One to Buy: 1st of 42 Mandarin Yellow 1980 Aston Martin V8 Vantage V580 Series 1
Three years after the original V8 Vantage had been launched (the V540), Aston Martin introduced an updated version variously known as the V580 and Oscar India.
Most significantly, the V580 engine was brought in across the entire Aston Martin range so that it was only necessary to select the appropriate camshafts and carburettors to create either a V8, Lagonda or Vantage motor. The result was quieter, smoother engines with both improved fuel economy and enhanced mid-range torque.
The first generation V540 V8 Vantage was produced from March 1980 until December 1982, at which point the original GKN wheels were switched for wider track BBS-type and a wider lip was added to the wheelarches.
In total, Aston Martin produced just 42 examples of the first generation V540 V8 Vantage (27 right-hand drive and 15 left-hand drive) the first of which is currently residing at the Autosport Designs showroom in Long Island, New York.
Completed on March 19th 1980 and given its final inspection on March 28th, this car served as the factory demonstrator for Aston Martin’s flagship sales outlet on Sloane Street in London. It was configured in the unusual colour scheme of Mandarin Yellow with Red leather upholstery, Dark Red carpet, a Grey leather dash and a Pioneer KE2300 audio system.
More recently, the car has undergone a major restoration and been uprated with 16 x 8-inch Ronal wheels of the type fitted to last-of-line examples of the V8 Vantage.
Reprinted below is Autosport Designs’ description:
Mandarin Yellow with Red leather interior and Dark Red Wilton Wool carpeting
Restored
5-speed manual ZF gearbox
Uprated to later hubs with factory Ronal type 16x8” wheels & 255/60/16 tires
The first V580 OI Vantage produced
The Aston Martin Lagonda Sales Demonstrator
Featured on the cover of Chris Harvey's book Aston Martin and Lagonda
One of only two V8 Vantage OI's original painted Mandarin Yellow by AML Ltd.
The V8 Vantage needs no introduction, it is well-known as being Britain's First Supercar.
The OI “Oscar India” V8 Vantage was introduced, October 1, “OI” 1979. The OI V8 Vantage had several detailed changes in comparison to its forerunner, the V540 V8 Vantage. Mechanically, the engine received changes to the cylinder heads, valves as well as the pistons. These changes provided the V580 Vantage a better power band and superior torque in comparison to the earlier V540 V8 Vantage.
When tested by the motoring press, the V580 V8 Vantage set a 0 to 60mph time of 5.2 seconds with a top speed of over 175 mph! This was confirmed by several different publications, the best quote having been from, Belgian racing driver and journalist, Mr. Paul Frere. Mr. Frere labelled the Aston Martin V8 Vantage a “civilized Ferrari Daytona”, surely deserved of this accolade being able to travel with four in quite a bit more comfort than a Ferrari Daytona, torque, power, speed, air conditioning, power steering, British elegance with brute force at its best.
The interior is where the most drastic changes were made in comparison to the earlier V8 Vantage. For the first time, leather replaced the vinyl previously used on the dashboard and Burl wood veneer for the dash and door cappings was offered as an option.
This V8 Vantage is the first of only 42 OI production V8 Vantages, “27” RHD examples as well as “15” LHD examples, surely one of the most rare of the V8 Vantage series production.
This particular V580 V8 Vantage OI completed manufacture at the Newport Pagnell AML Works on March 14, 1980 and delivered to 33 Sloane Street, London, AML's factory showroom where it was used as the factory demonstrator.
One of only two V8 Vantage OI's original painted Mandarin Yellow by AML Ltd, its options included a Pioneer stereo head unit, no carpets on the lower door sections (standard V8, V8 Volante and V8 Vantages had the lower sections of the door cards cover in carpet), Two Cibie headlamps as well as side vents “flash” and without the Aston Martin V8 insignia.
Currently in superb restored condition throughout, this is a special Aston Martin with Aston Martin Lagonda history-provenance, rare color combination as well as superb later history having been owned by Aston Martin enthusiast collectors throughout its history and to date.
Complete with original factory build sheet as well as original tool roll, this V8 Vantage OI is ready for its next caretaker to use and enjoy and hopefully continue to have it seen at concours and motoring events the world over.
