1981 | Aston Martin V8 Volante

Announced on 21 June 1978, the first version of the Aston Martin V8 Volante, with Weber carburetors, with the lower bonnet bulge without an opening soon to be adopted on the “Oscar India” Saloon and Vantage.

Revised side sills and window screen pillars replace the rigidity lost with the removal of the roof. The hood covering material is made from Everflex and adds 44mm (less the 2ins) to the cars height, while the mechanism adds 68kg (150lbs) in weight.

Most examples have the Chrysler Toque Flight automatic gearbox but a small number of manual cars with the five speed ZF dogleg gearbox was fitted.

A number of cars were built with the Vantage 540 or 580 engine but retaining the standard body.

This fine and very original Aston Martin V8 Volante with automatic transmission was purchased new by Mr R Hanreck directly from the factory, then by Kingsley Curtis in 1983. Initially registered in his company's name. The Volante was Kingsley and his wife's favourite and most regularly used car among all those in the collection. Always serviced by the Stratton Motor Company, it comes with the service book stamped by them annually up to June 2012 (at 24,509 miles) plus numerous related invoices, while Kirtling Garage and Marshall's of Cambridge are among the other firms that have worked on the car. Finished in Orchard green metallic with Magnolia leather upholstery, this well cared for Volante is offered with the aforementioned service history, MoT to June 2017, V5C registration document and a quantity of MoT certificates, dating back to 1985, supporting the recorded mileage. Supplied with all the original keys, hand book, service book, tools and jack, it must be one of the most original cars around today, just beautiful in so many ways. The car has just been fully service, MOTed, new battery and four new tyres, on the button and ready to drive in to the summer sun.