1987 Aston Martin V8 Convertible Coupe

Aston Martin announced the Vantage Volante, the final variant of the V8 model line, on October 8th of 1986. It was inspired by a design made from the Brunei Royal Family, and given a deep front spoiler, wide flared wheel arches, and extended side skirts. Additional hood latches and a stiffer suspension were added to cope with the expected high speeds from the uprated engine. 16-inch Ronal wheels with 255/55 VR16 Goodyear Eagle tires were placed at all four corners. The Vantage Volante was offered with a three-speed automatic gearbox, which was a first for the model, and proved to be popular over the expensive ZF manual gearbox.

United States federal regulations did not allow for the high-compression V580X engine, so Aston Martin fitted the vehicles with a lower compression V585 engine, equipped with Weber electronic fuel injection. The only distinguishable feature was a flatter bonnet and federally required rubber bumpers.

This particular example was built in April of 1987. It is a U.S. specification V8 Vantage Volante and first delivered new in 1988 through Aston Martin Lagonda of Beverly Hills to a movie industry executive. Unable to decide on the color he preferred, he also took delivery of a red version of the same model. The car remained with him for three years and during that time, acquired fewer than 9,000 miles. Rolls-Royce of Beverly Hills arranged the sale to the second owner, a Dallas socialite. After 24 years of ownership, and with fewer than 25,000 miles on the odometer, it was acquired by the current owner. Since then, the U.S. bumpers have been replaced to European-style bumper blades.

The car has received mechanical work and detailing with invoices totaling over $65,000.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2019