Market Position:
Ultra-luxury grand tourer
Competitive Analysis:
Competed with contemporary luxury performance cars from marques such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Rolls-Royce.
Key Features:
Powerful V8 engine, hand-built construction, opulent interior, distinctive styling
Manual Usefulness:
Indispensable information for any serious owner or mechanic, enabling self-servicing and informed decisions.
Systems Covered:
General Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Engine Service/Repair, Transmission Service/Repair, Brake System, Wiring Diagram, Electrical System, Suspension, Periodic Lubrication, Steering, Cooling System, Fuel Injection/Fuel System, Emission System, Heater/Air Conditioning, Engine Control System, Chassis/Body, Restraint System, Interior, Differential/Drive, Axle
Engine Control System:
Detailed coverage of the engine control system, which may involve early electronic fuel injection or ignition management.
Restraint System:
Covers details related to seatbelts and any other safety restraint components present.
Procedures Included:
Step-by-step repair procedures, diagnostics, maintenance, troubleshooting, rebuild, refurbishment, restoration
Troubleshooting Guide:
Advanced troubleshooting guide included to aid in diagnosing and correcting problems.
Repair Procedure Detail:
Detailed substeps expand on repair procedure information with numbered instructions and critical notes, cautions, and warnings.
Diagnostic Procedures:
All diagnostic and repair procedures covered in great detail.
Technical Depth:
Complete Official Factory Information, Professional Technician Level
Illustrations Diagrams:
Contains all necessary illustrations, drawings, and photos for repair procedures.
Engine Type:
Aston Martin V8
Displacement:
5.3 Liters (5340 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
93.0 mm x 97.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
9.5:1 (typical, can vary)
Horsepower:
Approx. 280-310 bhp (depending on specific tune and market)
Torque:
Approx. 330-360 lb-ft (depending on specific tune and market)
Engine Code:
V8 (specific internal codes may apply, refer to manual)
Fuel System:
Weber Carburetors (typically 4 x 40/42 DCNF or similar) or Bosch K-Jetronic Fuel Injection (later models/variants)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (95 RON or higher recommended)
Carburetor Details:
Specific details on Weber carburetor tuning, jetting, and overhaul procedures.
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 9-10 Liters (with filter change)
Ignition System:
Distributor-based, electronic ignition
Transmission Type:
ZF 5-Speed Manual (e.g., ZF S5-325/310)
Transmission Type:
Chrysler Torqueflite 3-Speed Automatic
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulic actuation
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (refer to specific manual for precise grade)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent
Body Style:
4-Door Saloon
Wheelbase:
Approximately 2750 mm (108.3 inches)
Length:
Approximately 4636 mm (182.5 inches)
Width:
Approximately 1778 mm (70.0 inches)
Height:
Approximately 1300 mm (51.2 inches)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1700-1800 kg (3750-3970 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to vehicle data plate
Wheel Size:
16-inch alloy wheels common
Tire Size:
205/70VR15 or 225/60VR15 (common fitments, check manual for specific)
Bolt Pattern:
5x120.65 mm
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (typical for the era, consult manual for precise)
Major Service Interval:
Annually or every 10,000-12,000 miles (includes inspection of major components, drivetrain, suspension)
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG/SH or higher, SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for precise viscosity based on climate and usage)
Coolant Specification:
50/50 mix of Ethylene Glycol antifreeze and distilled water
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron II or equivalent
Final Drive Differential Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 90 or 140 (check manual for specific application)
Known Issues:
Carburetor tuning, ignition system reliability, cooling system efficiency, potential rust in certain areas, aging electrical components, wear on suspension bushings.
Spark Plug Gap:
0.028 - 0.032 inches (0.7 - 0.8 mm) (typical for the era, verify with manual)
Thermostat Rating:
Typically 82-88°C (180-190°F)
Brand Heritage:
Aston Martin is renowned for its legacy of producing luxurious, high-performance sports cars and grand tourers, deeply intertwined with motorsport and British automotive excellence.
Model Evolution:
The V8 Saloon evolved from the V8 Vantage and V8 models, representing the pinnacle of Aston Martin's V8 engine development during this period. The 1981 model year typically incorporated refinements and styling updates from previous iterations.
Production Period:
V8 Saloon production spanned from the late 1970s to the mid-1980s. The 1981 model falls within a significant period of the V8's development and popularisation.
Manufacturing Location:
Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, England
