1980 Aston Martin Volante in Amelia Island, Florida

Chassis No. V8COL15210
Engine No. V/580/5210/LFM

With the end of the DB6 Mark II Volante in 1970, enthusiasts had to wait until June 1978 for the unveiling of the next Aston Martin convertible. Affectionately known as a "brute in a suit," Aston Martin's muscular and long-lived V8 was produced for two decades. It combined the company's beloved driving characteristics with potent V8 performance, to from that formidable combination with strong demand. Such was the popularity of the new convertible, Aston Martin transitioned to building the coupe to individual demand just a few short years after the Volante's debut.

Leaving the Aston Martin on 27 August 1980, this Volante is one of the few that was factory equipped left-hand drive cars built with the highly desirable five-speed manual transmission. Finished in Jubilee Silver with Light Blue trim with Dark Blue piping, a Blue convertible top, and Blue Onslow carpets, it shipped to the U.S. just two days later to the Aston Martin dealer of Midland, Texas, The John J. Schaler III Collection. The sleek blue Aston was then purchased by JoAnn Davis on 6 March 1981 before previous research shows it passing to the producer and director Don Meier, best known for his work in the wildly successful television series Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom. The car was relocated to Bellevue, Washington, as late as 1999, where it was purchased by the current owner in April 2005.

After bringing the Volante to their home in Maryland, the care of the car was entrusted to Treasured Motorcars Services of Reisterstown, Maryland. In 2011, they fully rebuilt the 5.3-liter V8, with invoices and photos of the overhaul available for review in its history file. During the rebuild, the engine was appropriately upgraded with European-market components for improved performance. The car also benefits from the installation of the highly desirable European-market bumpers and rear valance, providing a sleeker appearance. In 2019, the car was refinished in Jubilee Silver, as originally specified, along with fresh Blue leather, matching convertible top, and the wood trim by Automobile Tricolore of Isorella, Italy. They also replaced numerous hoses, belts, suspension, brake, lighting, electrical components, and more. The parts removed during its restoration including pistons, U.S.-market airbox, Weber 42-mm DCOE carburetors, lenses, and more will accompany the purchase of the exquisite Volante.

As presented, the Volante's odometer reads just 61,500 miles at the time of cataloging, which are believed to be original. This sleek "brute in a suite" offers drivers wonderful performance capabilities from its potent V8 with Aston Martin's refined driving characteristics and luxurious appointments. Additionally, it is one of the few that was factory equipped as a left-hand drive car with the desirable five-speed manual transmission since new and is furnished with its original toolkit, service records, restoration photos, and copies of its original build sheet.