Launched in January 1986, the Aston Martin V8 Series 5 adopted the latest Vantage specification, engine excepted, the following year and thus boasted the Vantage's revised bodywork and 16" wheels.

Fuel injection was re-introduced on the Series 5, this time a Weber system rather than the earlier Bosch, allowing a flatter bonnet devoid of bulge or intake.

Power output of the standard car was now quoted as 305bhp, and even in automatic transmission form the V8 could reach 100mph in around 15 seconds and better 145mph flat-out.

Summarising its 1973 road test of a V8 automatic, Autocar magazine concluded: 'A well-equipped car with magnificent stride for long journeys,' while Performance Car , also testing a V8 Auto in 1978, reckoned Aston Martin: 'have set out - it has been so for years - to make a car of character, with a chassis of conventional but exceptional ability and manners, with enough performance from its hand-built engine to stand most comparisons and the prestige of English b...