5,340cc All-Alloy DOHC V8 Engine
Weber-Marelli Electronic Fuel Injection
315bhp at 5,000rpm (Est.)
3-Speed Automatic Transmission
Front Independent Suspension with Wishbones and Coil Springs
Rear de Dion axle with Watt Linkage, Trailing Arms and Coil Springs
4-Wheel Hydraulic Disc Brakes

*Late-production example
*Renowned 'EFI' model
*Striking open-air body style
*Offered from a respected museum collection
*Exceedingly rare as 1 of 59 'EFI' V8s produced

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Launched in 1972 as the successor to the mechanically identical DBS V8, the Aston Martin V8 – sometimes known alternatively as the 'AM V8' – was the final model developed during David Brown's celebrated ownership. Produced through 1989, it went on to become the company's longest-running series. A true high-speed Grand Touring car with luxurious appointments for up to four, the V8 carried a muscular presence and delivered massive performance including top speeds approaching 150 mph and beyond, depending on specification. In short, this formidable hand-built performer remains one of the fastest and most elegant cars of its era and enjoys great collector demand today.

Penned by talented Aston Martin designer William Towns, who also designed the prior DBS, the AM V8 maintained the hand-built traditions of its maker, while delivering greater power and performance. Power was delivered by the renowned Tadek Marek-designed, all-alloy 5.3-liter V8 engine with dual overhead camshafts per cylinder bank. Potent disc brakes and sophisticated underpinnings capably matched the forward urge of the V8 powerplant.

Numerous visual and mechanical refinements were made during the lengthy production run of the V8, which progressed through five series plus the extremely rare V8 Zagato models of the late 1980s. In 1978, the elegant V8 Volante convertible debuted and sales of it to the lucrative American marketplace continued to 1989. Film use of the V8 continued Aston Martin's famous relationship with the producers of the world-famous James Bond movie franchise, including The Living Daylights, starring Timothy Dalton as Her Majesty's Secret Agent '007' in 1987.

While the V8 was initially equipped with fuel injection, teething problems in the 1970s necessitated replacement by an induction system utilizing four Weber twin-choke carburetors. Late in the V8 production run, the 1986 New York Motor Show saw the re-introduction of fuel injection to the V8 model range with the sole exception of the Vantage-specification cars. Featuring a low profile, the Weber-Marelli electronic fuel injection system allowed the former "power bulge" to be removed from the hood, resulting in a cleaner and more sophisticated visual profile. While delivering power output consistent with the previous 'Oscar India' V8 specification, the new 'EFI' V8 delivered better fuel economy and ease of operation with lower exhaust emissions. Nearly all Weber EFI cars were equipped with Chrysler's renowned Torqueflite 3-speed automatic transmission. Handsome cross-spoke wheels with 8-inch rims were supplied by BBS for the Weber EFI V8 models. The EFI V8 also marks the end of an era for Aston Martin, with only 59 built during the last 3 ½ years of V8 production.

This late-production V8 Volante is understood to have been one of only an approximate 65 Aston Martin vehicles of all types sold to the United States for 1988. The Consignor acquired it in 2009 and placed it into a renowned collection. Finished in Dover White with Oxblood Connolly leather upholstery piped White, it is handsomely accented by Black Wilton wool carpeting and rich burled Walnut trim. The correct Everflex convertible top was fitted prior to acquisition by the Consignor. In addition to a Torqueflite three-speed automatic transmission mated to the renowned 5.3-liter fuel-injected V-8 engine, desirable additional features include a Vantage front air dam, auxiliary driving lights and factory BBS wheels with polished outer rims. As today's collectors and marque enthusiasts agree, the Aston Martin V8 continues to stand as the quintessential British GT car of the 1980s. Now offered from a renowned collection, this very rare, late-production 1988 'EFI' V8 Volante marks a fitting exemplar of former company owner David Brown's celebrated "Gentlemen's Express" vision.