When Aston Martin needed a competitive version of their GT racer, the DB4 GT, they turned to Zagato. The Italian coach builder specialized in constructing light weight, slippery bodies, ideally suited for racing needs. Although the finished product was not the competition success hoped for, its rarity and stunning looks have made the DB4 GT Zagato one of the most sought after Aston Martin models. Some twenty years later Aston Martin and Zagato teamed up once again to relive the success had with the DB4. The plan was to build a limited edition Zagato bodied version of the V8 Vantage model.

This Aston Martin V-8 Volante is powered by a V8 engine that displaces 5340cc and has a light alloy block, a fuel injection system, and dual overhead camshafts. There is a Torqueflite automatic transmission and four-wheel fully independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes.

The V-8 Series was introduced in 1972 as a replacement for the mechanically identical DBS V8. The Aston Martin V8 would be the final model development during the David Brown era, and it would become their longest running model in their history. These were functional vehicles that had seating for four and a top speed in the neighborhood of 160 miles per hour. The design was courtesy of designer William Towns and based upon his designs for the original DBS. The engine was by Aston’s legendary Tadek Marek and available in 1986 for the first time with Weber Marelli fuel injection.

This V8 Volante is part of the final iteration of the V8 series, available in the United States until 1989. It is one of only about 65 Aston Martins of all types sold in the United States for 1988. It has had only three owners since new and been driven a mere 11,000 documented miles. It is finished in Dover White with an Oxblood Connolly leather interior with white piping, black Wilton wool carpeting and burr walnut trim. There is a correct Everflex convertible top that has been recently fitted to the car.

In 2009, this 1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante was offered for sale at the Automobiles of Amelia Island Auction presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $70,000-$90,000. As bidding came to a close, the lot had been sold for $49,500, including buyer’s premium.
The Aston Martin V8 was produced from 1969 through 1990 and was, of course, powered by an eight-cylinder engine. For many years eager customers had been pleading with Aston Martin to produce an eight-cylinder car. Expected to be completed by 1967, the engine took a few more years of development before being ready. In the mean-time, Aston Martin introduced the DBS which borrowed its Vantage six-cylinder engine from the DB6.
In the 1987 film ‘The Living Daylights’, famous British Secret Agent James Bond could be seen on the big screen driving around in his V8 Vantage Volante. A few years earlier Roger Moore had driven a DBS V8 in the movie ‘The Persuaders.’ His car was built to resemble the V8 version but actually powered by a six-cylinder engine.

In 1969 the eight-cylinder engine was ready and successfully adapted to the DBS. The engine had been designed by Aston Martin’s head engineer, Tadek Marek. The engine had made an appearance in the Lola T70 LeMans racer but was more of learning and testing experience than a true success. The DBS was now available with either the six- or eight-cylinder engine, with the eight-cylinder version being the more popular. Over the years the 5.3 liter V8 used fitted with either Bosch fuel injection or carburetors, double overhead camshafts and was capable of producing around 300-315 horsepower. Zero-to-sixty took a mere 5.9 seconds with top speed being achieved at 160 mph.

The square-grille, four headlights, and large front air dam was the traditional Aston Martin persona. Gone were the wire wheels.

By 1972 the DBS V8 became the Aston Martin V8; since the six-cylinder DBS was no longer offered. This left the V8 and the Vantage as Aston Martins entire model line.

In 1972 Aston Martin offered the Series II which incorporated minor visual and mechanical changes. The front featured a mesh grille with twin quart headlights while under the hood the engine was given a little extra tuning. Production of the Series II continued until 1973 with just over 285 examples being produced. After the Series II came the Series III which incorporated four twin-choke Weber carburetors and a larger hood scoop. The 310 horsepower engine took the car from zero-to-sixty in 5.7 seconds, when equipped with the manual transmission. Soon strict emission and government regulations sent the performance tumbling. A new exhaust and camshaft helped boost power a little but was still down by about 10 horsepower.

The Series III continued production from 1973 through 1978 except for 1975 when production was temporarily halted. In total over 965 examples were produced. Production had ceased in 1975 due to financial difficulties. A take-over from a consortium in 1975 meant the company could continue producing vehicles. It was decided that instead of creating new models which often consumes large amounts of capital, the company would focus their attention and abilities on fine-tuning the products already in production.

At the Birmingham International Motor Show in 1978, Aston Martin introduced the Series IV, also known as the ‘Oscar India.’ The hood scoop was replaced with a bulge, and a spoiler could now be found on the rear. On the interior could be found wood trim, not seen on an Aston Martin since the DB2/4 of the 1950’s. Most were equipped with Chrysler’s Torqueflite 3-speed automatic gearbox. Production continued from 1978 through 1985 with a total of 291 examples being produced.

1978 also saw the introduction of the V8 Volante which was a convertible. Though the United States had strict rules concerning safety and convertibles, many of the 650 Volantes produced during the 12 year period made their way State-side.

In 1985 a partnership was formed with the famous Italian coachbuilder Zagato to build a limited edition Zagato bodied version of the V8 Vantage. Sketches were shown to the public at the 1985 Geneva Motorshow with the production version making an appearance a year later. These cars were lighter and smaller with an estimated top speed of around 300 km/h. Though production was limited to only 50 examples, demand was much higher. Even before the cars were produced, the money had already been collected from buyers and the original sticker price had even seen escalation due to the popularity.

Planning always takes a back seat to reality. The car was estimated to have a top speed of 300 km/h but when testing began, the engine proved inadequate to meet the goal. The fuel injection system was replaced with Weber carburetors but this caused a new problem. The hood needed to be enlarged to house the cabs resulting in a design that was not aesthetically pleasing to many customers.

The ‘double bubble’ roof was Zagato’s signature trademark. The aerodynamic body was shorter than its counterpart and weighed 10% less. Handling was considerable better as was the overall performance.
Since the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Zagato was produced in limited numbers many investors purchased the vehicles in hopes of turning a profit. Though the designs are very elegant, the true strength of the car was in its performance; sadly many have not been given the opportunity to prove their potential to their owners.
At the 1986 New York Auto Show, Aston Martin introduced their fuel-injected Series V. Since there were no bulky carburetors, there was no need for the bulge. Production continued until 1989 with around 61 examples being produced.

In 1998 a limited edition version of the Vantage was introduced and dubbed the V600. Outfitted with the 5.3 liter V8 and fitted with dual superchargers, the car was capable of producing an astonishing 600 horsepower. Some of the design cues were taken from the DBR1 LeMans racer that won the 1959 LeMans race. Production was low due to problems with emission regulations. Instead, Aston Martin introduced the V12 Vanquish in 2001.

During the production of the Aston Martin V8, it was hailed by many as Britain’s ’super car’. It’s eight-cylinder engine was a bold move for the small, low production quantity Aston Martin firm. In the end, it was the right decision and one that carried the company for many years. Its performance was legendary and the design was elegant

The Aston Martin V8 Zagato Volante made its debut at the 1987 Geneva Auto Show and was offered at an even more limited run of only 25, although a total of 37 were eventually made due to high demand. Styling changes from the coupe include flip-up front headlight covers and the removal of the hood bulge, which was not required with the less powerful engine. Not all the Aston Martin V8 Zagato Volantes had the flip-up light covers however.

The Aston Martin V8 Zagato was first shown as a design at Geneva in 1985. All 50 copies were bought on the basis of drawings and a scale model. Three prototypes appeared a year later at Geneva in 1986.

The Aston Martin V8 was produced from 1969 through 1990 and was, of course, powered by an eight-cylinder engine. For many years eager customers had been pleading with Aston Martin to produce an eight-cylinder car. Expected to be completed by 1967, the engine took a few more years of development before being ready. In the mean-time, Aston Martin introduced the DBS which borrowed its Vantage six-cylinder engine from the DB6.

In the 1987 film ‘The Living Daylights’, famous British Secret Agent James Bond could be seen on the big screen driving around in his V8 Vantage Volante. A few years earlier Roger Moore had driven a DBS V8 in the movie ‘The Persuaders.’ His car was built to resemble the V8 version but actually powered by a six-cylinder engine.

In 1969 the eight-cylinder engine was ready and successfully adapted to the DBS. The engine had been designed by Aston Martin’s head engineer, Tadek Marek. The engine had made an appearance in the Lola T70 LeMans racer but was more of learning and testing experience than a true success. The DBS was now available with either the six- or eight-cylinder engine, with the eight-cylinder version being the more popular. Over the years the 5.3 liter V8 used fitted with either Bosch fuel injection or carburetors, double overhead camshafts and was capable of producing around 300-315 horsepower. Zero-to-sixty took a mere 5.9 seconds with top speed being achieved at 160 mph.

The square-grille, four headlights, and large front air dam was the traditional Aston Martin persona. Gone were the wire wheels.

By 1972 the DBS V8 became the Aston Martin V8; since the six-cylinder DBS was no longer offered. This left the V8 and the Vantage as Aston Martins entire model line.

In 1972 Aston Martin offered the Series II which incorporated minor visual and mechanical changes. The front featured a mesh grille with twin quart headlights while under the hood the engine was given a little extra tuning. Production of the Series II continued until 1973 with just over 285 examples being produced. After the Series II came the Series III which incorporated four twin-choke Weber carburetors and a larger hood scoop. The 310 horsepower engine took the car from zero-to-sixty in 5.7 seconds, when equipped with the manual transmission. Soon strict emission and government regulations sent the performance tumbling. A new exhaust and camshaft helped boost power a little but was still down by about 10 horsepower.

The Series III continued production from 1973 through 1978 except for 1975 when production was temporarily halted. In total over 965 examples were produced. Production had ceased in 1975 due to financial difficulties. A take-over from a consortium in 1975 meant the company could continue producing vehicles. It was decided that instead of creating new models which often consumes large amounts of capital, the company would focus their attention and abilities on fine-tuning the products already in production.

At the Birmingham International Motor Show in 1978, Aston Martin introduced the Series IV, also known as the ‘Oscar India.’ The hood scoop was replaced with a bulge, and a spoiler could now be found on the rear. On the interior could be found wood trim, not seen on an Aston Martin since the DB2/4 of the 1950’s. Most were equipped with Chrysler’s Torqueflite 3-speed automatic gearbox. Production continued from 1978 through 1985 with a total of 291 examples being produced.

1978 also saw the introduction of the V8 Volante which was a convertible. Though the United States had strict rules concerning safety and convertibles, many of the 650 Volantes produced during the 12 year period made their way State-side.

In 1985 a partnership was formed with the famous Italian coachbuilder Zagato to build a limited edition Zagato bodied version of the V8 Vantage. Sketches were shown to the public at the 1985 Geneva Motorshow with the production version making an appearance a year later. These cars were lighter and smaller with an estimated top speed of around 300 km/h. Though production was limited to only 50 examples, demand was much higher. Even before the cars were produced, the money had already been collected from buyers and the original sticker price had even seen escalation due to the popularity.

Planning always takes a back seat to reality. The car was estimated to have a top speed of 300 km/h but when testing began, the engine proved inadequate to meet the goal. The fuel injection system was replaced with Weber carburetors but this caused a new problem. The hood needed to be enlarged to house the cabs resulting in a design that was not aesthetically pleasing to many customers.

The ‘double bubble’ roof was Zagato’s signature trademark. The aerodynamic body was shorter than its counterpart and weighed 10% less. Handling was considerable better as was the overall performance.
Since the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Zagato was produced in limited numbers many investors purchased the vehicles in hopes of turning a profit. Though the designs are very elegant, the true strength of the car was in its performance; sadly many have not been given the opportunity to prove their potential to their owners.
At the 1986 New York Auto Show, Aston Martin introduced their fuel-injected Series V. Since there were no bulky carburetors, there was no need for the bulge. Production continued until 1989 with around 61 examples being produced.

In 1998 a limited edition version of the Vantage was introduced and dubbed the V600. Outfitted with the 5.3 liter V8 and fitted with dual superchargers, the car was capable of producing an astonishing 600 horsepower. Some of the design cues were taken from the DBR1 LeMans racer that won the 1959 LeMans race. Production was low due to problems with emission regulations. Instead, Aston Martin introduced the V12 Vanquish in 2001.

During the production of the Aston Martin V8, it was hailed by many as Britain’s ’super car’. It’s eight-cylinder engine was a bold move for the small, low production quantity Aston Martin firm. In the end, it was the right decision and one that carried the company for many years. Its performance was legendary and the design was elegant.

To own a Lagonda is to belong to one of the world’s most exclusive clubs. But for its members this knowledge is but a small part of the intense pleasure derived from its possession. For each one represents the quintessence of 80 years of engineering expertise and craftsmanship.

It is, however, difficult to decide which attracts the greatest attention: the sleek and stylish shape of its body, its brilliantly conceived and superbly crafted interior or its unruffled high performance.

The truth is that, despite its innate luxury, the Lagonda is essentially a performer, a driver’s car par excellence. Which is hardly surprising when you consider that its responsive Aston Martin 5.3-liter V8 engine is capable of propelling the car to an apparently effortless 150 mph. Variable ratio, power-assisted rack and pinion steering and an extremely sophisticated system of independent front and de Dion rear suspension ensure safe, comfortable, high-speed travel along the most winding of roads. Powerful ventilated disc brakes ensure that the stopping ability is a match for the acceleration and road-holding.

Even in town, the rapid and sensitive response of the accelerator makes traffic driving seem almost a pleasure. And on long, straight runs the built-in cruise control maintains the desired speed more accurately than a driver ever could.

Certainly, the Lagonda will turn a thousand heads. But what of the interior that only a very few will ever experience? it is, in the words of one motoring writer, ’staggeringly opulent.’ The distinctive finish and subtle aroma of Connolly hide reigns throughout, complemented – naturally – by the gentle touch of Wilton carpeting.

The level of Lagonda luxury even extends to the leather and English burr walnut of the dashboard and the door trims. (Every potential Lagonda owner will, of course, have his or her own ideas and, as always, our craftsmen and designers will be pleased to discuss these in detail.)

And you would expect, bi-level air conditioning comes as standard. As do various other refinements such as stereo radio and cassette system and the electrically-adjustable front seats. Then there is the now famous instrument display. Flanking the leather-trimmed steering-wheel are no fewer than 20 sensitive switches. And on turning the ignition key, the three screens become an impressive display of illuminated information.

Every function is monitored. From temperatures – inside and out – to trip mileage, battery voltage and many more in between.

The first impression is one of the highest technical sophistication. And yet, as you drive the Lagonda, insulated from the commotion of the outside world, it all seems very simple indeed.

Source – Aston Martin
In October of 1976 Aston Martin introduced the four-door Lagonda at the Earl’s Court Show. The name Lagonda was borrowed from a similar British marque that had a respectable racing tradition and produced low production, exclusive automobiles. Both Aston Martin and Lagonda also shared a similar history of financial difficulties. After World War II, David Brown took control of both Aston Martin and Lagonda and brought these honorable marques under one name. In 1959, the combination was able to capture the World Championship.

The Aston Martin Lagonda was designed by William Towns. It was modern and practical with seating for five and many creature comforts. Production began in 1976 and continued untili 1990 with 645 examples being created. It was the first production automobile in the world to use a digital instrument panel and computer management. Under the hood was a four-cam eight-cylinder engine in ‘Vee’ configuration. A Chrysler 3-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission sent the power to the rear wheels. Air conditioning, power steering, brakes windows, door locks and a sunroof were all standard equipment.

During the 1970’s and early 1980’s James Bond 007 had been denied the use of an Aston Martin. Whilst a Lotus Esprit is British, it will never be a sufficient alternative to an Aston Martin. But for the 1987 film, ‘The Living Daylights’, the producers renewed their relationship with the Tickford St. factory, allowing Bond the opportunity to sample the delights, for the first and last time, of a Newport Pagnell V8. Now it depends how you look at it – he either had one or two cars and this has caused confusion.

So, at the start of the film, we see our hero, played for the first time by Timothy Dalton, driving ‘B549 WUU’ a V8 Volante with Cumberland Grey coachwork and upholstered in black leather. This car was in fact the personal transport of Victor Gauntlett, the Chairman of AML. This car, even without visiting Q branch, was a bit special as it was fitted with a Vantage engine, prior to it being offered as a production car. I eventually saw this particular V8 at the AMOC Horsfall race meeting in 2007, participating in the 007 track parade. During the film, and whilst in Volante form, the V8 did not display any particular ’special features’.

A little later, we again see the Volante, this time in Q’s workshop, where it appears to be receiving a hardtop. The script describes the car as being ‘winterised’. The result is a V8 saloon; an Oscar India car that you are expected to believe is the Volante with a closed roof – this is of course impossible – but hey, it’s only a film. In reality, the factory used a pair of second-hand V8’s which were refurbished and modified for filming the stunt work in the mountains of Austria although much of the plot was set in Czechoslovakia. They do have visible ‘Vantage’ badges, but these I guess were fitted as they would have been seen on the Volante; to all intents and purposes, the car was an ‘Oscar India’ V8. The V8 coupe is still, I believe jointly owned by AM and Eon Productions, and is occasionally displayed at public events. I have been able to photograph the car at 1986 British Motor Show, Coys Historic Festival, Silverstone, 1998 and the AMOC St.