Aston Martin V8 Vantage
(Series 3) (V580X)  (1986 - 1989)

Once the limited edition Zagato was firmly in production, attention turned back to the Vantage. The series 3 car is distinguished by larger 16 inch diameter wheels and the a version of the V8 engine effectively taken from the Zagato. The above rather special car is a UK specification 1988 example finished in Coniston Sand and unusually from new, the car features a stainless steel mesh V8 style grille. Generally speaking, only Vantage models exported outside Europe were fitted with the open grille to aid cooling.

v8 vantage series 3 © Tim Cottingham 2001 This photograph was taken at the Birmingham Motor Show in 1986, and shows an early example of the series 3 car. Initially the 16 inch wheels were of the spilt rim variety and were made by Compomotive to take the 255/50 Goodyear Eagle tyres.
After problems with the original Compomotives, AML switched to similar styles by OZ Ceres or MSW (see left). Soon after, they then switched to the exceptionally beautiful Ronal with it's concealed wheel nuts (right). Unfortunately the Ronal wheel is now long out of production and consequently they are of considerable value. A 'look-a-like' Ronal is now available from AML Works Service.
  This very smart Vantage Series 3 was photographed at the AMOC Autumn Concours at Donnington Park, 1998. Both of the polished stainless exhausts are clearly visible. This particular car has an automatic gearbox - the series 3 was the first Vantage where the auto box was officially available.   

The heart of the series 3 V8 Vantage - the V580X (sometimes called X-pack) specification engine. Changes to the previous version include four 50mm Weber carburettors, Cosworth pistons, larger inlet ports and higher lift camshafts. With the air pumps needed to meet EEC emission regulations, peak power is in the range of 410 to 420 bhp. With an optional 'big bore' conversion from Works Service, this could reach 430 bhp

 x-pack v8 engine © Tim Cottingham 2001
  Here is a particularly unusual and probably unique Vantage. This example was built not only without blanking plate over the grille but also lacking the huge front air dam. It could almost be referred to as 'POW' specification.  
 

An example of a series 3 V8 Vantage together with a V8 Vantage Volante POW, photographed during early Spring 2001 at Nicholas Mee's London showroom.

  

Between March 1977 and December 1989, the Vantage was the only British member of the Supercar club. It may have weighed as much as a house (about 1800 kg actually) but could see off the skimpy Ferrari 512BB and Testarossa plus the Lamborghini Countach with aplomb and carry an extra two passengers.

The V8 Vantage pages have been written with the kind assistance of Kean Rogers of the Kangaroo Stable. For more detained information, please visit....................www.v8vantage.com
 

 

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