1988 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante

5,340cc DOHC V8 Engine
Electronic Fuel Injection
403bhp at 6,250rpm
3-Speed Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Factory, Vantage spec example
*Delivered new to Lake Forest, Illinois
*Under 33,000 original miles
*Documented by a copies of factory records and a clean CARFAX

THE ASTON MARTIN V8

With the resurrection of the 'Vantage' name in 1977, Aston Martin enthusiasts everywhere breathed a sigh of relief; previously applied to high-power versions of the DB six-cylinder cars, it had been dormant since the V8's arrival back in 1969. A heavier car than its six-cylinder predecessor, the V8 had suffered as emissions legislation became ever more strangulating, leading to concern that Aston Martin's traditional performance image might be lost. The arrival of the Vantage dispelled any such worries.

Propelling Aston's V8 back into the supercar league was a tuned version of the existing 5,340cc engine breathing through a quartet of 48mm Weber carburetors rather than the standard 42mm units. Valves and ports were enlarged and the camshafts changed, the end result being an estimated maximum output of around 375bhp. Chassis changes were minimal apart from the adoption of bigger ventilated discs all round and low-profile Pirelli tires. The Vantage was, nevertheless, readily distinguishable from the standard product by virtue of its blocked-off bonnet scoop, blanked air intake, front chin spoiler and lip on the boot lid.

Produced to satisfy demands from the USA, the Volante convertible debuted in 1978, but it was not until 1986 that it became available to Vantage specification, which by this time meant around 400bhp. Along with the Vantage engine and bonnet came flared wheelarches, boot spoiler (a feature the Volante had previously lacked) and extended front spoiler, while fiberglass extensions replaced the model's hitherto characteristic chromed sill covers. The result was a muscular, aggressive-looking car that could justifiably claim to be the world's fastest convertible, all the more so when it came with the optional 432bhp 'X-pack' engine. A total of 166 Vantage Volantes had been completed by the end of production in December 1989.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This V8 Vantage Volante was supplied new to Lake Forst Sports Cars in Lake Forest, Illinois. Completed on March 23, 1988, it was first registered in Illinois on July 1st of that year. Finished in Connock Black over a tan and black piped leather interior, it has the three-speed automatic gearbox and is equipped with the power operated hood, electric windows and mirrors, driving lamps, and Ronal alloy wheels.

According to the CARFAX report, the V8 Vantage soon made its way west to California, where it spent the early 1990s before heading east to New York and Connecticut. In 2003, with around 25,000, the Aston returned to the Midwest in the collection of Springfield, Illinois attorney Frederic Nessler. Adding only a few thousand miles during his ownership tenure, the current acquired the car in November of 2010 with just under 32,500 original miles on the ticker.

On static display since being purchased, this mean looking Aston is ready for some recommissioning and road burning. With plenty of power on tap, it will make the perfect velvet hammer for its next owner.