Lot 202: 1978 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Saloon

With the resurrection of the Vantage name in 1977, Aston Martin enthusiasts everywhere breathed a sigh of relief; previously applied to high-power versions of the ‘DB’ family of six-cylinder cars, it had been dormant since the V8’s arrival back in 1969. A heavier car than its six-cylinder predecessor, the V8 suffered as emissions legislation became ever more strangulating, leading to concern that Aston Martin’s traditional performance image might be lost. The arrival of the Vantage dispelled any such worries. Propelling Aston’s V8 back into the supercar league was a tuned version of the existing 5,340cc engine breathing through a quartet of 48mm Weber carburettors rather than the standard 42mm units. Valves and ports were enlarged and the camshafts changed, the end result being an estimated maximum output of around 375bhp - in Rolls-Royce fashion the factory chose not to disclose the actual figure, merely claiming that power was ‘adequate’. Chassis changes were minimal apart from the adoption of bigger ventilated discs all round and low profile Pirelli tyres. The Vantage was, nevertheless, readily distinguishable from the standard product by virtue of its blocked-off bonnet scoop, blanked air intake, front chin spoiler and lip on the boot lid. This Aston Martin V8 Vantage comes with service history at recognised marque specialists R S Williams Ltd (1991-1998) and Trinity Engineering (1998-2004). Significant events in this particular car’s history include a change of engine in 1998, an interior re-trim and the fitting of new 16” wheels and Michelin tyres. Accompanying documentation includes expired MoTs for the period 1982 to 2006, and the vehicle comes with Swansea V5 registration document. It is expected to possess a fresh MoT by time of sale.