30 Years of the Vantage V550 – A True Modern Classic.
Once upon a time, thirty years ago, a small number of Aston Martin clients began taking possession of a spectacular new vehicle that was nothing less than the most powerful production motor car ever developed by the British manufacturer, and a real supercar of its day.
The V8 Vantage V550, a technical and aesthetic marvel, made its debut at the British Motor Show in 1992, and by the time the first production cars were delivered to customers in late 1993, the model had already begun to gain almost mythological status. Exuberance for the new vehicle was stoked by a wave of positive press in the automotive press, most notably Jeremy Clarkson's initial road test for The Sunday Times.
Clarkson opined: “Calling the performance explosive is like calling the space shuttle jolly clever… you will not have felt, or heard, anything like it in your life before,” and he was right. At least, if you're talking about an Aston Martin. The V550 boasts an amazing 220 more horsepower than its forerunner, the Virage, with a peak of 550 bhp and 550 lb/ft of torque available at just 4,000 rpm. All roughly derived from the same 5,340cc quad cam V8 gasoline engine. The main distinction? There are now two Eaton M90 superchargers, each of which is fed by a separate bank of cylinders, adding to the orchestra of high-octane noises produced by the engine.
Those massive power and torque numbers are naturally matched by equally impressive performance. Despite its hefty weight of 1,990 kilograms, the V550 is frighteningly quick because to its plenty of power and torque. Salespeople back then would remark that a peak speed of 186 mph was "adequate," and that it took the car 4.6 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph. That tremendous power comes at the driven rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission, with a mechanical limited-slip differential giving some amount of driving control.
This 2+2 door coupe has an overall length of 4,745 millimeters, a width of 1,944 millimeters, and a wheelbase of 2,610 millimeters. It's a large vehicle by contemporary standards and much more so by the supercar benchmarks it set out to change.
The V8 Vantage V550, designed by Ken Greely and John Heffernan, boasts no less than six headlights, arranged in two banks of three, and housed beneath heated glass cowling, embodying the'more is more' attitude to luxury. Although some superficial similarities to the Virage exist, the majority of the car's design is new and just a few aluminum panels were reused. There are large intakes and vents to aid with engine and brake cooling, as well as the classic Aston Martin grille.
The brakes need to be up to the challenge of slowing roughly two tons of sports automobile from 186 mph to rest in as brief a period as feasible. When it comes to stopping power, the V550 has the biggest brakes of any mass-produced vehicle. All-around vented disc brakes measure 362 millimeters in front and include four-piston AP callipers, while rear brakes measure 310 millimeters. Bosch's four-channel ABS comes standard, so at least that's something. The 18-inch, six-spoke alloy wheels hidden under the widened wheel wells are shod with 284/45 tires.
The V550's cabin is a tribute to the best in British luxury car design. Wilton carpets, Connolly leather, and an abundance of burr walnut veneers ensure that the driver and passengers are aware that they are in a luxurious environment. Airbags were initially included in Aston Martin's four-spoke steering wheels, and the two front seats had a system of electronic adjustment controls on the inside of the bolsters.
Although it cost over £177,000 at introduction — the equivalent of almost £440,000 today — the V550, which proudly carried the Vantage brand forward, swiftly came to symbolize the height of British sports car desire. From 1993 until 1999, just 239 V8 Vantage V550s were produced, making them extremely uncommon and coveted even now.
Paul Spires, President of Aston Martin Works in Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, the heritage home of the Aston Martin brand and the place where many of its most iconic models, including the V8 Vantage V550, were built by hand, said: “The V550 holds a particularly special place in my heart, as I know it does for the small band of lucky owners who possess one of these cars.
“I recall the launch of the car, and can well remember the excitement among dealership staff, and buyers, as the first customer cars began to be delivered from Newport Pagnell 30 years ago.
“What stands out for me today, though, is the way the V8 Vantage V550 has matured into a genuine modern classic. It is an occasion to see one on the road, let alone be lucky enough to drive one, and I’m delighted that we here at Aston Martin Works continue to service, repair and indeed now restore these exceptional cars.”
