Very presentable Volante in desirable colour scheme
Bodywork and interior in very good condition
One of just 216 Series 2 Volantes
Later fuel injected 5.3litre V8 model
USA market car recently returned to UK
Kindly note that this vehicle has formed part of a large collection and has remained largely idle for some years. Whilst the car starts and runs, a recommissioning of the vehicle is highly advisable.
UK registered
The Appeal
It took a few years for Aston Martin’s new model to receive the V8 engine that its customers sought, but when it did it married two great features: svelte William Townes styling and Tadek Marek’s potent hand-built 5.3litre powerplant.
The V8’s styling evolved too, becoming more aggressive as the firm leant into the theme of big, brutal GTs that increasingly left its competitors scrabbling behind. In 1978 the car’s appeal was broadened with the introduction of the first factory-built convertibles, known as the Volante.
The Series 2 Volante from 1986 gained the lightly dialled back styling and new fuel injected version of the venerable V8 motor of the contemporary Series 5 coupe.
This smart US-market, 1988 Series 2 Volante is one of just 216 built. Attractively finished in light blue over cream with very good bodywork and interior.
The History and Paperwork
Factory plaque on B post shows February 1988 build and USA export specification
This places it as a Series 2 Volante of which only 216 were built
These cars had fuel injection and, thanks to the lower engine, reduced engine cowl
Recently imported from Kuwait as part of an extensive collection
At the time of writing we do not have any further details on the history or servicing of this car
UK registered
The Interior
Attractive cream leather with light blue piping in well kept condition
The excellent condition and supple leather suggest a recent high quality retrim
Practical 2+2 layout with good size rear seats
Dark burr walnut veneer nicely contrasts with the light interior
Later period-correct Sony car stereo fitted
Two tone leather dashboard with blue upper and cream knee roll
Blue two spoke leather factory steering wheel
Tool roll in boot
The evolution of the V8 saw the introduction of higher and higher levels of luxury with final cars such as this one receiving opulent veneers and high quality leather.
This car’s interior appears to support the low displayed mileage. The lovely cream leather seats appear supple and exhibit no signs of wear, the door trims being in similar condition.
The extensive burr walnut veneers are well presented, only a small crack between the dials slightly detracting. There are a small number of very minor scuffs to the centre console and switches but these are minor and do not detract from an attractively interior that has clearly been cared for.
The Exterior
Well kept light blue paintwork with no obvious marks or scuffs
Stored in a dry climate
Factory correct 15in lattice style alloy wheels are unmarked and unkerbed
Galaxy tyres showing good tread depth
Underside appears solid with good layer of protective underseal
Blue vinyl roof with glass rear screen in good condition with no deterioration
This US specification Volante sports a particularly attractive light blue finish that appears to be factory original. The paintwork and panels are in very good condition, with no immediately visible scuffs or marks and no obvious deterioration of the bodywork.
The Mechanics
5.3litre fuel injected, hand-built Aston Martin V8 engine
3spd Chrysler ‘Torqueflite’ automatic gearbox
Unfortunately we do not know the service or maintenance history of this car
A mechanical recommissioning would be advisable given that it formed part of a large static collection for a number of years
Tadek Marek’s in-house designed, hand-built V8 engine is one of British motoring’s true greats, a beefy powerplant that underpinned the firm’s output into the 1990s. For the Series 2 Volante, from 1986, it gained reliable fuel injection.
Summary
The Volante had few competitors when new: bespoke and beefy, it was also rare and relaxing.
This attractive Series 2 Volante is a nicely specified car with evidence of recent expenditure. One of just 216 built, cars like this do not come to market often so don’t miss it.
BEFORE YOU BUY
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