The 1981 Aston Martin V8 was the last year of production for the Series 3 V8 model, which had been introduced in 1973. It was also the final year that the iconic Aston Martin V8 engine would be used in the Vantage variant, making it a highly desirable collector’s car today.
The 1981 V8 was available in both coupe and convertible (Volante) body styles, with a total production run of 216 cars. The V8 engine produced 310 horsepower, and the car could reach a top speed of 160 mph. The V8 was mated to a 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission.
The 1981 model featured a number of upgrades over previous years, including an improved air conditioning system, revised brake calipers, and a new fuel system with a single-plunger injection pump. It also had a redesigned dashboard and center console, with new switches and dials.
One notable feature of the 1981 Aston Martin V8 was its appearance in the James Bond film “The Living Daylights.” The V8 Volante was driven by Timothy Dalton’s Bond character and featured a number of gadgets, including retractable skis and missiles hidden in the headlights.