Aston Martin 1967 to 1989.
Discussion
What are the DBS and V8s like to drive?
I've always lusted after the generation after these the Virages, but was heartbroken when I had a chance to drive a couple. They just didn't do it for me. I'd particularly loved the Volante, even went to the point of getting a baby sitter for the day, flying the Mrs and I up to Glasgow to go and see one. I love the look of her driving it, but when it was my turn I knew within a 100 yards it just didn't float my boat.
Still one day I'll get the chance to drive a Vantage and I'm sure that will be better.
I used to regularly see a deep blue one in Wokingham which I loved.
Of course you used to hear it much more than you saw it. The wonderful sound of a big lazy V8 ricocheted around the town long before and after the car had passed through.
There has to be something special about sitting in the middle of your own personal earthquake, wielding enough torque that the world literally does move for you.
I've always lusted after the generation after these the Virages, but was heartbroken when I had a chance to drive a couple. They just didn't do it for me. I'd particularly loved the Volante, even went to the point of getting a baby sitter for the day, flying the Mrs and I up to Glasgow to go and see one. I love the look of her driving it, but when it was my turn I knew within a 100 yards it just didn't float my boat.
Still one day I'll get the chance to drive a Vantage and I'm sure that will be better.
I used to regularly see a deep blue one in Wokingham which I loved.
Of course you used to hear it much more than you saw it. The wonderful sound of a big lazy V8 ricocheted around the town long before and after the car had passed through.
There has to be something special about sitting in the middle of your own personal earthquake, wielding enough torque that the world literally does move for you.
Depends what you are expecting. They are big, thirsty, heavy 70's cars with 60's technology.
Personally (although my experience is limited to a standard V8, not the Vantage) I absolutely love driving mine. I'm used to proper clutches and brakes that need a good shove. Modern car drivers will find the brakes and clutch heavy.
There's plenty of grunt and the handling is good by the standards of the day, but if you are used to 45 section tyres you will notice the floppy sidewalls when you press on, but they do make it very comfortable. See below:
Personally (although my experience is limited to a standard V8, not the Vantage) I absolutely love driving mine. I'm used to proper clutches and brakes that need a good shove. Modern car drivers will find the brakes and clutch heavy.
There's plenty of grunt and the handling is good by the standards of the day, but if you are used to 45 section tyres you will notice the floppy sidewalls when you press on, but they do make it very comfortable. See below:
Edited by LoudV8 on Thursday 24th October 13:55
strummerville said:
DB7 pilot said:
This thread needs a photo.
That's better.
Interesting thread... The late 70s V8 Vantage is my favourite looking car ever, but I have never been fortunate enough to drive one. Would I be disappointed? That's better.
V8 Vantage my dream since 1983 Motor Show fortunately a dream realised in 2006
they drive very well even by todays standards imho with exception of brakes which are limited by 15 inch wheel size performance wise they accelerate with plenty of gusto just a wave of torque no need to rev hard or rush the gearbox clutch surprisingly easy
iron fist in a velvet glove
now them's proper tyres
they drive very well even by todays standards imho with exception of brakes which are limited by 15 inch wheel size performance wise they accelerate with plenty of gusto just a wave of torque no need to rev hard or rush the gearbox clutch surprisingly easy
iron fist in a velvet glove
now them's proper tyres
Edited by TKH on Thursday 24th October 21:16
They used to be considered large cars, but by the standard of today's corpulent offerings, not any longer! I presume therefore, you have the usual fairly dead brake pedal feel of older, non ABS cars, and a slow, heavy (but very precise) gear change like a Borg Warner in the early Sierra Cosworth?
The ZF 5 speeder is actually nothing like a BW T5,(i've got both)It is a very light action that you can operate with a finger and thumb,but you cannot slam it through as it will baulk,particularly 1st to 2nd,but this is a dogleg 1st gear and needs a bit of precision anyway.i wouldn't say the brakes are dead as you can feel whats happening,but they are lightly servoed so need a good shove.
A couple of weeks ago I was working in an office building in the West End and was allowed to use the underground carpark.As I parked my van I spotted a big clear plastic bubble in one of the bays . On investigation I saw an absolutely pristine 1967 AM DB6. Navy blue with tan interior,chrome spokes and it was a Superleggera. I stood there for about 10 minutes drooling .The bubble is acclimatised to stop dampness and its kept at a certain temp. Apparently it was a "gift" to one of the company directors who has had it over a year now ,but has never even sat in it 
.Obviously the car has been completely refurbed,or has never been used in its life as it so immaculate.It was sad to see such a beautiful motor sat there not being used. Not sure this belongs in this post,but thought you may like to read .
.Obviously the car has been completely refurbed,or has never been used in its life as it so immaculate.It was sad to see such a beautiful motor sat there not being used. Not sure this belongs in this post,but thought you may like to read . strummerville said:
They used to be considered large cars, but by the standard of today's corpulent offerings, not any longer! I presume therefore, you have the usual fairly dead brake pedal feel of older, non ABS cars, and a slow, heavy (but very precise) gear change like a Borg Warner in the early Sierra Cosworth?
You are quite right. At one time they were considered barges, but with all cars getting bigger they are beginning to look more compact, and the genius of the design sings out. If you fancy one I would get it soon if I were you. A POW spec would be nice. Most of them were autos. The feel of it is old English quality. PS Not sure why the OP referred to the old DBS Six as a banger. It was a nice car, not the fastest, but not that slow and one of the greatest sounding engines ever.
cardigankid said:
PS Not sure why the OP referred to the old DBS Six as a banger. It was a nice car, not the fastest, but not that slow and one of the greatest sounding engines ever.
I always thought that "six banger" was the proper term for a 6 cylinder engine. What else to cylinders do if not contain the "bangs".a8hex said:
cardigankid said:
PS Not sure why the OP referred to the old DBS Six as a banger. It was a nice car, not the fastest, but not that slow and one of the greatest sounding engines ever.
I always thought that "six banger" was the proper term for a 6 cylinder engine. What else to cylinders do if not contain the "bangs".a8hex said:
cardigankid said:
PS Not sure why the OP referred to the old DBS Six as a banger. It was a nice car, not the fastest, but not that slow and one of the greatest sounding engines ever.
I always thought that "six banger" was the proper term for a 6 cylinder engine. What else to cylinders do if not contain the "bangs".
a8hex said:
cardigankid said:
PS Not sure why the OP referred to the old DBS Six as a banger. It was a nice car, not the fastest, but not that slow and one of the greatest sounding engines ever.
I always thought that "six banger" was the proper term for a 6 cylinder engine. What else to cylinders do if not contain the "bangs".
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