Vehicle Description
-Litchfield Black (Dark Grey metallic) with Tan leather interior,
Beige Wilton wool carpeting and Black Mohair cloth convertible top,
Restored, Factory 5-speed ZF manual gearbox, Full service and
ownership histories, Converted LHD to RHD when new at the Aston
Martin Works, Newport Pagnell Works.
With the introduction of the Vantage in 1977, Aston Martin's V8 was
thrust into the supercar league. The name had previously been
applied to high-horsepower versions of the DB six-cylinder cars. In
the V8's case, Vantage tune meant maximum horsepower was raised to
around 375 bhp. The V8 Vantage was readily distinguishable from the
standard production V8 by its blocked-off bonnet scoop, front
grille blanking plate, front spoiler air dam and boot lid
spoiler.
Produced to satisfy demands from the USA, the V8 Volante
"convertible" had debuted in 1978, but it was not until 1986 that
it became available in Vantage specification, which by this time
meant around 400+ bhp and 432 bhp in optional 'X-pack' engine
specification. In this particular V8 Vantage Volantes case, it has
been uprated by R.S. Williams Ltd. 7.0 Liter Big Bore specification
which increases the already extremely potent performer to 500+ bhp
and an equal amount of torque, which surely makes this one of the
ultimate supercar convertibles the world had and has offered to the
public. A total of 166 Vantage Volantes on both RHD and LHD had
been completed by the end of production in December 1989. Not only
potent and luxurious in English bespoke fashion, but also extremely
rare.
This superb V8 Vantage Volante was originally manufactured in
left-hand drive configuration and sold new in July 1989. Aston
Martin Works documentation has confirmed that in December 1989 the
car returned to Newport Pagnell and was converted from LHD to
RHD.
During this V8 Vantage Volantes subsequent ownerships, it has been
serviced by Aston Martin Works Service as well as several
well-known and respected UK marque specialists. It has been an AMOC
concours class winner.
In its most recent ownership, it has been fitted with the
aforementioned uprated R.S. Williams Ltd. 7.0 liter engine which to
date has approximately 2,000 break in miles. Further work included
overhauling the differential and raising the final-drive gearing
for a much improved driving experience. The Vantage Volante was
sent to well-known Aston Martin restorers, Bodylines Ltd for
chassis and body refinishing to as new condition. Once completed, a
complete bare metal respray from equally well-known and respected
Spray-Tec Restorations was performed. At this time, the interior
leather and carpeting was completely retrimmed, the boot
compartment retrimmed and finally a new Black Mohair convertible
top fitted. All interior wood veneer was refinished, the following
PoW upgrades were also supplied and installed: the center switch
console was upgraded-raised, a coin tray to replace the factory
ashtray, a center armrest was installed as well as a Nardi wood
rimmed steering wheel. Finally, further bespoke additions include
two-stage heated front seats, new door pockets with superior
speakers to the standard fitment as well as a new, upgraded stereo
system controlled by a new Becker head unit providing bluetooth
telephone connectivity, navigation system and iPod
compatibility.
We believe the following statement from Fast Lane magazine when the
V8 Vantage Volante was road tested new sums all up properly and
honestly. "'It's not by any means the world's most expensive
drophead in production (the Corniche costs an extra £23,000) nor is
it quite the quickest, though a Porsche Cabrio would have to be
very well driven to get away from it, but the Aston Martin Volante
is perhaps the greatest. It is a true sports car which is also
luxuriously comfortable.' - Fast Lane.
This V8 Vantage Volante has been serviced with R.S. Williams Ltd,
Nicholas Mee and Co. Ltd. and most recently has received and a
major serviced by Desmond Smail. It is therefore serviced and ready
for immediate use and enjoyment. Complete with all factory books,
manuals, tools, jack and of course all history and
service-restoration records.
