is still thought about. Many cars take inspiration from the original 1977 Aston Martin V8 Vantage due to its engine. Hence, it is by far the coolest feature of this model year.
Some Cool Facts About The 1977 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
Not only was the car a moment in history for the British automotive scene and Aston Martin, but there are other fun facts that everyone will want to know about the 1977 Aston Martin V8 Vantage.
For instance, the original design of the V8 Vantage from 1977 inspires the likes of new designs for the Vantage in the modern-day. The new Vantage shares some similarities with the James Bond’s Aston Martin DB10 that was specially built and featured in the James Bond movie, Spectre.
What's more, is that the 1977 V8 Vantage only saw 38 models for public sale. Therefore, you would have to be extremely lucky to get your hands on one today. In the current market, the price of the 1977 Aston Martin V8 Vantage would be in excess of the $100,000 mark. They are often up for bidding instead of set prices, so this price could way exceed the likes of six figures.
Another fun fact and unique feature of the 1977 V8 Vantage is its weight distribution. Achieving an equal weight distribution on a car isn’t an easy proposition as a car’s speed, momentum, and change of direction often affect weight distribution. However, even the 1977 version of the V8 Vantage manages to have a great weight distribution for an almost perfect balance.
Overall, there is so much to love about the 1977 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. However, its engine and the fact that is manages to make the model the first British super car is quite remarkable. It wasn't shy of speed or power and to this day, inspires the automotive world. It is a truly classic car that makes Aston Martin a highly desirable brand.