Apr 5, 2024  •  For Sale  •  19 Comments

James Bond Had One: 1977 Aston Martin V8 Vantage

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From its inception in 1977, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage was tagged as England’s first “Supercar” because it was capable of an astonishing 170 mph. This was a grand touring car with plenty of luxury to go with all that muscle. Only 534 were ever built, with two-thirds being enclosed coupes like the seller’s example, which presents well with only a few cosmetic imperfections (per the seller). Located in Glenview, Illinois, this beauty is available here on craigslist for $83,000. Our thanks to Tony Primo for another interesting and rare find!

The V8 Vantage used an existing Aston Martin 5.3-liter engine but got its speed from several upgrades. These included bigger intake valves, beefer camshafts, oversized carburetors, and a bump-up in the compression ratio. All this resulted in at least 390 hp which was enough to propel the vehicle from a standing stop to 60 mph in just over five seconds. And the cars did this in style with a lavish interior. A drop-top version of the car was featured in the 1987 James Bond flick, The Living Daylights.

We’re told this Aston Martin is in “good” condition at 64,000 miles. No information is offered regarding its history, so we assume a dealer is involved in the sale. The seller admits there are some “cosmetic touches” that are needed but doesn’t get into any details of what they are or how well the beautiful car performs. So, the latter is left to your imagination and we’re guessing you won’t find out if the car will do anywhere near 170 mph until after you buy it.

Comments

  1. Howie
    Apr 5, 2024 at 11:38am

    Good old Craig’s List again, i would rather have a manual.

    Like 5
  2. Will Fox
    Apr 5, 2024 at 12:59pm

    Yes, James Bond drove one in “Her Majesty’s Secret Service” but his was a `69, same year the film debuted.

    Like 2
    • Dik Stukkien
      Apr 6, 2024 at 9:16am

      bond also had one of these in the movie The Living Daylights. That one was a coupe

      Like 1
    • justpaul
      Apr 6, 2024 at 11:14am

      Lazenby had a DBS.

      Like 1
  3. KurtMember
    Apr 6, 2024 at 8:47am

    Need to see that service log. Otherwise, a beautiful car, shaken, not stirred…

    Like 2
    • Mr.Ruch
      Apr 7, 2024 at 2:05am

      Has very good records and can provide to any one who’s needs them

      Like 0
  4. Dave W
    Apr 6, 2024 at 9:12am

    Wonder why the door plate says it’s a Lagonda?

    Like 0
    • Howie
      Apr 10, 2024 at 4:04pm

      Take another look.

      Like 0
  5. Dan
    Apr 6, 2024 at 10:43am

    Shaken, not stirred, indeed. Although it looks nicely presented, the lack of history for a car of this caliber raises a lot of questions. And why is this car on CL and not on Hemmings, where it would better attract its intended buyer pool?

    Like 1
    • justpaul
      Apr 6, 2024 at 11:10am

      Or BAT? Really, something doesn’t feel right here.

      Like 2
    • Georgio rich
      Apr 7, 2024 at 1:52am

      Have huge service log if you need it let me know

      Like 1
    • Mr.Ruch
      Apr 7, 2024 at 2:06am

      Well i have some great records and car runs extremely well and can provide records to anyone needs them and it will be on hemming soon once she detailed and some good pics are taken not the biggest fan of bat

      Like 0
      • Jesse Mortensen JesseStaff
        Apr 17, 2024 at 2:21pm

        Why don’t you auction it here on the site? We will promote it better then the other guys.

        Like 0
    • Chicago Midwest Vintage
      Apr 10, 2024 at 3:55pm

      Again i have great docs

      Like 1
  6. Philip
    Apr 6, 2024 at 3:46pm

    The problem with BaT is that they will not list your car if you do not want to set the reserve at what THEY say it should be.
    I had a real nice LS2 restomod 65 coupe vette in late 2017 that I wanted a reserve of $85k, they replied that it should be reserved at $55-60K…WTF? I sold it quick for $75k to a classic car broker who in turn sold it 6 months later for $90K, then that owner sold it in 2021 for $110K.

    Like 3
    • Philip
      Apr 6, 2024 at 4:10pm

      I forgot to mention, the reason I sold that vette is that I had a 1971 Aston Martin DBS V8 that had just finished a 2 year restomod project with an LS3, etc., and I needed the garage space.

      Btw, the seller states that his car is a Series 1. The DBS V8 is a Series 1, his 1977 AM V8 is known as a Series 3.

      Like 2
  7. Philip
    Apr 6, 2024 at 3:52pm

    Oh, I forgot to finish the story. The reason I wanted to sell that vette is that I had one of these Astons, a 1971 DBS V8, that had been at a shop for 2 years getting restomodded with an LS3, etc. It was time to move on from the vette.

    Like 0
  8. BillCinMA
    Apr 7, 2024 at 4:47am

    I remember one of the car magazines back in the day compared an AM V8 with a similar look Mustang fastback, burnouts, 1/4mi et, value, and drive train comparisons. I still love the AM because of that article.
    But owning either of them with an automatic shift is out of the question.

    Like 0
  9. Slimm
    Apr 9, 2024 at 1:10pm

    Did James Bond drive a manual or automatic in the movies?

    Like 0

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