The Aston Martin V8 Zagato was first shown as a design at Geneva in 1985. All 50 copies were bought on the basis of drawings and a scale model. Three prototypes appeared a year later at Geneva in 1986.
The Aston Martin V8 Zagato Volante made its debut at the 1987 Geneva Auto Show and was offered at an even more limited run of only 25, although a total of 37 were eventually made due to high demand. Styling changes from the coupe include flip-up front headlight covers and the removal of the hood bulge, which was not required with the less powerful engine. Not all the Aston Martin V8 Zagato Volantes had the flip-up light covers however.
Technical Specifications
* Engine: dohc V8, 5341 cc, 432 bhp @ 6200 rpm, 395 lbs-ft @ 5100 rpm
* Transmission: 5-speed manual
* Suspension
o Front: independent wishbones, coil springs, telescopic dampers, anti-roll bar
o Rear: de Dion axle, Watt linkage, trailing links, coil springs, adjustable telescopic dampers
* Brakes: Servo assisted vented front/rear discs
* Length: 14'5" (4390 mm)
* Width: 6'1" (1860 mm)
* Height: 4'3" (1295 mm)
* Wheelbase: 8'7"
* Weight: 1650 kg (Coupe) 1685 kg (Volante)
* Top Speed: 186 mph
* 0-60 mph: 4.8 sec.
* Price New: £95,000 (Coupe) £125,000 (Volante)
* Production: 52 (Coupe) 37 (Volante)
* Production Dates
o Aston Martin V8 Zagato: 1986 - 1988
o Aston Martin V8 Zagato Volante: 1987 - 1988
Showing posts with label Aston Martin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Aston Martin. Show all posts
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante (1986)
The original Aston Martin V8 Vantage was hailed at the time of its 1977 introduction as "Britain's Supercar" for its 170 mph (274 km/h) top speed. Its engine was shared with the Aston Martin Lagonda, but the Vantage used high-performance camshafts and bigger carburettors for increased output.
The Vantage name had previously been used on a number of high-performance versions of Aston Martin cars, but this was a separate model. Although based on the Aston Martin V8, numerous detail changes added up to a unique driving experience. One of the most noticeable features was the closed-off hood bulge rather than the open scoop found on the normal V8. The grille area was also closed off for Series I cars.
The Series II cars, introduced in 1978, featured an integrated spoiler and smoother lines in the body. One obvious exterior clue is the square turn signal lights on the front fenders between the wheel opening and the headlights. Inside, wood replaced some of the vinyl padding giving a more luxurious appearance. This line was produced, with some changes, through 1986.
The 1986 through 1989 Series III V8 Vantage was more of a mechanical update. 16 inch (406 mm) wheels were now fitted, as was the more powerful V8 from the limited-edition Aston Martin V8 Zagato. This car was changed somewhat for the United States market - it lacked the powerful Vantage engine but retained the Vantage name, and the look was changed with a flattened hood.
A Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante convertible version was also produced.
The Vantage name had previously been used on a number of high-performance versions of Aston Martin cars, but this was a separate model. Although based on the Aston Martin V8, numerous detail changes added up to a unique driving experience. One of the most noticeable features was the closed-off hood bulge rather than the open scoop found on the normal V8. The grille area was also closed off for Series I cars.
The Series II cars, introduced in 1978, featured an integrated spoiler and smoother lines in the body. One obvious exterior clue is the square turn signal lights on the front fenders between the wheel opening and the headlights. Inside, wood replaced some of the vinyl padding giving a more luxurious appearance. This line was produced, with some changes, through 1986.
The 1986 through 1989 Series III V8 Vantage was more of a mechanical update. 16 inch (406 mm) wheels were now fitted, as was the more powerful V8 from the limited-edition Aston Martin V8 Zagato. This car was changed somewhat for the United States market - it lacked the powerful Vantage engine but retained the Vantage name, and the look was changed with a flattened hood.
A Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante convertible version was also produced.
Aston Martin Bulldog Concept Car (1980)
Styled by William Towns, the Aston Martin Bulldog was ultimately built as a one-off testbed. Originally, it had been intended to be a limited run of about 25. The code name for the project was DP K9, named after a Doctor Who character. It was built in the UK, but is a left-hand-drive car (UK cars are right-hand-drive). It has an incredibly low height at 43 inches (1.1 meters) high, and featured a sharp, distinctive gull-wing door design. The interior uses digital instrumentation and the rear view is delivered via a television monitor mounted on the center console (a later addition). The Aston Martin Bulldog was powered by a 5.3L twin-turbo V8 delivering 700 bhp (522 kW).
The first test drive of the Aston Martin Bulldog came in late 1979 and was a great success. The Aston Martin Bulldog achieved a verified top speed of 191 mph (307 km/h), but the theoretical top speed is estimated at 237 mph (381 km/h). The car was officially launched on March 27, 1980 at the Bell Hotel at Aston Clinton. After the development program was over, Aston Martin sold the only Bulldog to the highest bidder. The total design and construction cost of the Aston Martin Bulldog was estimated to be about £130,000.
The Aston Martin Bulldog spent some time in the United States, but later surfaced back in Britain, for sale and with a new green paint job (the original exterior colours were silver and light grey). The interior has also been changed from the original dark brown and black to light tan.
The first test drive of the Aston Martin Bulldog came in late 1979 and was a great success. The Aston Martin Bulldog achieved a verified top speed of 191 mph (307 km/h), but the theoretical top speed is estimated at 237 mph (381 km/h). The car was officially launched on March 27, 1980 at the Bell Hotel at Aston Clinton. After the development program was over, Aston Martin sold the only Bulldog to the highest bidder. The total design and construction cost of the Aston Martin Bulldog was estimated to be about £130,000.
The Aston Martin Bulldog spent some time in the United States, but later surfaced back in Britain, for sale and with a new green paint job (the original exterior colours were silver and light grey). The interior has also been changed from the original dark brown and black to light tan.
Aston Martin V8 Volante (1978)
By 1978, few new open cars were being built anywhere in the world. But persistent demand was demonstrated by the escalation of the price of second-hand Aston Martin drop-head coupes and the American market was wide open, as by then the American industry had stopped manufacturing convertibles.
The Aston Martin V8 Volante announced on 21st June 1978, was therefore assured a warm welcome. Its specification follows the contemporary Aston Martin V8 Saloon saloon, but was ahead in having polished burr walnut trim and a re-designed bonnet. The hood was power operated as before and was fully lined for noise insulation.
Technical Specifications
* Engine: dohc V-8
* Transmission: 4-speed manual
* Suspension
o Front: trailing arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar
o Rear: live axle, trailing links, Panhard rod, coil springs
* Brakes: front/rear drums
* Height: 4'6" (137cm)
* Weight: 1791kg (3,950lb)
* Top Speed: 150 mph
* 0-60 mph: 8.9
* Price New: £33,864
* Production Dates: June 1978 - 1989
The Aston Martin V8 Volante announced on 21st June 1978, was therefore assured a warm welcome. Its specification follows the contemporary Aston Martin V8 Saloon saloon, but was ahead in having polished burr walnut trim and a re-designed bonnet. The hood was power operated as before and was fully lined for noise insulation.
Technical Specifications
* Engine: dohc V-8
* Transmission: 4-speed manual
* Suspension
o Front: trailing arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar
o Rear: live axle, trailing links, Panhard rod, coil springs
* Brakes: front/rear drums
* Height: 4'6" (137cm)
* Weight: 1791kg (3,950lb)
* Top Speed: 150 mph
* 0-60 mph: 8.9
* Price New: £33,864
* Production Dates: June 1978 - 1989
Aston Martin V8 Vantage (1977)
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage was annouced on 18th February , 1977. The V8 engine having proved to be an exceptionally reliablle and robust unit, it was clear that there was scope for a significant increase in the power that it could deliver. Revised camshafts, air-box, larger inlet valves and carburettors, new inlet manifolds and different plugs, claimed to provide an increase in power of 40% and 10% more torque. The same ZF manual gearbox as in the Aston Martin V8 Saloon was standard equipment. This was enough to give a top speed of about 170 mph and accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.3 secs.
The power increase meant that aerodynamic improvements had to be made for the Aston Martin V8 Vantage. This included a spoiler on the tail, a deep spoiler under the nose and blanked off rediator and bonnet air scoop.
Technical Specifications
* Engine: dohc V8, 5340 cc, 380 bhp @ 6000 rpm
* Transmission: ZF 5-speed manual
* Suspension:
o Front: Wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar
o Rear: de Dion axle, Watt linkage, coil springs
* Brakes: Girling discs all round, servo assisted
* Top Speed: 170 mph
* 0-60 mph: 5.3 sec.
* Price New: £20,000 (1977) £50,000 (1984) £75,000 (1987)
* Production Dates: March 1977 - 1989
The power increase meant that aerodynamic improvements had to be made for the Aston Martin V8 Vantage. This included a spoiler on the tail, a deep spoiler under the nose and blanked off rediator and bonnet air scoop.
Technical Specifications
* Engine: dohc V8, 5340 cc, 380 bhp @ 6000 rpm
* Transmission: ZF 5-speed manual
* Suspension:
o Front: Wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar
o Rear: de Dion axle, Watt linkage, coil springs
* Brakes: Girling discs all round, servo assisted
* Top Speed: 170 mph
* 0-60 mph: 5.3 sec.
* Price New: £20,000 (1977) £50,000 (1984) £75,000 (1987)
* Production Dates: March 1977 - 1989
Aston Martin Lagonda (1976)
The William Towns Aston Martin Lagonda shocked the world with its bold design and electronic instrumentation. A truly stunning design.
It was in the October of 1976 that Aston Martin revealed a new shape Aston Martin Lagonda which had solid state digital instrumentation that justified it as being a new product. With initial production levels at one a week it wasn't until 1979 that the first cars was delivered. It wasn't until 1982 that the Aston Martin Lagonda was cleared for sale in the USA.
In 1984, a Long Wheelbase Tickford Limousine version was announced that had a TV in the front as well as the back.
The Aston Martin Lagonda was updated again in 1987 when William Towns rounded off the edges of the car giving it a fresh new look. New enhancements included a re-designed nose where six smaller lights replace the pop-up headlamps and new 16" alloy wheels. A total of 645 chassis were built before the end of production in 1989, each car required about 2,200 man-hours and only about 25 were built per year for the U.S. market.
Technical Specifications
* Engine: dohc V-8, 280 bhp @ 5000 rpm, torque 360 lbs-ft @ 3000 rpm
* Transmission: 3-speed automatic
* Suspension
o Front: unequal-length wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar
o Rear: de Dion axle, coil springs; self-leveling
* Brakes: Servo assisted front/rear ventilated discs
* Wheelbase: 9'6" (2916 mm)
* Length: 17'4" (5283 mm)
* Width: 5'12" (1816 mm)
* Weight: 2064 kg (3800 mm)
* Heigth: 4'4" (1302 mm)
* Top Speed: 148 mph
* 0-60 mph: 7.9 sec.
* Price New: £ 24,570 (May 1977), £ 37,500 (April 1979), £ 79,500 (January 1986)
* Production: 645
* Production Dates: 1974 - 1989
It was in the October of 1976 that Aston Martin revealed a new shape Aston Martin Lagonda which had solid state digital instrumentation that justified it as being a new product. With initial production levels at one a week it wasn't until 1979 that the first cars was delivered. It wasn't until 1982 that the Aston Martin Lagonda was cleared for sale in the USA.
In 1984, a Long Wheelbase Tickford Limousine version was announced that had a TV in the front as well as the back.
The Aston Martin Lagonda was updated again in 1987 when William Towns rounded off the edges of the car giving it a fresh new look. New enhancements included a re-designed nose where six smaller lights replace the pop-up headlamps and new 16" alloy wheels. A total of 645 chassis were built before the end of production in 1989, each car required about 2,200 man-hours and only about 25 were built per year for the U.S. market.
Technical Specifications
* Engine: dohc V-8, 280 bhp @ 5000 rpm, torque 360 lbs-ft @ 3000 rpm
* Transmission: 3-speed automatic
* Suspension
o Front: unequal-length wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar
o Rear: de Dion axle, coil springs; self-leveling
* Brakes: Servo assisted front/rear ventilated discs
* Wheelbase: 9'6" (2916 mm)
* Length: 17'4" (5283 mm)
* Width: 5'12" (1816 mm)
* Weight: 2064 kg (3800 mm)
* Heigth: 4'4" (1302 mm)
* Top Speed: 148 mph
* 0-60 mph: 7.9 sec.
* Price New: £ 24,570 (May 1977), £ 37,500 (April 1979), £ 79,500 (January 1986)
* Production: 645
* Production Dates: 1974 - 1989
Aston Martin V8 (1973)
The Aston Martin V8 is a two-door saloon-type automobile manufactured in the United Kingdom from 1969 to 1990.
Aston Martin's customers had been clamouring for an eight-cylinder car for years, so Aston Martin designed a larger 2-door saloon for V8 applications. The engine was not ready, however, so in 1967 the company released the Aston Martin DBS with the straight-6 Vantage engine from the Aston Martin DB6. Two years later, Tadek Marek's V8 was ready, and Aston released the DBS V8. With the demise of the straight-6 Vantage in 1973, the DBS V8, now called simply the Aston Martin V8, became the company's mainstream car for two decades. It was retired in favour of the Aston Martin Virage in 1990.
Aston Martin DBS V8
From 1969 through 1972, Aston's top car was the DBS V8. Though the body and name was shared with the six-cylinder Aston Martin DBS, the V8 sold for much more. The body was a modern reinterpretation of the traditional Aston Martin look, with a squared-off grille and four headlights. Distinguishing features of the V8 model are the larger front air dam and lack of wire wheels, though some six-cylinder DBS cars also used the V8's alloy wheels. The tail lights were taken from the Hillman Hunter.
Marek's V8 engine displaced 5.3 L (5340 cc/325 in³) and used Bosch fuel injection. Output was not officially released, but estimates center around 315 hp (235 kW). The DBS V8 could hit 60 mph (97 km/h) in 5.9 seconds and had a top speed of nearly 160 mph (257 km/h).
Aston Martin V8
A DBS V8 was to be used by Roger Moore in the television show, The Persuaders. However, no V8 car was ready, so a six-cylinder DBS was modified to look like a V8 for use in the show.
Aston Martin V8
In April, 1972, the DBS V8 became just the Aston Martin V8 as the six-cylinder DBS was dropped, leaving just this car and the Vantage in production. Although David Brown had left the company, he had overseen development of this model.
Series 2
The Aston Martin V8 became known as the Series 2. Visual differences included twin quartz headlights and a mesh grille. Series 2 cars, produced from 1972 through July 1973, used a similar engine to the DBS V8. Just 288 Series 2 cars were built.
Series 3
The car switched back to carburettors for Series 3 in 1973. These cars are distinguished by a taller hood scoop to accommodate four twin-choke Weber carbs. The car produced 310 hp (231 kW) and could reach 60 mph (97 km/h) in 6.1 seconds with an automatic transmission or 5.7 with a manual. Performance suffered with emmissions regulations, falling to 288 hp (215 kW) in 1976. The next year, a more powerful "Stage 1" engine with new camshafts and exhaust brought it back up to 304 hp (227 kW).
Production of Series 3 cars lasted from 1973 through October 1978, but was halted for all of 1975. 967 examples were produced in this time.
Series 4 ("Oscar India")
The "Oscar India" specification was introduced in October of 1978 at the Birmingham International Motor Show. Visually, the former scoop on the bonnet gave way to a closed "power bulge", while a spoiler was integrated into the tail. Most Oscar India cars were equipped with a Chrysler "Torqueflite" 3-speed automatic transmission, with wood trim fitted for the first time since the DB2/4 of the 1950s. Just 291 Oscar India models were built from 1978 through 1985.
Series 5
The fuel injected Series 5 cars were introduced in 1986 at the New York Motor Show. The compact Weber/Marelli system no longer needed the space of the previous carburettors, so the bonnet bulge was virtually eliminiated.
Only 61 Series 5 cars were built before production ceased in 1989.
James Bond
James Bond's car ("B549 WUU") in the 1987 film, The Living Daylights is somewhat confusing. At the beginning of the film, the car is a Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante (convertible), complete with Vantage badges. The actual car used in these scenes was a preproduction Vantage Volante owned by Aston Martin Lagonda chairman, Victor Gauntlett. Later, the car is supposedly fitted with a hardtop ("winterised") at Q Branch. However, these scenes actually feature a pair of non-Vantage Aston Martin V8 saloons retrofitted with the same number plate and Vantage badges as the car in the beginning, among other "optional extras" like spiked tyres, skis, lasers, and missiles. Clearly, the car was intended to be seen as a Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante, however.
Aston Martin's customers had been clamouring for an eight-cylinder car for years, so Aston Martin designed a larger 2-door saloon for V8 applications. The engine was not ready, however, so in 1967 the company released the Aston Martin DBS with the straight-6 Vantage engine from the Aston Martin DB6. Two years later, Tadek Marek's V8 was ready, and Aston released the DBS V8. With the demise of the straight-6 Vantage in 1973, the DBS V8, now called simply the Aston Martin V8, became the company's mainstream car for two decades. It was retired in favour of the Aston Martin Virage in 1990.
Aston Martin DBS V8
From 1969 through 1972, Aston's top car was the DBS V8. Though the body and name was shared with the six-cylinder Aston Martin DBS, the V8 sold for much more. The body was a modern reinterpretation of the traditional Aston Martin look, with a squared-off grille and four headlights. Distinguishing features of the V8 model are the larger front air dam and lack of wire wheels, though some six-cylinder DBS cars also used the V8's alloy wheels. The tail lights were taken from the Hillman Hunter.
Marek's V8 engine displaced 5.3 L (5340 cc/325 in³) and used Bosch fuel injection. Output was not officially released, but estimates center around 315 hp (235 kW). The DBS V8 could hit 60 mph (97 km/h) in 5.9 seconds and had a top speed of nearly 160 mph (257 km/h).
Aston Martin V8
A DBS V8 was to be used by Roger Moore in the television show, The Persuaders. However, no V8 car was ready, so a six-cylinder DBS was modified to look like a V8 for use in the show.
Aston Martin V8
In April, 1972, the DBS V8 became just the Aston Martin V8 as the six-cylinder DBS was dropped, leaving just this car and the Vantage in production. Although David Brown had left the company, he had overseen development of this model.
Series 2
The Aston Martin V8 became known as the Series 2. Visual differences included twin quartz headlights and a mesh grille. Series 2 cars, produced from 1972 through July 1973, used a similar engine to the DBS V8. Just 288 Series 2 cars were built.
Series 3
The car switched back to carburettors for Series 3 in 1973. These cars are distinguished by a taller hood scoop to accommodate four twin-choke Weber carbs. The car produced 310 hp (231 kW) and could reach 60 mph (97 km/h) in 6.1 seconds with an automatic transmission or 5.7 with a manual. Performance suffered with emmissions regulations, falling to 288 hp (215 kW) in 1976. The next year, a more powerful "Stage 1" engine with new camshafts and exhaust brought it back up to 304 hp (227 kW).
Production of Series 3 cars lasted from 1973 through October 1978, but was halted for all of 1975. 967 examples were produced in this time.
Series 4 ("Oscar India")
The "Oscar India" specification was introduced in October of 1978 at the Birmingham International Motor Show. Visually, the former scoop on the bonnet gave way to a closed "power bulge", while a spoiler was integrated into the tail. Most Oscar India cars were equipped with a Chrysler "Torqueflite" 3-speed automatic transmission, with wood trim fitted for the first time since the DB2/4 of the 1950s. Just 291 Oscar India models were built from 1978 through 1985.
Series 5
The fuel injected Series 5 cars were introduced in 1986 at the New York Motor Show. The compact Weber/Marelli system no longer needed the space of the previous carburettors, so the bonnet bulge was virtually eliminiated.
Only 61 Series 5 cars were built before production ceased in 1989.
James Bond
James Bond's car ("B549 WUU") in the 1987 film, The Living Daylights is somewhat confusing. At the beginning of the film, the car is a Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante (convertible), complete with Vantage badges. The actual car used in these scenes was a preproduction Vantage Volante owned by Aston Martin Lagonda chairman, Victor Gauntlett. Later, the car is supposedly fitted with a hardtop ("winterised") at Q Branch. However, these scenes actually feature a pair of non-Vantage Aston Martin V8 saloons retrofitted with the same number plate and Vantage badges as the car in the beginning, among other "optional extras" like spiked tyres, skis, lasers, and missiles. Clearly, the car was intended to be seen as a Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante, however.
Aston Martin DBS (1967)
Unveiled at Blenheim Palace on September 25, 1967, the William Towns designed Aston Martin DBS was originally only intended for limited production.
In its original guise the Aston Martin DBS retained the six-cylinder, 3,995 cc engine employed in the Aston Martin DB6. However, after an announcement on 27 September, 1969 the Aston Martin DBS was also made available with a V8 engine, with the car being known as the DBSV8 - a four-seat grand touring car, capable of 160 mph.
Besides the engine differences, notable visual differences between the two variants included, on the DBSV8, the use of specially designed 15'' light weight alloy wheels with ventilated brake discs for the first time on an Aston Martin production car (as opposed to the distinctive wire wheels employed on the Aston Martin DBS).
A distinguishing feature of both the Aston Martin DBS and DBSV8 are the four quartz iodine headlights set into an alternative version of the iconic Aston Martin grille.
The Aston Martin DBS and the DBSV8 were produced concurrently until May 1972.
Aston Martin DBS
* Engine: Six cylinder, 3995cc
* Power: 282 bhp @ 5,500 rpm
* Top speed: 140 mph
* 0-60mph: 7.1 seconds
Aston Martin DBSV8 (in production from April 1970 - May 1972):
* Engine: V8, 5340cc
* Power: 320bhp @ 5,000 rpm
* Top speed: 160 mph
* 0-60mph: 6.0 seconds
* Transmission: ZF five-speed manual gearbox or Borg Warner automatic transmission. Limited slip differential.
* Final drive ratio: 3.73:1 (manual) or 3:54:1 (automatic)
* Length: 458 cm
* Height: 133cm
* Width: 183 cm
* Wheelbase: 261 cm
* Kerb weight: 1,588 kg (1,727 kg for DBSV8)
* Price at launch: £4,473 (1967 - DBS) and £5,281 (1969 - DBSV8)
In its original guise the Aston Martin DBS retained the six-cylinder, 3,995 cc engine employed in the Aston Martin DB6. However, after an announcement on 27 September, 1969 the Aston Martin DBS was also made available with a V8 engine, with the car being known as the DBSV8 - a four-seat grand touring car, capable of 160 mph.
Besides the engine differences, notable visual differences between the two variants included, on the DBSV8, the use of specially designed 15'' light weight alloy wheels with ventilated brake discs for the first time on an Aston Martin production car (as opposed to the distinctive wire wheels employed on the Aston Martin DBS).
A distinguishing feature of both the Aston Martin DBS and DBSV8 are the four quartz iodine headlights set into an alternative version of the iconic Aston Martin grille.
The Aston Martin DBS and the DBSV8 were produced concurrently until May 1972.
Aston Martin DBS
* Engine: Six cylinder, 3995cc
* Power: 282 bhp @ 5,500 rpm
* Top speed: 140 mph
* 0-60mph: 7.1 seconds
Aston Martin DBSV8 (in production from April 1970 - May 1972):
* Engine: V8, 5340cc
* Power: 320bhp @ 5,000 rpm
* Top speed: 160 mph
* 0-60mph: 6.0 seconds
* Transmission: ZF five-speed manual gearbox or Borg Warner automatic transmission. Limited slip differential.
* Final drive ratio: 3.73:1 (manual) or 3:54:1 (automatic)
* Length: 458 cm
* Height: 133cm
* Width: 183 cm
* Wheelbase: 261 cm
* Kerb weight: 1,588 kg (1,727 kg for DBSV8)
* Price at launch: £4,473 (1967 - DBS) and £5,281 (1969 - DBSV8)
Aston Martin DB6 Volante SWB (1966)
The Aston Martin DB6 Volante was the first Aston Martin to carry the name Volante - which means "flying" in Italian. It was in fact the last thirty-seven Aston Martin DB5 chassis that were used to build the short-chassis Volantes and were completed between October 1965 and October 1966.
Although clearly derived from the Aston Martin DB4 through the DB5, the new model was announced at the London Motor Show in October 1965. The most noticeable styling change on the Aston Martin DB6 was the spoiler - then called a Kamm tail - integrated into the tail of the car, which improved high speed stability. The split front and rear bumpers; a redesigned oil cooler opening in the front valance, a higher roof (136 cm) and longer wheelbase (258.5 cm), 9.5 cm more than the DB5, giving an overall length of 462 cm.
Aston Martin DB6 Technical Specifications
* Engine: dohc I-6, 3995 cc, 282 bhp @ 5500 rpm, 288 lbs-ft @ 3850 rpm (Vantage: 325 bhp @ 5750 rpm)
* Transmission: ZF 5-speed overdrive manual or Borg-Warner 3-speed automatic
* Suspension
o Front: upper-and-lower A-arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar
o Rear: live axle, Watt linkage, trailing links, coil springs
* Brakes: Servo assisted front/rear discs
* Wheelbase: 8'6" (2585 mm)
* Weight: 1474 kg (3250 Ibs)
* Top Speed: 148 mph
* 0-60 mph: 6.1 sec.
* Price New: £ 4,998 (Saloon)
* Production: 1327 (Excluding Volante)
* Production Dates: October 1965 - July 1969
Although clearly derived from the Aston Martin DB4 through the DB5, the new model was announced at the London Motor Show in October 1965. The most noticeable styling change on the Aston Martin DB6 was the spoiler - then called a Kamm tail - integrated into the tail of the car, which improved high speed stability. The split front and rear bumpers; a redesigned oil cooler opening in the front valance, a higher roof (136 cm) and longer wheelbase (258.5 cm), 9.5 cm more than the DB5, giving an overall length of 462 cm.
Aston Martin DB6 Technical Specifications
* Engine: dohc I-6, 3995 cc, 282 bhp @ 5500 rpm, 288 lbs-ft @ 3850 rpm (Vantage: 325 bhp @ 5750 rpm)
* Transmission: ZF 5-speed overdrive manual or Borg-Warner 3-speed automatic
* Suspension
o Front: upper-and-lower A-arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar
o Rear: live axle, Watt linkage, trailing links, coil springs
* Brakes: Servo assisted front/rear discs
* Wheelbase: 8'6" (2585 mm)
* Weight: 1474 kg (3250 Ibs)
* Top Speed: 148 mph
* 0-60 mph: 6.1 sec.
* Price New: £ 4,998 (Saloon)
* Production: 1327 (Excluding Volante)
* Production Dates: October 1965 - July 1969
Aston Martin DB6 Volante (1966)
The Aston Martin DB6 Volante was the first Aston Martin to carry the name Volante - which means "flying" in Italian. It was in fact the last thirty-seven Aston Martin DB5 chassis that were used to build the short-chassis Aston Martin DB6 Volante SWB and were completed between October 1965 and October 1966.
Although clearly derived from the Aston Martin DB4 through the DB5, the new model was announced at the London Motor Show in October 1965. The most noticeable styling change on the Aston Martin DB6 was the spoiler - then called a Kamm tail - integrated into the tail of the car, which improved high speed stability. The split front and rear bumpers; a redesigned oil cooler opening in the front valance, a higher roof (136 cm) and longer wheelbase (258.5 cm), 9.5 cm more than the DB5, giving an overall length of 462 cm.
Technical Specifications
* Engine: dohc I-6, 3995 cc, 282 bhp @ 5500 rpm, 288 lbs-ft @ 3850 rpm (Vantage: 325 bhp @ 5750 rpm)
* Transmission: ZF 5-speed overdrive manual or Borg-Warner 3-speed automatic
* Suspension
o Front: upper-and-lower A-arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar
o Rear: live axle, Watt linkage, trailing links, coil springs
* Brakes: Servo assisted front/rear discs
* Wheelbase: 8'6" (2585 mm)
* Weight: 1474 kg (3250 Ibs)
* Top Speed: 148 mph
* 0-60 mph: 6.1 sec.
* Price New: £ 4,998 (Saloon)
* Production: 1327 (Excluding Volante)
* Production Dates: October 1965 - July 1969
Although clearly derived from the Aston Martin DB4 through the DB5, the new model was announced at the London Motor Show in October 1965. The most noticeable styling change on the Aston Martin DB6 was the spoiler - then called a Kamm tail - integrated into the tail of the car, which improved high speed stability. The split front and rear bumpers; a redesigned oil cooler opening in the front valance, a higher roof (136 cm) and longer wheelbase (258.5 cm), 9.5 cm more than the DB5, giving an overall length of 462 cm.
Technical Specifications
* Engine: dohc I-6, 3995 cc, 282 bhp @ 5500 rpm, 288 lbs-ft @ 3850 rpm (Vantage: 325 bhp @ 5750 rpm)
* Transmission: ZF 5-speed overdrive manual or Borg-Warner 3-speed automatic
* Suspension
o Front: upper-and-lower A-arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar
o Rear: live axle, Watt linkage, trailing links, coil springs
* Brakes: Servo assisted front/rear discs
* Wheelbase: 8'6" (2585 mm)
* Weight: 1474 kg (3250 Ibs)
* Top Speed: 148 mph
* 0-60 mph: 6.1 sec.
* Price New: £ 4,998 (Saloon)
* Production: 1327 (Excluding Volante)
* Production Dates: October 1965 - July 1969
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Aston Martin DB6 (1965)
The Aston Martin DB6 was the first Aston Martin to carry the name Volante - which means "flying" in Italian. It was in fact the last thirty-seven Aston Martin DB5 chassis that were used to build the short-chassis Volantes and were completed between October 1965 and October 1966.
Although clearly derived from the Aston Martin DB4 through the DB5, the new model was announced at the London Motor Show in October 1965. The most noticeable styling change on the Aston Martin DB6 was the spoiler - then called a Kamm tail - integrated into the tail of the car, which improved high speed stability. The split front and rear bumpers; a redesigned oil cooler opening in the front valance, a higher roof (136 cm) and longer wheelbase (258.5 cm), 9.5 cm more than the DB5, giving an overall length of 462 cm.
Aston Martin DB6 Technical Specifications
* Engine: dohc I-6, 3995 cc, 282 bhp @ 5500 rpm, 288 lbs-ft @ 3850 rpm (Vantage: 325 bhp @ 5750 rpm)
* Transmission: ZF 5-speed overdrive manual or Borg-Warner 3-speed automatic
* Suspension
o Front: upper-and-lower A-arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar
o Rear: live axle, Watt linkage, trailing links, coil springs
* Brakes: Servo assisted front/rear discs
* Wheelbase: 8'6" (2585 mm)
* Weight: 1474 kg (3250 Ibs)
* Top Speed: 148 mph
* 0-60 mph: 6.1 sec.
* Price New: £ 4,998 (Saloon)
* Production: 1327 (Excluding Volante)
* Production Dates: October 1965 - July 1969
Although clearly derived from the Aston Martin DB4 through the DB5, the new model was announced at the London Motor Show in October 1965. The most noticeable styling change on the Aston Martin DB6 was the spoiler - then called a Kamm tail - integrated into the tail of the car, which improved high speed stability. The split front and rear bumpers; a redesigned oil cooler opening in the front valance, a higher roof (136 cm) and longer wheelbase (258.5 cm), 9.5 cm more than the DB5, giving an overall length of 462 cm.
Aston Martin DB6 Technical Specifications
* Engine: dohc I-6, 3995 cc, 282 bhp @ 5500 rpm, 288 lbs-ft @ 3850 rpm (Vantage: 325 bhp @ 5750 rpm)
* Transmission: ZF 5-speed overdrive manual or Borg-Warner 3-speed automatic
* Suspension
o Front: upper-and-lower A-arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar
o Rear: live axle, Watt linkage, trailing links, coil springs
* Brakes: Servo assisted front/rear discs
* Wheelbase: 8'6" (2585 mm)
* Weight: 1474 kg (3250 Ibs)
* Top Speed: 148 mph
* 0-60 mph: 6.1 sec.
* Price New: £ 4,998 (Saloon)
* Production: 1327 (Excluding Volante)
* Production Dates: October 1965 - July 1969
Aston Martin DB5 (1963)
Perhaps the most famous Aston Martin because of the specially equipped silver birch Aston Martin DB5 that starred in the James Bond films "Goldfinger" and "Thunderball". The Aston Martin DB5 made a comeback to the big screen in the 1995 film "GoldenEye".
Regarded by many as the most beautiful Aston Martin produced, Aston Martin DB5 shares many similar traits to Aston Martin DB4. However, DB5's most substantial change occurred under the bonnet. The 6 cylinder engine increased its capacity to 4 litres by increasing the bore to 96mm. Significant too was the introduction of a true full synchromesh ZF 5 speed gearbox. Other chassis changes included the adoption of the Girling disc brakes that had only been used on the Aston Martin DB4 GT, and 15" wheels.
A convertible was also offered and was available with a steel hard top with an exceptionally large rear window.
Technical Specifications
* Engine: dohc I-6, 3995 cc, 282 bhp @ 5500 rpm, 288 lbs-ft @ 3850 rpm (Vantage option: 314bhp @ 5750 rpm)
* Transmission: 4-speed manual with optional overdrive, ZF 5-speed manual (standard from mid-1964), and optional Borg-Warner 3-speed automatic
* Suspension: Front: upper-and-lower A-arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar Rear: live axle, Watt linkage, trailing links, coil springs
* Brakes: Servo assisted front/rear discs
* Length: 15'0"
* Width: 5'6"
* Wheelbase: 8'2"
* Weight: 1466 kg
* Top Speed: 142 mph
* 0-60 mph: 7.1 sec.
* Price New: £4,175 (Aston Martin DB5), £4,490 (Convertible)
* Production
o 886 Standard
o 123 Convertibles
o 12 Shooting Brakes
* Production Dates: July 1963 - September 1965
Regarded by many as the most beautiful Aston Martin produced, Aston Martin DB5 shares many similar traits to Aston Martin DB4. However, DB5's most substantial change occurred under the bonnet. The 6 cylinder engine increased its capacity to 4 litres by increasing the bore to 96mm. Significant too was the introduction of a true full synchromesh ZF 5 speed gearbox. Other chassis changes included the adoption of the Girling disc brakes that had only been used on the Aston Martin DB4 GT, and 15" wheels.
A convertible was also offered and was available with a steel hard top with an exceptionally large rear window.
Technical Specifications
* Engine: dohc I-6, 3995 cc, 282 bhp @ 5500 rpm, 288 lbs-ft @ 3850 rpm (Vantage option: 314bhp @ 5750 rpm)
* Transmission: 4-speed manual with optional overdrive, ZF 5-speed manual (standard from mid-1964), and optional Borg-Warner 3-speed automatic
* Suspension: Front: upper-and-lower A-arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar Rear: live axle, Watt linkage, trailing links, coil springs
* Brakes: Servo assisted front/rear discs
* Length: 15'0"
* Width: 5'6"
* Wheelbase: 8'2"
* Weight: 1466 kg
* Top Speed: 142 mph
* 0-60 mph: 7.1 sec.
* Price New: £4,175 (Aston Martin DB5), £4,490 (Convertible)
* Production
o 886 Standard
o 123 Convertibles
o 12 Shooting Brakes
* Production Dates: July 1963 - September 1965
Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato (1961)
The Aston Martin DB4 GT made its premiere at the 1959 London Motor Show. The car was designed by Aston Martin and used the Superleggera body frame system - aluminium panels on tubular support frames - produced by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan. Although similar to the Aston Martin DB4, the differences added up to a very different motor car.
Five inches were chopped off the original Aston Martin DB4 wheelbase, making the GT easier to handle on a race track and reducing the overall weight; the engine was equipped with new twin-plug head and 45 DCO Webers, which increase power output to an impressive 302 bhp. The Aston Martin DB4 GT was the first of many Aston Martin's to use the cowled headlights.
Technical Specifications
* Engine: dohc I-6, 3670 cc; 302 bhp (Aston Martin DB4 GT) 314bhp (Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato) @ 6000 rpm, 240 lbs-ft @ 5000 rpm
* Transmission: 4-speed manual DB
* Suspension: Front: upper-and-lower A-arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar Rear: live axle, Watt linkage, trailing links, coil springs
* Brakes: front/rear discs
* Length: 14'4"
* Width: 5'6"
* Height: 4'4"
* Wheelbase: 7'9"
* Weight: 1269 kg (2798 Ibs)
* Top Speed: 153 mph
* 0-60 mph: 6.4 sec.
* Price New: £ 4534
* Production: 75
* Production Dates: 1959 - 1963
Five inches were chopped off the original Aston Martin DB4 wheelbase, making the GT easier to handle on a race track and reducing the overall weight; the engine was equipped with new twin-plug head and 45 DCO Webers, which increase power output to an impressive 302 bhp. The Aston Martin DB4 GT was the first of many Aston Martin's to use the cowled headlights.
Technical Specifications
* Engine: dohc I-6, 3670 cc; 302 bhp (Aston Martin DB4 GT) 314bhp (Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato) @ 6000 rpm, 240 lbs-ft @ 5000 rpm
* Transmission: 4-speed manual DB
* Suspension: Front: upper-and-lower A-arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar Rear: live axle, Watt linkage, trailing links, coil springs
* Brakes: front/rear discs
* Length: 14'4"
* Width: 5'6"
* Height: 4'4"
* Wheelbase: 7'9"
* Weight: 1269 kg (2798 Ibs)
* Top Speed: 153 mph
* 0-60 mph: 6.4 sec.
* Price New: £ 4534
* Production: 75
* Production Dates: 1959 - 1963
Aston Martin DBR4 (1959)
Production Dates: October 1958 - June 1963
Tadek Marek's new 3.7 litre, six-cylinder twin overhead camshaft, all alloy engine first ran in 1956 and was raced in the DBR2 in 1957.
Work on the DB4 started in 1956, at the same time as the DB Mark III. The key people involved in the development of the DB4 were general manager John Wyer, chassis designer Harold Beach, and engine designer Tadek Marek. Every major component in the DB4 was new. The four-seater body was design by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan, using their 'Superleggera' system by which alloy panels are fixed to a tubular frame built onto the very strong platform chassis.
The entirely new car was shown at the London Motor show in 1958, sharing a stand with the DB Mark III which was to continue in production for almost a year. The DB4 was the first production car to capable of 0-100-0 mph in under 30 sec. claiming to reach the 100 mph mark in 21 seconds. A very impressive car that put Aston Martin back in competition with other Mediterranean sports car manufacturers.
A four-seater convertible was announced at the London Motor Show in 1961.
By the time that the DB4 ended it's production run, there were five distinct series.
Specification
Price New: £ 3,976 (Saloon), £ 4,194 (Convertible)
Engine: all dohc I-6, 3670 cc, 240 bhp @ 5500 rpm, 240 lbs-ft @4250 rpm; Vantage: 266 bhp @5750 rpm
Transmission: 4-speed manual with optional overdrive or optional Borg-Warner 3-speed automatic
Suspension: Front: upper-and-lower A-arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar Rear: live axle, Watt linkage, trailing links, coil springs
Brakes: Servo assisted front/rear discs
Length: 14'9"
Width: 5'6"
Height: 4'4"
Wheelbase: 8'4"
Weight: 1308kg
Top Speed: 140 mph
0-60 mph: 9 sec.
Tadek Marek's new 3.7 litre, six-cylinder twin overhead camshaft, all alloy engine first ran in 1956 and was raced in the DBR2 in 1957.
Work on the DB4 started in 1956, at the same time as the DB Mark III. The key people involved in the development of the DB4 were general manager John Wyer, chassis designer Harold Beach, and engine designer Tadek Marek. Every major component in the DB4 was new. The four-seater body was design by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan, using their 'Superleggera' system by which alloy panels are fixed to a tubular frame built onto the very strong platform chassis.
The entirely new car was shown at the London Motor show in 1958, sharing a stand with the DB Mark III which was to continue in production for almost a year. The DB4 was the first production car to capable of 0-100-0 mph in under 30 sec. claiming to reach the 100 mph mark in 21 seconds. A very impressive car that put Aston Martin back in competition with other Mediterranean sports car manufacturers.
A four-seater convertible was announced at the London Motor Show in 1961.
By the time that the DB4 ended it's production run, there were five distinct series.
Specification
Price New: £ 3,976 (Saloon), £ 4,194 (Convertible)
Engine: all dohc I-6, 3670 cc, 240 bhp @ 5500 rpm, 240 lbs-ft @4250 rpm; Vantage: 266 bhp @5750 rpm
Transmission: 4-speed manual with optional overdrive or optional Borg-Warner 3-speed automatic
Suspension: Front: upper-and-lower A-arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar Rear: live axle, Watt linkage, trailing links, coil springs
Brakes: Servo assisted front/rear discs
Length: 14'9"
Width: 5'6"
Height: 4'4"
Wheelbase: 8'4"
Weight: 1308kg
Top Speed: 140 mph
0-60 mph: 9 sec.
Aston Martin DB4 GT (1959)
The Aston Martin DB4 GT made its premiere at the 1959 London Motor Show. The car was designed by Aston Martin and used the Superleggera body frame system - aluminium panels on tubular support frames - produced by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan. Although similar to the Aston Martin DB4, the differences added up to a very different motor car.
Five inches were chopped off the original Aston Martin DB4 wheelbase, making the GT easier to handle on a race track and reducing the overall weight; the engine was equipped with new twin-plug head and 45 DCO Webers, which increase power output to an impressive 302 bhp. The Aston Martin DB4 GT was the first of many Aston Martin's to use the cowled headlights.
Technical Specifications
* Engine: dohc I-6, 3670 cc; 302 bhp (Aston Martin DB4 GT) 314bhp (Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato) @ 6000 rpm, 240 lbs-ft @ 5000 rpm
* Transmission: 4-speed manual DB
* Suspension: Front: upper-and-lower A-arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar Rear: live axle, Watt linkage, trailing links, coil springs
* Brakes: front/rear discs
* Length: 14'4"
* Width: 5'6"
* Height: 4'4"
* Wheelbase: 7'9"
* Weight: 1269 kg (2798 Ibs)
* Top Speed: 153 mph
* 0-60 mph: 6.4 sec.
* Price New: £ 4534
* Production: 75
* Production Dates: 1959 - 1963
Five inches were chopped off the original Aston Martin DB4 wheelbase, making the GT easier to handle on a race track and reducing the overall weight; the engine was equipped with new twin-plug head and 45 DCO Webers, which increase power output to an impressive 302 bhp. The Aston Martin DB4 GT was the first of many Aston Martin's to use the cowled headlights.
Technical Specifications
* Engine: dohc I-6, 3670 cc; 302 bhp (Aston Martin DB4 GT) 314bhp (Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato) @ 6000 rpm, 240 lbs-ft @ 5000 rpm
* Transmission: 4-speed manual DB
* Suspension: Front: upper-and-lower A-arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar Rear: live axle, Watt linkage, trailing links, coil springs
* Brakes: front/rear discs
* Length: 14'4"
* Width: 5'6"
* Height: 4'4"
* Wheelbase: 7'9"
* Weight: 1269 kg (2798 Ibs)
* Top Speed: 153 mph
* 0-60 mph: 6.4 sec.
* Price New: £ 4534
* Production: 75
* Production Dates: 1959 - 1963
Aston Martin DB4 (1958)
Work on the Aston Martin DB4 started in 1956, at the same time as the Aston Martin DB Mark III. The key people involved in the development of the Aston Martin DB4 were general manager John Wyer, chassis designer Harold Beach, and engine designer Tadek Marek. Every major component in the Aston Martin DB4 was new. The four-seater body was design by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan, using their 'Superleggera' system by which alloy panels are fixed to a tubular frame built onto the very strong platform chassis.
The entirely new car was shown at the London Motor show in 1958, sharing a stand with the DB Mark III which was to continue in production for almost a year. The Aston Martin DB4 was the first production car to capable of 0-100-0 mph in under 30 sec. claiming to reach the 100 mph mark in 21 seconds. A very impressive car that put Aston Martin back in competition with other Mediterranean sports car manufacturers.
Tadek Marek's new 3.7 litre, six-cylinder twin overhead camshaft, all alloy engine first ran in 1956 and was raced in the Aston Martin DBR2 in 1957.
A four-seater convertible was announced at the London Motor Show in 1961.
By the time that the Aston Martin DB4 ended it's production run, there were five distinct series (i.e. Aston Martin DB4 GT and Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato).
Technical Specifications
* Engine: all dohc I-6, 3670 cc, 240 bhp @ 5500 rpm, 240 lbs-ft @4250 rpm; Vantage: 266 bhp @5750 rpm
* Transmission: 4-speed manual with optional overdrive or optional Borg-Warner 3-speed automatic
* Suspension: Front: upper-and-lower A-arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar Rear: live axle, Watt linkage, trailing links, coil springs
* Brakes: Servo assisted front/rear discs
* Length: 14'9"
* Width: 5'6"
* Height: 4'4"
* Wheelbase: 8'4"
* Weight: 1308kg
* Top Speed: 140 mph
* 0-60 mph: 9 sec.
* Price New: £ 3,976 (Saloon), £ 4,194 (Convertible)
* Production Dates: October 1958 - June 1963
The entirely new car was shown at the London Motor show in 1958, sharing a stand with the DB Mark III which was to continue in production for almost a year. The Aston Martin DB4 was the first production car to capable of 0-100-0 mph in under 30 sec. claiming to reach the 100 mph mark in 21 seconds. A very impressive car that put Aston Martin back in competition with other Mediterranean sports car manufacturers.
Tadek Marek's new 3.7 litre, six-cylinder twin overhead camshaft, all alloy engine first ran in 1956 and was raced in the Aston Martin DBR2 in 1957.
A four-seater convertible was announced at the London Motor Show in 1961.
By the time that the Aston Martin DB4 ended it's production run, there were five distinct series (i.e. Aston Martin DB4 GT and Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato).
Technical Specifications
* Engine: all dohc I-6, 3670 cc, 240 bhp @ 5500 rpm, 240 lbs-ft @4250 rpm; Vantage: 266 bhp @5750 rpm
* Transmission: 4-speed manual with optional overdrive or optional Borg-Warner 3-speed automatic
* Suspension: Front: upper-and-lower A-arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar Rear: live axle, Watt linkage, trailing links, coil springs
* Brakes: Servo assisted front/rear discs
* Length: 14'9"
* Width: 5'6"
* Height: 4'4"
* Wheelbase: 8'4"
* Weight: 1308kg
* Top Speed: 140 mph
* 0-60 mph: 9 sec.
* Price New: £ 3,976 (Saloon), £ 4,194 (Convertible)
* Production Dates: October 1958 - June 1963
Aston Martin DB Mark III (1957)
Aston Martin DB Mark III was launched at the Geneva Show in March 1957 and was available only for export until it was shown at the London Motor Show in October that same year. Aston Martin DB Mark III was the final development of the cars based on Claude Hill's chassis and the Lagonda six-cylinder twin overhead camshaft engine. It remained in production for circa nine months after the Aston Martin DB4 was introduced. Some 310 cars were exported to the USA.
Tadek Marek had finely re-designed the 3-litre engine. The standard DBA version of this engine had a stiffer crankshaft, a new block, oil pump and timing chain, new exhaust and induction manifolds, the ports were based on the Aston Martin DB3S engine, larger valves, high lift camshafts (after the first 150). With the same capacity (2,922cc) twin SU carburettors and compression ratio (8:16:1) as the VB6J engine, the improved breathing provided an output claimed to be 162 bhp at 5,500rpm.
The main change in the appearance of the car was the adoption of the elegant shape of the radiator opening from that of the DB3S and the consequent compound curves of the front of the bonnet, which can be traced on all subsequent models, including the V8. Inside, the main difference was a completely different facia and instrument panel (which remained in use until the Aston Martin DB6 Mark II was dropped in 1970). In 1959, for the first time, automatic transmission (Borg Warner) was offered (as an extra) for a production Aston Martin; it was installed only in four drophead coupes and one saloon.
Technical Specifications
* Engine: dohc I-6, 2922 cc, 162 bhp @ 5500 rpm
* Transmission: 4-speed manual
* Length: 14' 3.5" (435.5cm)
* Width 5'5" (165cm)
* Height 4' 6.25" (138cm)
* Wheelbase 8' 3" (251.5cm)
* Weight: 1,270 kg (2,800 lb)
* 0-60mph: 8.2 secs
* Price New: £ 3,076 (Saloon), £ 3,451 (Drophead Coupe)
* Production Dates: March 1957 - July 1959
Tadek Marek had finely re-designed the 3-litre engine. The standard DBA version of this engine had a stiffer crankshaft, a new block, oil pump and timing chain, new exhaust and induction manifolds, the ports were based on the Aston Martin DB3S engine, larger valves, high lift camshafts (after the first 150). With the same capacity (2,922cc) twin SU carburettors and compression ratio (8:16:1) as the VB6J engine, the improved breathing provided an output claimed to be 162 bhp at 5,500rpm.
The main change in the appearance of the car was the adoption of the elegant shape of the radiator opening from that of the DB3S and the consequent compound curves of the front of the bonnet, which can be traced on all subsequent models, including the V8. Inside, the main difference was a completely different facia and instrument panel (which remained in use until the Aston Martin DB6 Mark II was dropped in 1970). In 1959, for the first time, automatic transmission (Borg Warner) was offered (as an extra) for a production Aston Martin; it was installed only in four drophead coupes and one saloon.
Technical Specifications
* Engine: dohc I-6, 2922 cc, 162 bhp @ 5500 rpm
* Transmission: 4-speed manual
* Length: 14' 3.5" (435.5cm)
* Width 5'5" (165cm)
* Height 4' 6.25" (138cm)
* Wheelbase 8' 3" (251.5cm)
* Weight: 1,270 kg (2,800 lb)
* 0-60mph: 8.2 secs
* Price New: £ 3,076 (Saloon), £ 3,451 (Drophead Coupe)
* Production Dates: March 1957 - July 1959
Aston Martin DB3S (1953)
The Aston Martin DB3 and later Aston Martin DB3S were racing cars built in the 1950s. Although they used some Aston Martin DB2 parts, they were quite different, being designed especially for racing. The original modifications were done by ex-Auto Union engineer, Eberan von Eberhorst, though others handled the later Aston Martin DB3S work.
Aston Martin DB3
The DB3 was introduced in 1951 with a 133 hp (99 kW) 2.6 L Lagonda straight-6 engine from the DB2 Vantage. The car was unsuccessful, so a larger 2.9 L engine, producing 163 hp (122 kW), was introduced for 1952. The car went on to place 2nd, 3rd, and 4th at Silverstone that year behind a Jaguar C-Type. The cars were forced out of Le Mans, but did claim the 9-hour race at Goodwood.
Aston Martin DB3S
The Aston Martin DB3S was a lighter version of the car, introduced in 1953. It was somewhat more successful, and was produced until 1956. Two coupe versions were also built.
The Aston Martin DB3S was replaced in 1956 by the famed Aston Martin DBR1, which finally claimed Le Mans in 1959.
Aston Martin DB3
The DB3 was introduced in 1951 with a 133 hp (99 kW) 2.6 L Lagonda straight-6 engine from the DB2 Vantage. The car was unsuccessful, so a larger 2.9 L engine, producing 163 hp (122 kW), was introduced for 1952. The car went on to place 2nd, 3rd, and 4th at Silverstone that year behind a Jaguar C-Type. The cars were forced out of Le Mans, but did claim the 9-hour race at Goodwood.
Aston Martin DB3S
The Aston Martin DB3S was a lighter version of the car, introduced in 1953. It was somewhat more successful, and was produced until 1956. Two coupe versions were also built.
The Aston Martin DB3S was replaced in 1956 by the famed Aston Martin DBR1, which finally claimed Le Mans in 1959.
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