I finally purchased a 1988 DBS, at my 55. The first tune I played on the replaced (had to…) bluetooth radio has been "The Persuaders" opening theme. I came back to my childhood, to my Dinky and Corgi toys, to my purest time ever, in a minute, that I hope lasts forever. 🇬🇧❤️🍸
My dream since I was 13 years old (that's way back, in 1984!). The sound, the atmosphere, the elegant yet brutal lines.........perfection on four wheels.
My name is Adrian, and this is my dream car from first reading the review in Autocar magazine in the late '70s. If I remember correctly, it was top speed record holder when introduced @ 177 mph !!
I am 60 and I am drooling over this car. What a sound, and it just looks so beautiful inside and out. A true masterpiece that is a beast. Wish I could win Lotto!!!!
Stunning, i owned a Cumberland grey 1985 V8 Vantage about 20 years ago in Switzerland..It belonged to Jean Claude Mimran who owned Lamborghini & Yannick Noah the tennis player. sadly i sold to a guy in Norway . At the time i test drove a V600 but preferred the Vantage. one of the only cars i regret selling.
My favourite car when I was s kid and nothing has changed today at 45. Beautiful big British brute, with an exhaust note to die for. I just wish I'd got in early, as back when I started driving you could pick a Vantage up for around 15k. Now, way, way into six figures. Bugger!
darei tanto pur di farci un giretto; amo questa macchina più di ogni altra. La classe che ha nella linea, nelle finiture e nella meccanica sono un mix incredibile. Bel video finalmente con una V8 che tira.
As an American, I’ve always been reminded strongly of the Ford Maverick and Mustang II looking at these. That’s a mental image I’m trying hard to look beyond, to appreciate this design on its own. Because it actually is quite brutishly handsome, like an Iso Grifo but more pulled together.
I’d forgotten how brutally beautiful these Vantages look an sound. Truly the first of AM’s “a bruit in a suit” iterations. Just one complaint - far too bloody short! Oh, and placement of Kidston lozenge.
I remember reading in either Road and Track or Car and Driver - they had several of the fastest cars at the Volkswagen Test Track where they could pretty much floor it and leave it there. I think it was Brock Yates writing, it was amazing to see the speedometer touch 170, and the tach at 7000, and both slowly go past. I was just looking for the article so I could link it but couldn't find it.
I may still have that issue somewhere. It was at the Ehra-Liessen test track--two seven-mile-long straights with a 180 degree curve at either end. I believe it was Sept. 1984 R&T. The XJ-S, M635Csi, BB512, and Ruf 911 Turbo were the other cars. The Vantage was clocked at 175 mph. BB512 was slightly faster ,the Ruf 911 laid down 186 mph. I read that article countless times ;)
@@mescko for a car as heavy and un aerodynamic as the aston that was and still is a stunning achievement (I too read and reread all the magazine articles at the time).
When they felt the need to put that "Power - Beauty - Soul" nonsense on the dash when starting I knew they'd lost it. On the old one you're too busy juggling the choke and throttle to get the old girl to fire up and idle nicely from cold :-)
It is funny how slight adjustments make such a difference as I am not keen on the 70s version of this but this version is one of the most perfect looking cars ever.
Automobile meravigliosa... Che si distacca dalle vecchie db 5 e 6 più di classe... La vantage mostra che anche le aston si incazzano.... La linea poi richiama la Maserati ghibli e l iso rivolta.. M
It's like a more refined and luxurious version of the old American pony cars, was that the idea?.. Was it the British version of the late 60s to early 70s Mustang or Camaro?.. I don't mean that as an insult, because I've always like the Vantage. A lot.
If ever there was a MANS CAR, this has to be it. It runs on testosterone. The ultimate Grand Tourer. Like many, this was my dream car in my teens. It will be a dream come true to own and drive one.
I have always dreamed of driving it all around europe like italy and spain. Im 18 do you think this will get banned till im able to fulfill rhat dream.
Great video.Only two disappointments One when the Italian racing driver got hold of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage suddenly he’s driving it at night,why to cloak it from us in darkness,or is it fear of the police?The next thing is at last the V8 Vantage is flying and turning on performance, and suddenly the action is cut off.
I remember during the fuel strike which was early 2000’s (maybe late 90’s) being offered a standard V8 which had been ‘restored’ for £7k….having just had a baby my wife thought it wasn’t practical to buy it 🤦♂️ she’s longer my wife !!!
christdragon Think if I remember correctly it was for aerodynamics, not sure if it worked well or not but I believe that was the reason. I think it looks great but each to their own. What a beautiful car, and what a NOISE. ....!!!
Sure. It was done to reduce drag to improve top speed. It was combined with a new deep front valance ‘air dam’ which was also introduced to improve aero and reduce lift. The new air dam had apertures to allow in air under the bumper for the radiator, condenser and oil coolers. Blocking off the main air inlet, the grille, of course affected cooling. Vantages with blocked grille ran 10C hotter and I guess we will never know how many head gaskets failed that otherwise might have lasted a little longer :) In the peak of a UK summer I run mine with a ‘normal’ grille out of mechanical sympathy. I see no point letting the old girl get hot and flustered in her dotage, especially as she can still lift her skirts and dance on demand. You can see the different position of the needle on the water and oil temp gauges, once up to full working temp, and it only takes an hour to swap them over.
Looking hard at this car , I see a collection of parts bin sourced rear lights from the Hillman Hunter , Door handles from the Jaguar xj6 along with switch gear , door mirrors and many other bits . Its not that the car doesnt look good , its very good, just not quite up there with the Jensen Interceptor .
It’s a 6.3 which is a liter bigger than stock. Also has a 6 speed box.The exhaust is certainly not stock. Note the lack of rear silencers - and a stock one would never breathe fire!
Testers should dish out the same treatment to the 1980s Aston Martin Zagato Vantage,the Porsche 928,the Ferrari 412 I,and 1970s Masarati Bora.Get the same driver who drove this 1980s Aston Martin Vantage to drive all the cars I’ve mentioned on the public roads,and possibly the track like he drove the Aston Martin Vantage that would be great.
Not Stock. Just had all silencers removed. Standard cars had a crossover/silencer and two further silencers and were near silent. It wasn’t cool to have a noisy exhaust back in the day. X pack cars dropped one of the rear silencers and had bigger bore pipes for a more fruity tone. This one has no silencing. I bet he doesn’t drive it much in switzerland, he’d likely get arrested.
I finally purchased a 1988 DBS, at my 55.
The first tune I played on the replaced (had to…) bluetooth radio has been "The Persuaders" opening theme.
I came back to my childhood, to my Dinky and Corgi toys, to my purest time ever, in a minute, that I hope lasts forever. 🇬🇧❤️🍸
My dream since I was 13 years old (that's way back, in 1984!). The sound, the atmosphere, the elegant yet brutal lines.........perfection on four wheels.
My name is Adrian, and this is my dream car from first reading the review in Autocar magazine in the late '70s. If I remember correctly, it was top speed record holder when introduced @ 177 mph !!
Sexiest car ever made
I am 60 and I am drooling over this car. What a sound, and it just looks so beautiful inside and out. A true masterpiece that is a beast. Wish I could win Lotto!!!!
My only criticism of this video is that it's not long enough! Awesome motor, the last of the great Astons! Thanks again Simon.
Stunning, i owned a Cumberland grey 1985 V8 Vantage about 20 years ago in Switzerland..It belonged to Jean Claude Mimran who owned Lamborghini & Yannick Noah the tennis player. sadly i sold to a guy in Norway . At the time i test drove a V600 but preferred the Vantage. one of the only cars i regret selling.
That is the most American looking and sounding British car that I have ever seen.....nice
Such a beautiful car, still my favourite Aston and I can't see that ever changing.
My favourite car when I was s kid and nothing has changed today at 45. Beautiful big British brute, with an exhaust note to die for. I just wish I'd got in early, as back when I started driving you could pick a Vantage up for around 15k. Now, way, way into six figures. Bugger!
Classic Car, Classic Platform!!
Well Done, Mr Bond!!🇬🇧🎩🇬🇧
What a noise! My favourite car
Blooming heck this car takes me back to when i was a kid watching the persuaders .
Agreed, were I was more the Danny wild fan with the Dino 🤗
These days I would like both.
Looks like a British mustang with that glorious exhaust sounds
With a last name of 'Venturi' he could only be a automotive test driver.
One of my favourite cars of all time, old school, but still soooo desirable.
Jeremy Clarkson made this similar comment about Max Venturi a test driver for Lamborghini
Thank you! This and the F40. That’s all I need. Fabulous video.
Fantastic sound.
One of the greatest cars ever made!
“Hold the wheel Bough, I’m getting in the Aston.”
darei tanto pur di farci un giretto; amo questa macchina più di ogni altra. La classe che ha nella linea, nelle finiture e nella meccanica sono un mix incredibile. Bel video finalmente con una V8 che tira.
Forget the new ones. This is the dog’s....
ScotDoc every new car sucks
I own a DB9 but would sell my soul a 1970's Vantage.Absolute perfection.
Abso-bloody-lutely!!
Meravigliosa, una delle mie preferite. Beato te che l'hai provata !
All I could do while watching this was fantasize about driving my own with that exhaust note as my background music.
Ditto!
The sound, the sound I can barely hold my wad!!!
It's British, loud and it likes to drink! LOL! Bang on.
I would have killed a man to get my hands on one of these when I was 15. I still would.
Me too.
The car is the reason I love the Bond movie with Timothy Dalton.
Douglas Parker me too.....!!!
Um, are you guys American, by any chance?
Here is something you can't understand
How I could just kill a man
@@numbereightyseven British.
WOW I had no idea the Brits made their version of a Mustang. It looks amazing and sounds like a beast!!!
It’s a LOT more than a Mustang ! It’s an Aston !
The two ton brick at full chat,. I haven't heard that sound for a while....Thanks for the memory
As an American, I’ve always been reminded strongly of the Ford Maverick and Mustang II looking at these. That’s a mental image I’m trying hard to look beyond, to appreciate this design on its own. Because it actually is quite brutishly handsome, like an Iso Grifo but more pulled together.
The one and only car you will ever need to be happy
Those wheels are gorgeous!
I’d forgotten how brutally beautiful these Vantages look an sound.
Truly the first of AM’s “a bruit in a suit” iterations.
Just one complaint - far too bloody short!
Oh, and placement of Kidston lozenge.
Music sounds great. Nice car
I remember reading in either Road and Track or Car and Driver - they had several of the fastest cars at the Volkswagen Test Track where they could pretty much floor it and leave it there. I think it was Brock Yates writing, it was amazing to see the speedometer touch 170, and the tach at 7000, and both slowly go past. I was just looking for the article so I could link it but couldn't find it.
I may still have that issue somewhere. It was at the Ehra-Liessen test track--two seven-mile-long straights with a 180 degree curve at either end. I believe it was Sept. 1984 R&T. The XJ-S, M635Csi, BB512, and Ruf 911 Turbo were the other cars. The Vantage was clocked at 175 mph. BB512 was slightly faster ,the Ruf 911 laid down 186 mph. I read that article countless times ;)
@@mescko for a car as heavy and un aerodynamic as the aston that was and still is a stunning achievement (I too read and reread all the magazine articles at the time).
That car, is art
Magnificent beast!
My all-time favourite muscle car!!! And, being British, it can actually handle more than just a straight line!!!
Fabuloso vehiculo.🇦🇷💎💚
To my mind the newer cars aren’t a patch on the older handbuilt cars from Newport Pagnell.
Hear hear!
pagan would be my only exception.
When they felt the need to put that "Power - Beauty - Soul" nonsense on the dash when starting I knew they'd lost it. On the old one you're too busy juggling the choke and throttle to get the old girl to fire up and idle nicely from cold :-)
@@peterrenn6341
Absolutely!
“I’ve had a few optional extras installed “
It is beautiful ! God, what a car !
My dream car.I have a DB9 which is nice, but a Aston Martin V8 Vantage...👍👍👍👍
Even if I could find just the vin plates and a front lamp... well, truth be told that's probably all I coud afford.
@@AlfOfAllTrades I am old.Hopefully you aren't.I hope you achieve your life goals.I have. 👍👍👍👍
@@gtrman9706 50 next year...
My friend has just traded up from a DB9 to one - best decision ever
The only time I’ve heard one going flat what at sight and sounds better than anything
It is funny how slight adjustments make such a difference as I am not keen on the 70s version of this but this version is one of the most perfect looking cars ever.
Oh the noise! Great vid👍
Sorry to disagree! This is not a noise but pure V8 symphony!
Cheers
A truly beautiful car. I'd buy one if I could afford it. Guess that's what daydreams are for...
my lawd that thing sounds amazing!
Oh my, dear, Simon! I remember a time 12 years ago, where I was offered such a V8, not the Vantage but still, for only 40k...*sniff*
I can't believe you took a fantastic car, to a beautiful location, with a nice chap to drive it, and made a video just a few minutes long.
Automobile meravigliosa...
Che si distacca dalle vecchie db 5 e 6 più di classe...
La vantage mostra che anche le aston si incazzano....
La linea poi richiama la Maserati ghibli e l iso rivolta.. M
It's like a more refined and luxurious version of the old American pony cars, was that the idea?.. Was it the British version of the late 60s to early 70s Mustang or Camaro?.. I don't mean that as an insult, because I've always like the Vantage. A lot.
What?! Mark felton productions theme song !!!
I liked this Channel but now…I love it !
Forget the Lambo or 930 poster on the wall, when I was a teen in the early 90's, this was the car I dreamed of.
Wonderful what a Ford Zodiac mk.4 windscreen, wipers,front door shells& glass+floor-pan can do.yeah that's why the doors are so short.😎♥️
Professional and well presented video, spoilt somewhat by distracting 'Kidston' plaque in corner!
John Paterson
Truly beautiful.
Glorious.
If ever there was a MANS CAR, this has to be it. It runs on testosterone. The ultimate Grand Tourer. Like many, this was my dream car in my teens. It will be a dream come true to own and drive one.
I have always dreamed of driving it all around europe like italy and spain. Im 18 do you think this will get banned till im able to fulfill rhat dream.
I didn't know AM made some muscles cars back then
Yup, good old proper British Beef.
Aston back then were special really hand built every one individual
You need to study up on the REAL Astons...
Respect............Amazing
one of my fave cars ever
definitely my dream car no punny ev for me
Great video.Only two disappointments One when the Italian racing driver got hold of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage suddenly he’s driving it at night,why to cloak it from us in darkness,or is it fear of the police?The next thing is at last the V8 Vantage is flying and turning on performance, and suddenly the action is cut off.
Beautiful car and video......engine sounds a bit rough?
This was my uncle's dream car as a boy, so about 20 years ago he bought a 400 x pack car in Suffolk red!
Did your uncle's have a black interior? So many apparently chose white with the red finish, but it would look so intense with black interior....
Any chance you can desist from imaging from 6 inches off the ground?
Ah this is indeed a wonderful automobile!
@ 1:56 a six speed gearbox is indicated. Was that original?
Didnt know it came with a 6 speed manual
That surprised me too
@@travisolson9190 The last of them used the 6-speed from the Corvette.
Bonds car. Awesome. Is this a copy of the Mustang?
I remember during the fuel strike which was early 2000’s (maybe late 90’s) being offered a standard V8 which had been ‘restored’ for £7k….having just had a baby my wife thought it wasn’t practical to buy it 🤦♂️ she’s longer my wife !!!
A muscle car wearing a suit from Saville Row !!
Can someone please tell me why Aston Martin covered up the grill? Great sound. Thanks.
christdragon Think if I remember correctly it was for aerodynamics, not sure if it worked well or not but I believe that was the reason. I think it looks great but each to their own. What a beautiful car, and what a NOISE. ....!!!
They also claimed it helped aid cooling.
I think the later models reverted back to the traditional grated grill
Sure. It was done to reduce drag to improve top speed. It was combined with a new deep front valance ‘air dam’ which was also introduced to improve aero and reduce lift. The new air dam had apertures to allow in air under the bumper for the radiator, condenser and oil coolers. Blocking off the main air inlet, the grille, of course affected cooling. Vantages with blocked grille ran 10C hotter and I guess we will never know how many head gaskets failed that otherwise might have lasted a little longer :)
In the peak of a UK summer I run mine with a ‘normal’ grille out of mechanical sympathy. I see no point letting the old girl get hot and flustered in her dotage, especially as she can still lift her skirts and dance on demand. You can see the different position of the needle on the water and oil temp gauges, once up to full working temp, and it only takes an hour to swap them over.
Ha ha...taking the Mark Felton intro music...
Looking hard at this car , I see a collection of parts bin sourced rear lights from the Hillman Hunter , Door handles from the Jaguar xj6 along with switch gear , door mirrors and many other bits . Its not that the car doesnt look good , its very good, just not quite up there with the Jensen Interceptor .
Nonsense. The Jensen borrowed even more parts and didn’t even have its own engine.
In your opinion !, I was there the day that Sinatra collected his convertable from the factory and didnt see him drive an AM ! @@grahamdaws4775
Is it in modified as it sounds much more aggressive than the other v8s I’ve heard
It’s a 6.3 which is a liter bigger than stock. Also has a 6 speed box.The exhaust is certainly not stock. Note the lack of rear silencers - and a stock one would never breathe fire!
Did Aston make the engine?
where is this car today ?
Testers should dish out the same treatment to the 1980s Aston Martin Zagato Vantage,the Porsche 928,the Ferrari 412 I,and 1970s Masarati Bora.Get the same driver who drove this 1980s Aston Martin Vantage to drive all the cars I’ve mentioned on the public roads,and possibly the track like he drove the Aston Martin Vantage that would be great.
Love your vids
It is in this model only, that the engine is connected to Tom Waits.
This is a bad boy car...
Yum. Cataliticcon-whatnow? Traction control? No no no, this is a CAR....
Should have bought one for 20k when I could!
Wunderschöne Schweiz :-)
Surely the car and its sound is dramatic enough without music
Sounds brutal, but looks like a 1972 Ford Maverick with a 1975 Ford mustang Cobra ii front grill...
I. MUST. OWN. THIS. CAR. AS. SOON. AS. POSSIBLE.
Nice Mustang!
Come on Simon, do another video featuring this car. Maybe Wolf of Autobahn 2?
I will own one of these soon.... WOOHOOOO
And how does it handle?
Very well, thank you. But you have to consider it weights well over 1,800 kg. It's not a sports car, but a Grand Touring one.
0:10 so they are built in a shack
IMO, the only car that can come close to this is a Jensen Interceptor or FF.
Even then, they have borrowed, less sophisticated, V8s from the US.
One minute in and we're in a petrol station! Welcome to the reality of AMV8 ownership 🙂
Is it after stock exhaust ?
Not Stock. Just had all silencers removed. Standard cars had a crossover/silencer and two further silencers and were near silent. It wasn’t cool to have a noisy exhaust back in the day. X pack cars dropped one of the rear silencers and had bigger bore pipes for a more fruity tone. This one has no silencing. I bet he doesn’t drive it much in switzerland, he’d likely get arrested.
If you remember Oliver Read : British ,Almost a whisper and granted a similar thirst .
Long live the v8.
Another car engine ruined by music
Why do they do that? 5.3litre,quad cam carbie fed monster, the music is the note of the donk and should be nothing else.
Awful
You can still hear the car. Relax.
Why music ?
cars lovers ends in this video.