To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Open Roads, Fall event, 11
- 20 November 2020.
Estimate:
$210,000 - $230,000
- One of 216 Series 2 Volantes produced
- Retains numbers-matching powertrain per factory build
record
- Dover White over Dark Blue/Light Blue; original Dark Blue
top
- Delivered new to Osaka, Japan; exported to North America in
2018
- Under 19,910 km (~12,400 mi) indicated
- Accompanied by factory build record
Looking to satisfy demand for an open-top iteration of the V8
coupe, Aston Martin unveiled the V8 Volante in June 1978. Primarily
designed with the US market in mind, the car had a fully lined and
power-operated hood, enhancing the excitement provided by the
already thrilling V-8 engine.
The Volante remained in production for eleven years, and whilst
engineering development continued over its production run, the
muscular character of the car remained the same. In 1983, the V8
range received a number of substantial improvements, including
revised heating and ventilation controls, and it could be easily
identified by its BBS alloy wheels. Aston Martin later introduced
an updated Volante model, the Series 2 (a designation corresponding
to the coupe's Series 5) in January 1986; it featured Weber/Marelli
electronic fuel injection with a restyled flat bonnet.
Chassis 15679, offered here, is a wonderfully presented
Japanese-delivery example with just under 19,910 kilometers
(~12,400 miles) indicated. The accompanying factory vehicle record
shows that this chassis was released from Aston Martin's Newport
Pagnell assembly plant on 21 April 1988 and received by its first
owner, a Mr. Hitoshi Tujinaka, of Osaka, Japan on 20 December that
year. Said to have been retained by Mr. Tujinaka from new, this
chassis was thereafter imported to Canada from Japan via the Port
of Vancouver in August 2018, where it remained until its
acquisition by the consignor earlier this year.
The car's Dover White paintwork contrasts beautifully with the navy
blue Everflex convertible top and polychromatic blue interior.
Sumptuous Dark Blue hides are trimmed in light blue piping
throughout, with the cabin carpeting and boot cover fitted to
matching specifications. The entire interior aesthetic is enriched
by a bevy of well-maintained walnut burl veneers and chrome trim,
with the seller reporting that all switchgear works without issue.
An updated audio unit has been fitted to this otherwise
period-correct interior.
The 305 horsepower naturally aspirated 5.3-liter V-8 engine and
three-speed automatic transmission are stated to be the
numbers-matching units, as indicated by the accompanying copy of
the factory build sheet. As one of 216 "Series 2" Volante examples
built between 1986 and 1989, this chassis is desirably equipped
with uncatalyzed emissions equipment and attractive "blade"
bumpers-enhancing both the performance and appearance of this
convertible over similar examples provided to the US-market.
Overall, this chassis is an alluring example presented in a
condition befitting of its low stated mileage.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/0620.
