1979 | Aston Martin V8 Volante

'It's not by any means the world's most expensive drophead in production (the Corniche costs an extra £23,000) nor is it quite the quickest, though a Porsche Cabrio would have to be very well driven to get away from it, but the Aston Martin Volante is perhaps the greatest. It is a true sports car which is also luxuriously comfortable.' - Fast Lane. Described by former Aston Martin Chairman Victor Gauntlett as, 'a stylish thoroughbred, beautifully built, luxurious, fast and immensely safe,' the V8 was built in several variants, one of the more exclusive being the Volante convertible. Introduced in response to customers' demands for such a car, the Volante first appeared in June 1978. Arguably the ultimate in soft-top luxury, the newcomer boasted a lined, power-operated hood which, when erected, endowed the walnut-embellished interior with all the solidity and refinement associated with the saloon version. Although its open-car aerodynamics meant that top speed suffered with the hood down, the Volante's 150mph maximum nevertheless ranked it among the world's fastest convertibles. V8 Volante and Vantage Volante chassis numbers ran from '15001' to '15849', a total of 849 cars. Chassis number '15146' has been owned by the current owner from new and has become very well known in London's fashionable Mayfair district. The accompany (copy) Car Record Card shows that the car was originally finished in Jubilee Silver with dark blue trim and matching hood. As one would expect, the Volante has been maintained regardless of cost; it has wanted for nothing and Aston Martin Works carried out all servicing and maintenance until recently when renowned marque specialists Oselli took over.

There are bills on file from Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd for the period 1995 to 2011 totalling £125,000. Works carried out by AML include replacing the hood; an engine rebuild and unleaded conversion (1999-2000); bodywork repairs (2001); a full interior re-trim (2004); and further refurbishment of the bodywork, trim, and paint on various occasions between 2005 and 2008. In addition, some £11,500 was spent with marque specialists Oselli in 2012 for works on the chassis, suspension, brakes, and gearbox. There other invoices present for more minor works, while numerous expired MoTs on file show the recorded mileage increasing from 72,859 in 1996 to 29,905 (129,905) in 2014. Finished in Jubilee Silver with blue-piped Magnolia trim, this beautiful one-owner Volante is presented in excellent condition.