1988 Aston Martin V8 Convertible Coupe

The arrival of the 'Vantage' name in 1977 represented a resurrection of the specification which had previously been applied to high-power versions of the DB six-cylinder cars, having laid dormant since the V8's arrival back in 1969. The 5,340cc dual overhead camshaft breathed through a 42mm carburetors, but in Vantage tune, a quartet of 48mm Weber carburetors was added, the valves and ports grew larger, and the camshafts changed, helping to boost power to around 375 bhp. Larger ventilated disc brakes were added all around and concealed behind low-profile Pirelli tires. The most distinguishable exterior feature was the blocked-off bonnet scoop, blanked air intake, front chin spoiler and lip on the boot lid.

The Volante convertible was introduced in 1978, but it was not until 1986 that it became available to Vantage specification, by which time its output was around 400 bhp. Vantage engines now came with a boot spoiler, extended front spoiler, and flared wheel arches, giving it a more muscular and sinister appearance. With the optional 'X-pack' engine, output rose to 432 bhp. By the end of production in December of 1989, a total of 166 Vantage Volantes had been built.

This particular example was completed on March 23rd of 1988, supplied new to Lake Forst Sports Cars in Lake Forest, Illinois, and first registered in Illinois on July 1st of that year. It wore a Connock black exterior and black piped leather interior. It had electric windows and mirrors, driving lamps, Ronal alloy wheels, a three-speed automatic gearbox, and a 5,340cc DOHC V8 engine. It is one of 47 examples produced with an automatic.

The car spent the early 1990s in California before heading east to New York and Connecticut. In 2003, with approximately 25,000 miles, the Aston returned to the Midwest in the collection of Springfield, Illinois attorney Frederic Nessler. During his ownership, the car gained a few more thousand miles to its odometer before it was purchased in November of 2010 with just under 32,500 original miles. Since that time, it has been on static display.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2021