Aston Martin V8 1978–1986 car dimensions: 4700 mm long, 1830 mm wide and 1330 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,818 kg. Boot space with the seats up is 255 litres.
The cabin has full Connolly leather including the dashboard, top roll and headlining, plus burr walnut facia and cappings as standard. Bucket seats with tilting squabs give access to the rear. A redesigned centre console includes a rear cigarette lighter. Improved air conditioning is fitted. Electric windows are standard. Electrically adjusted mirrors and central locking arrived on later cars from around 1980. Cruise control is available only with the automatic gearbox. No electronic driver aids are present.
The boot holds 255 litres and takes touring luggage for two with room for the spare wheel.
The cabin offers traditional British luxury with full Connolly leather upholstery covering the seats, dashboard, top-roll and headlining, plus standard burr walnut veneers on the facia and door cappings. Deep pile carpets complete the finish. Bucket seats recline with tilting squabs for rear access and feature restyled headrests. Improved Coolair air-conditioning is standard along with electric windows and a heated rear window. Power-assisted steering is fitted. The overall feel is high-quality, handmade and comfortable for grand touring, with a new centre console including rear cigarette lighter.
Fuel consumption around 14-15 mpg
Oil change every 5,000 miles
Service annually or every 5,000 km
Ventilated disc brakes all round with dual vacuum servos
Seat belts and headrests standard
The 5.3-litre V8 is thirsty with typical fuel consumption of 14-15 mpg. Later 1980s cars were tuned for better economy, improved by some thirty percent. Fuel tank capacity is listed around 21 imperial gallons on related series models.
Servicing calls for engine oil and filter changes every 5,000 miles using SAE 10W-50, with greasing at the same interval on six points. Timing chains require tensioning at major services. The cooling system needs careful attention to avoid overheating and head gasket failure. Specialist maintenance is advised as parts are expensive.
Brakes use ventilated discs front and rear with tandem master cylinders and dual vacuum servo assistance for strong, fade-free stopping when maintained. Seat belts are standard with headrests on the seats. No airbags or ABS appear in period specifications.
The car rewards regular use and careful upkeep. Chassis corrosion behind the front wheels is a known issue that can be costly due to brake and fuel lines in the outriggers. A well-maintained example can cover high mileages between engine rebuilds.
Length 4700 mm, Width 1830 mm, Height 1330 mm, Wheelbase 2610 mm (V8 1978–1986)
Sources: manufacturer data, Aston Martin past-models AMV8 specification and the maker’s heritage page ‘AMV8 1972 to 1989’: saloon length, the 432 bhp and 395 lb-ft line on the current page matches the later Vantage and is omitted.