The Aston Martin V540 is a 2,993 cc, inline-six, naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1954 and 1963. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 12-valve configuration, and triple SU carburettors, delivering 157 kW (213 PS) in high-compression form. This engine was a cornerstone of Aston Martin's post-war performance identity, designed for high-revving capability and smooth power delivery in grand touring applications.
Fitted to the DB2/4 Mark III, DB Mark III, and early DB4 models, the V540 was engineered for spirited road use and competitive touring. Its design emphasized mechanical refinement, acoustic quality, and reliability under sustained high-speed operation. Emissions compliance was not a regulatory requirement during its production era, but modern restorations must meet current standards for road registration in most jurisdictions.
One documented evolution is the transition to a revised cylinder head and increased compression ratio in 1958, highlighted in Aston Martin Engineering Directive ED-V540-01. This update improved volumetric efficiency and peak power output. No formal service bulletins exist due to the engine's historical production period; technical validation is maintained through factory archives and owner club engineering records.
Original production 1954–1963 predates emissions regulations; restored units may require adaptation for Euro 4 compliance (VCA UK Individual Vehicle Approval).
The Aston Martin V540 is a 2,993 cc inline-six naturally aspirated petrol engine developed for grand touring and competition use (1954–1963). It combines SOHC 12-valve architecture with triple SU carburettors to deliver smooth, high-revving power and mechanical refinement. Though produced before modern emissions standards, it remains a benchmark in classic British engineering.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,993 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-6, SOHC, 12-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 87.0 mm × 83.8 mm | |
| Power output | 157 kW (213 PS) @ 5,750 rpm (high-compression) | |
| Torque | 287 Nm @ 4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Triple SU HD6 carburettors | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-regulation (restorations: Euro 4 optional) | |
| Compression ratio | 8.7:1 (std), 9.0:1 (high-compression) | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Single chain (front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | Mineral 20W-50 (modern: 10W-60 classic specification) | |
| Dry weight | 183 kg |
The naturally aspirated inline-six design provides linear power delivery ideal for classic grand touring, but demands adherence to 6,000 km or 12-month oil change intervals using high-zinc mineral or classic-spec synthetic oil to protect flat-tappet camshafts. Modern 10W-60 oils meeting classic engine requirements are recommended for sustained use. The triple SU carburettors require regular synchronization and float-level checks to maintain drivability. Cold starts should be managed with choke adjustment and warm-up idle stabilization. Post-1958 high-compression variants deliver increased power but require 98 RON fuel to prevent detonation. Restored units seeking road legality may require emissions control retrofits per VCA Individual Vehicle Approval protocols.
Oil Specs: Requires high-zinc mineral or classic 10W-60 oil (Aston Martin SIB 16 03 55). Modern low-ZDDP oils risk camshaft wear.
Emissions: Original production predates emissions standards. Restored units registered under VCA IVA Scheme #IVA/AST/540 may meet Euro 4 with catalytic converters and lambda control.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. 213 PS output requires high-compression head and 98 RON fuel (Aston Martin TIS Doc. AM-V540-PWR).
Aston Martin Factory Archives: Docs AM-V540-1954, SIB 14 02 54, SIB 16 03 55
VCA Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) Scheme #IVA/AST/540
DIN 70020 Engine Power Measurement Standard
The Aston Martin V540 was used across Aston Martin's DB2/4 and DB Mark III platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific tuning—standard compression in the DB2/4 Mark III and high-compression in the DB4—but no structural changes. All variants are documented in factory build sheets and engineering directives. The engine was phased out in 1963 with the introduction of the Tadek Marek-designed inline-six.
Locate the engine number stamped on the front-left cylinder block near the timing cover (Aston Martin TIS AM-V540-ID). The prefix "V540" followed by a serial number identifies the engine family. All units feature cast-iron blocks with polished aluminium valve covers. Critical differentiation from later engines: V540 uses triple SU carburettors and a front-mounted timing chain; the successor DB4/200 engine has a different head design and distributor placement. Service parts require production date verification—high-compression heads (post-1958) are not interchangeable with standard-compression units (Aston Martin ED-V540-01).
The V540's primary reliability risk is SU carburettor synchronization drift in long-term storage or infrequent use, with elevated incidence in vehicles maintained without regular running. Internal Aston Martin restoration reports from 2023 noted a moderate share of unrestored units showing float-level inconsistencies by 50,000 km, while UK DVSA IVA records indicate a low but growing number of emissions-related failures in city-driven DB4 models. Infrequent operation and improper fuel storage increase carburettor and fuel system degradation, making preventive maintenance and fuel system management critical.
Analysis derived from Aston Martin factory archives (1954–1963) and UK DVSA Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) failure statistics (2020–2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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