Aston Martin V8 & Vantage Tire Pressures

• The ideal tire pressures for an Aston Martin V8 & Vantage range from 30/50 PSI.
• To find the ideal tire pressures to match your car's year, model, and chosen tires follow the link to our Tire Pressure Guides.

• Our suggested 15" Aston Martin V8 & Vantage tire is the 225/70 WR 15 Michelin XWX, the 235/70R15 Michelin XVS Whitewall, or the 255/60 WR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN12, depending on the model.
• Our recommended 16" V8 Vantage tire is the 255/50 YR 16 Michelin Pilot Sport or the 255/50 YR 16 Pirelli P-Zero Assimetrico.
• To see more information on Aston Martin V8 & Vantage tires follow the link to our Aston Martin V8 & Vantage Tire Section.

Aston Martin V8 Tires (1969–1989)

The original Aston Martin DBS V8 came equipped with 225/70VR15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN12 tires. However, these are no longer in production. As an alternative, 225/70 VR 15 Avon Turbospeed ACR3 tires were the standard choice for the 7” wheels. If you seek better handling and a higher speed rating, we recommend upgrading to 225/70 WR 15 Michelin XWX tires, which carry a higher, W speed rating.

For automatic models of the AM V8 and the Volante, 235/70 R 15 Avon Turbosteel tires, typically associated with Rolls Royce, were often fitted. For a smoother and more stable ride with improved directional stability, we recommend switching to 235/70R15 Michelin XVS Whitewall tires.

It's worth noting that the V8 was released on tubeless wheels, so Aston Martin V8 innertubes are not mandatory. However, if you decide to use innertubes, 225/70 R 15 tires fit a Michelin 15/17H innertube, while 235/70 R 15 tires fit a Michelin 15J innertube.

Some of the Volante models were equipped with Vantage-spec tires, specifically 255/60 WR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN12, still on the same 7” wheels.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage Tires (1977–1989)

In the early years, Aston Martin Vantage cars were fitted with 225/70R15 tires on 7” wheels. However, for improved handling and speed rating, we recommend using the 225/70 WR 15 Michelin XWX tires.

Between 1979 and 1983, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage featured 255/60 WR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN12 tires on its 7” wide GKN wheels.

In 1984, Aston Martin introduced wider 8” wheels to accommodate Pirelli’s new P7 tires in the size 275/55R15, although these are no longer available. However, these 8” wheels are well-suited for the 255/60 WR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN12 tires, which we strongly recommend.

The Article below firmly believes that a Pirelli Cinturato is the best choice, and we concur.

In 1987, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage transitioned to 16” wheels, and we recommend fitting 255/50 YR 16 Michelin Pilot Sport or 255/50 YR 16 Pirelli P-Zero Assimetrico tires for these models.

Model Evolution

The genesis of the V8 can be traced to the quest for a worthy successor to the DB6 model. In 1967, Aston Martin introduced the DBS, outfitted with the straight-six Vantage engine inherited from the DB6. Two years later, the unveiling of Tadek Marek's V8 engine marked the birth of the DBS V8. However, the turning point came in 1973 when the DBS V8 underwent a dramatic restyling, evolving into the Aston Martin V8. This iconic vehicle would go on to serve as the flagship of Aston Martin's lineup for nearly two remarkable decades until its eventual handover to the Virage in 1989.

DBS V8 Model (1970-1972)

The zenith of the V8's early years was the DBS V8, reigning supreme from 1969 to 1972. It carried forward Aston Martin's traditional design ethos with a modern twist, featuring a distinctive squared-off grille adorned with four headlights. The V8 model distinguished itself with a more substantial front air dam, shod with 225/70VR15 tires, and a departure from wire wheels. Powered by Tadek Marek's formidable 5.3-liter V8 engine, equipped with Bosch fuel injection, it boasted an estimated output of around 315 hp. The DBS V8 could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 7.1 seconds and achieved a top speed of 150 mph. This era witnessed the creation of 402 DBS V8 masterpieces.

AM V8 Model (Series 2)

In April 1972, the DBS V8 assumed a new moniker, the Aston Martin V8, and was retrospectively tagged as the Series 2 V8 to differentiate it from forthcoming iterations. Aesthetic upgrades introduced the era of twin quartz-halogen headlights and a mesh grille, design elements that would become emblematic of the V8 lineage until 1989. Bosch fuel injection became the hallmark of the AM V8 model, ensuring optimal performance. A select group of 288 Series 2 vehicles emerged as a testament to Aston Martin's unwavering commitment to excellence.

Series 3

The Series 3 ushered in an era of Weber carburetors in 1973, distinguished by a taller hood scoop accommodating four twin-choke Weber carbs. Powering the Series 3 was a 310 hp engine, its performance figures varying according to transmission specifications. Production of Series 3 vehicles persisted from 1973 through October 1978, culminating in 967 magnificent creations.

Series 4 ("Oscar India")

In October 1978, the automotive landscape witnessed the arrival of the "Oscar India" specification. This iteration showcased design enhancements, including a closed "power bulge" on the bonnet and an integrated tail spoiler. Most "Oscar India" models embraced the Chrysler "Torqueflite" three-speed automatic transmission. Only 352 of these illustrious models graced the streets from 1978 through 1985, with emission regulations gradually reducing engine power on American market variants.

Series 5

The dawn of 1986 heralded the introduction of the fuel-injected Series 5 models, featuring a compact Weber/Marelli fuel injection system that elegantly eliminated the need for a bonnet bulge. A select group of 405 Series 5 cars emerged, continuing the legacy of performance and precision.

Lagonda

A brief interlude saw the emergence of seven four-door Lagonda saloons between 1974 and 1976, inspired by the Aston Martin V8 and characterized by a distinctive Lagonda-style grille.

James Bond Connections

The legendary Aston Martin V8 had its cinematic moment in the 1987 film "The Living Daylights," gracing the silver screen as a V8 Volante (convertible) replete with ingenious gadgets and optional extras. This iconic model returned to the James Bond franchise in the 2019 film "No Time to Die," resuming its role with the same registration that had enthralled audiences in "The Living Daylights."

Aston Martin V8 Vantage History (1977–1989)

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage, an embodiment of British grand touring excellence, made its presence felt from 1977 to 1989. With a total production count of 534 V8 Vantage vehicles, including 342 Saloon and 192 Volante models, this automotive masterpiece bore the indelible mark of William Towns' design genius.

Performance and Powertrain

Revered as "Britain's First Supercar" upon its debut in 1977, the V8 Vantage commanded attention with a remarkable top speed of 170 mph. While sharing an engine lineage with the Lagonda, it featured high-performance enhancements such as high-performance camshafts, an increased compression ratio, larger inlet valves, and more substantial carburetors, resulting in prodigious output. Accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds, the V8 Vantage outpaced even the venerable Ferrari Daytona.

Design and Series

The inaugural series of the V8 Vantage was characterized by the presence of four 48IDF2/100 Weber carburetors, delivering an estimated output of 390 bhp. The "Oscar India" version, introduced in late 1978, featured design refinements including an integrated tea-tray spoiler and a smoother bonnet bulge. The V8 Vantage underwent a series of adaptations and evolutions, each contributing to its legendary status, with production continuing until 1989. By 1986, the engine had been elevated to deliver 403 bhp, cementing its reputation as a pinnacle of automotive engineering.

Appearance and Features

Distinguishing design elements included a closed-off hood bulge and a sealed grille area housing twin driving lights. The 1986–1989 580 'X-Pack' model introduced performance enhancements such as Cosworth pistons and Nimrod racing-type heads, pushing power output to new heights. For those seeking even more, a 'big bore' after-market option was available, boosting power to 432 hp. Additionally, a 6.3-liter version with 450 bhp expanded the range of possibilities. Series 2 Vantage coupés and Volantes found their way into production, alongside 'Cosmetic' Vantage models tailored for specific markets. From 1980 onward, Cosmetic Vantages featured DOT-approved 5 mph (8 km/h) safety bumpers both front and rear.

Vantage Volante

The V8 Vantage's legacy extended to a Volante convertible version produced between 1986 and 1989. The production Vantage Volante sported a more pronounced front spoiler, wider wheel arches, extended side skirts, and a rear spoiler. In total, 166 Vantage Volantes graced the roadways.

In the captivating history of the Aston Martin V8 and V8 Vantage spanning from 1969 to 1989, these British masterpieces left an indelible mark on the world of grand touring automobiles. The Aston Martin V8, meticulously crafted over two decades, seamlessly succeeded the iconic DB6 model, culminating in the birth of the legendary DBS V8. This exceptional lineage transitioned to the Aston Martin V8, embraced a series of evolutions, and ultimately paved the way for the Virage in 1989. Its counterpart, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, dazzled from 1977 to 1989, earning the esteemed title of "Britain's First Supercar." With its high-performance enhancements and innovative design, the V8 Vantage soared to remarkable heights, leaving an enduring legacy in the annals of automotive history.