Description
The V8 Volante was introduced in 1978 and carried on the tradition of convertible Aston Martins. It was said that for every ten V8s made, one was a Volante and one was a Vantage. A V8 Volante is already a rare Aston Martin in its own right, but this car was ordered with a manual gearbox from new and was upgraded to V580 Vantage specification in 1998. This makes it stand out as something really quite special indeed.
- The Car -
This matching numbers V8 Volante was actually the 2nd RHD V8 Volante to roll off the line at Newport Pagnell and the first of only 28 (some say 19) RHD manual cars produced. Specified in red with a magnolia piped red interior and red carpets, this Aston has covered just over 104, 000 miles. It has had a total of 9 owners to date and comes with a sizeable service history.
In 1998, the engine was converted to V580 Vantage specification with a Vantage exhaust along with front and rear handling kits by Stratton Motor Company. In 2003, it was the subject of a full cosmetic restoration, including a respray to Buckinghamshire Green and a retrim by The Aston Workshop. And in 2020, a new black mohair hood was fitted along with green carpets and green seat piping to match – and it is this colour specification that the car is presented in today.
- Its History -
Supplied new by main agent St. Helier Garages of Jersey and purchased in February 1979, the early service history shows this was dealt with by the main agent. Then, after the owner imported the car into the UK in February 1982, it was cared for by Hyde Vale Aston Martin specialists in Blackheath, London and later by some general classic car companies.
In 1989 and then again in 1991 the car was sold and used sparingly by its respective owners, but there is no available history for the car during these subsequent 2 owners.
Sold again in 1995, the car was given a major service and some upgrades by the Rolls Royce and Bentley dealer, Broughtons.
In 1997, the car was purchased by the well-known media mogul, Eddie Shah, and was serviced and upgraded during his entire ownership by Aston Martin main agent Stratton Motor Company. In June 1998, the engine was converted to lead free fuel, but more importantly to V580 Vantage specification along with the car receiving a Vantage exhaust system and front and rear handling kits.
During 2000, the car was sold to a Mexican collector but kept and used in the UK and was cared for by The Aston Workshop and subsequently received various restoration works in mid-2003. This included a change of colour to Buckinghamshire Green, retrimming the seats, though in the same magnolia with red piping, and adding a Vantage Volante POW front spoiler.
Early in 2005, the car was purchased by a London based collector who had Ian Mason Aston Martin Services (later Aston Service London) care for and maintain the car during his entire ownership. In 2016, the car appears to have suffered damage to the NS front and wing panel and was replaced under insurance, totalling over £35, 000.
Purchased in late 2018 by Bicester Sports and Classics, the Aston had a new black mohair hood fitted as well as having new green carpets with the seat piping made to match prior to being sold to the current owner in early 2020.
Since then, the car has been looked after by various companies including Aston Martin specialists Chicane in 2021. Recent works include a new alternator, steering rack, air conditioning unit, viscous fan, blower motor and power steering pump, as well as a full detailing of the engine bay.
Finally, just before Christmas 2023, the engine was given a full and comprehensive service and tune, also by Chicane.
- On the Road -
Like all Vantage-engined V8s, this car needs a little bit of time before it’s warm enough to be unleashed. It’s docile enough at low speeds, though not as smooth like an automatic, but when you want to, the car absolutely takes off and pulls with an unceasing surge of power with the exhaust note changing to much more of a growl. The gearbox is solid and doesn’t require much effort to select the right gear and the clutch is surprisingly light.
The suspension is firm and keeps the car solidly planted on the road, the steering always points you in the right direction and the brakes will stop the car with ease once warmed up. But it’s a heavy car and doesn’t take to being thrown around corners and bends like a nimble mid-engined sports car would. But Aston Martin Vantage-engined V8 cars are bought for their front engined, rear wheel drive power and sheer road presence – something this car has in abundance.
- Conclusion -
V8 Volantes don’t come any rarer than this and this particular one is truly the wolf in sheep’s clothing. When you consider the prices of production V8 Vantage Volantes, both bespoilered and POW versions, this is an opportunity to acquire a truly bespoke, classic Aston Martin for considerably less.
This V8 Volante is available for viewing by appointment at our Hampshire facility and will come with 12 months MOT and a year’s warranty.
