Aston Martin V8 Vantage 'Molded Fliptail' Coupe, 1978
Aston Martin V8 Vantage I
Aston Martin V8 Vantage I•
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Chassis No.: V8/11929/LCAV
Engine No.: V/540/1929/LFA
US$246,400 USD | Sold
- One of only 11 U.S.-spec examples built
- Engine no. V/540/1929/LFA
- 6-Liter DOHC V8 (see text)
- 4 Weber Carburetors
- Approx 440bhp at 5,000rpm (see text)
- 5-Speed Manual Transmission (see text)
- 4-Wheel Independent Suspension
- 4-Wheel Disc Brakes
- One of only 11 U.S.-spec, V540-powered 'Fliptail' V8 Vantages built
- Uprated to European spec by the original owner and later to 6-liter spec by Autosport Designs
- Converted to 5-speed manual
- One of the ultimate V8 Vantages Previewing in Bedford Hills, New York by appointment. Please contact [email protected] for scheduling.
- THE V8 VANATGE
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 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 carburetors rather than the standard 42mm instruments. Valves and ports were enlarged and the camshafts changed, the end result being an estimated maximum output of around 375-380bhp - in Rolls-Royce fashion the factory chose not to disclose the actual figure, merely claiming that power was 'adequate'. In 1978 the V8 Vantage earned the title of 'world's fastest accelerating production car' and throughout its life delivered outstanding performance by any standard, accelerating to 60mph in just 5.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 175mph.
With such high speeds attainable, aerodynamic refinements were called for. Thus the Vantage gained a deep front 'chin' spoiler, blanked off front grille and a boot lid spoiler, the latter being bolted on to the earliest cars and later integrated into the bodywork. There were commensurate improvements to the suspension, brakes and tires. The first 16 examples built shared their metalwork with the standard Sport Saloons, save for the addition of a bolted on fliptail—later called 'bolt-on fliptails'.
After those 16 cars, the Vantage had its own cam-tailed bodywork developed, giving rise to the later 'molded fliptail' which provided a more elegant and pleasing look, not to mention further improved aerodynamics. In 1986 an optional upgraded 'X-pack' engine with 432bhp on tap was made available, the engine number suffix changing from 'V' to 'X'. As the mechanical specification progressed so did the coachwork, with wheel arches flaring to accommodate wider rims, increasing the overall width by 2", and 16"-diameter wheels being introduced.
Unlike the V8 saloon, which reverted to fuel injection in 1986, the V8 Vantage kept its 48IDF Weber carburetors to the end of production in December 1989, by which time 361 cars had been built. THE MOTORCAR OFFERED Back when Aston only produced a handful of vehicles a month, this V8 Vantage Coupe was one of just 42 examples built in 1978 in left-hand drive for the export market and one of only 11 ordered new in the United States (and 23 in total including later production). According to copies of factory records, '11929' was ordered new by Mr. Philip A.
Lawrence of Kent, Connecticut though Aston Martin Lagonda, Inc in New Rochelle, New York as a U.S.-spec Vantage saloon with an automatic transmission in the highly period-correct color combination of Madagascar Brown over Fawn hides with brown piping. Interestingly, the build records list it with an 'LFA' engine suffix usually reserve for Continental-bound machines. Completed in late April of 1978 and delivered to Mr. Lawrence just after Thanksgiving in 1979. As an American-spec Vantage, the brawny V8 would have been somewhat constrained by emissions regulations limiting the engine to lower compression and lead-free gas.
According to a note typed into the first page of the original owner's handbook by the car's first owner, Mr. Lawrence was itching for more power and finally got it in June of 1990 when the car was sent to Aston Martin Vintage Racing Services to be upgraded to the "full Vantage version". It is noted that the engine power was increased even beyond what the English Vantage would have had in '78 and Robert Clerk, the managing director of Aston Martin Vintage Racing indicated the increase in power to be "significant". Given the upgrades done on the car, and looking to be a good custodian, Mr.
Lawrence took it upon himself to go through the owner's handbook and type in updates that would pertain to the 1990 modifications. Later in its life, '11929' would be sent to Aston Martin specialists Autosport Design in Huntington Station, New York and upgraded again to 6-liter capacity and fitted with a 5-speed manual transmission.
In the collection of a well-known Aston Martin and Jaguar collection prior to its acquisition by the current owner in February of 2008, the car was described at the time of that purchase as having been recently serviced and with a long history of maintenance by Autosport Design—but it should be noted any record that may have accompanied the car at the time of purchase are regrettably no longer with it. On static display since joining the current ownership, it is recommended that mechanical recommissioning is undertaking prior to actively burning rubber.
Complete with copies of factory records, its original owner's handbook, and jack, it is a brute in a Saville Row suit, a rare machine that is not to be missed.
Please note, the title will be in transit.
Стоимость
904 904 AED
