Aston Martin V8 & Volante

After the sleek and sublime DB4, 5 and 6 models, the brutish V8 marked a radical change of direction for Aston Martin. 

Based on the angular 1967 DBS, the muscular newcomer arrived in showrooms in 1972 and proved to be an instant hit.

Bigger and heavier than its predecessors, the V8 was designed to mix thundering supercar pace with relaxing grand tourer credentials. It was also the first model to roll out of the Newport Pagnell factory since David Brown’s departure earlier that year, meaning it didn’t get the famous DB model designation.

Originally available only as a coupé, it was soon joined by an open-top Volante version. At the heart of the big Aston’s appeal was its mighty 5.3-litre V8 engine. Fitted with either fuel injection or four Weber carburettors, the hand-built unit produced 304bhp – rising to 380bhp for the blistering Vantage high-performance model.

With its square-edged lines, aggressive-looking nose and large dimensions, you’d struggle to call the V8 beautiful, but there’s no denying that it has enormous kerbside appeal.

Climb aboard and you’ll find that the cabin is not nearly as large as the car’s imposing external bulk suggests. However, the luxuriously appointed interior feels cosseting rather than cramped. Soft Connelly leather covers the seats, dash top and centre console, while real wood trim appears on the dashboard – a first for Aston since the DB2/4. Our Volante convertible featured an electrically powered, fully insulated fabric roof.

Twist the key in the ignition and the V8 rumbles throatily into life. Most models were fitted with a three-speed auto, but our car had a five-speed manual gearbox to make the most of the engine’s huge performance potential. Power-assisted steering helps guide the hefty Aston through corners, but it never feels nimble. Instead, the V8 is at its best on fast open roads, where it can cover huge distances without breaking sweat.

It’s not the most beautiful or desirable Aston Martin ever built, but it definitely warrants its place in our line-up.
 
* Value: £20,000-£100,000

* Engine: 5.3-litre V8, 304bhp

* Transmission: Three-speed auto/five-speed manual

* 0-60mph/top speed: 6.6 seconds/146mph

* Cars built: 3,530