Vehicle Description
-Cumberland Grey over Blue leather Interior with Blue Carpeting,
Aston Martin Works Service 6.3L liter V8, ZF 5-speed, Vantage
Volante 'Prince of Wales' Specification performed by Aston Martin
Lagonda Works Service, Newport Pagnell in 1991, Full ownership and
service history, Longterm AMOC Collector Ownership.
When Aston Martin unveiled the V8 Vantage Volante, the larger
flares and side skirts were not quite to everybody's liking. One
particular client at the time, HRH, The Prince of Wales, currently
His Royal Highness The King of England wanted the Vantage
specification high horsepower engine, but requested a more
understated, bespoke styling. Thus was born the V8 Vantage 'PoW'
specification Volante.
Shortly after taking delivery of his PoW V8 Vantage Volante, the
AML factory began to offer their select, VIP clientele the bespoke
Volante. It was now known as the V8 Vantage Volante Prince of Wales
or PoW for short.
The PoW V8 Vantage Volante featured slightly flared wheel arches to
cover the Ronal 16" wheels, a subtle front air dam, a flat boot
without the standard Vantage Volantes large lip spoiler and the V8
Vantage bonnet with bulge to clear the Weber carburetors. These
were all extremely subtle changes to the almost standard V8
Volante. As we would say here in the USA, a bit of a sleeper, all
of the go, with none of the show.
Only 22 examples were produced in full specification V8 Vantage
tune, all in RHD form. Subsequently, several of the original RHD
PoW's were later converted to LHD and several other V8 Volantes and
V8 Vantage Volantes were returned the Aston Martin Works Service
Department in Newport Pagnell for complete factory conversion to
PoW specifications. This V8 is one such Aston having been purchased
new as V8 Volante.
Not all POW cars feature the various bespoke interior features
requested by HRH. Therefore, it must be stated that every PoW is
unique it is own right and its original clients specifications.
From 1986 to 1989 a total of 27 cars were built. Of these, 22 were
full spec right hand drive cars, all for the British market, the
other 5 were LHD examples destined for North America. Sadly, the US
cars are described as 'cosmetic' PoW, not being able to have full
specification V8 Vantage engine, but instead having the standard V8
Volante Weber Marelli fuel injected Federal Specification emission
controlled engine of the era. Unfortunately, that meant they had
all of the show and none of the go. Added to this, the US
'cosmetic' PoW V8 Volantes included the 16" Ronal wheels and wheel
arches, but sadly had the unsightly and cumbersome 5 mph Black
rubber impact bumpers as demanded and required for importation by
the United States Department of Transportation 'DOT' safety
standard and regulations.
For many, the Vantage Volante to 'Prince of Wales' specification
has become the jewel of the Aston Martin V8 model range. This LHD
V8 was originally produced as a V8 Vantage Volante and first
registered to a Mr. L. Bramley. Almost immediately, it changed
hands having been purchased by Mr. Nystrom. Mr. Nystrom returned
his newly acquired Aston to is birthplace and entrusted his Aston
to the AML Works Service Department in Newport Pagnell. AML Works
were instructed to convert the V8 Vantage Volante to 'PoW'
specification, but decided to further enhance his now bespoke V8
Vantage Volante 'PoW' with a AM Work 6.3 liter Vantage engine
upgrade with completed large bore intake and sport exhaust systems.
The result a motor producing massive amounts of horsepower (480+)
and over 500 ft. lbs. of torque. Acceleration from in under 0-60 5
seconds and a top speed of well over 175 mph should the convertible
top not blow off. Supercar horsepower for the era to say the
least!
Since the AMWS conversion to PoW specifications, this V8 Volante
has enjoyed enthusiast Aston collector ownerships. It has been
housed and used in Spain, the UK and with most recent ownership
having been within a well-known German Aston collection. In this
ownership since 2006, the POW has received a bare metal repaint in
its original color, a new convertible top, in cloth-Mohair and has
been serviced when and where needed by Aston Service Hamburg.
This PoW V8 Volante has been used and enjoyed seasonally, never in
inclement weather and has taken part in several vintage
rallies-tours as well as AMOC events, thus it has been well-known
within the German AMOC circles.
This V8 Vantage Volante to 'PoW' specification is complete with all
Books, Tools, Manuals, Factory Jack as well as its Full Service and
Ownership histories.
