1982 Aston Martin V8 Volante

5,340cc DOHC V8 Engine
4 Dual-Throat Weber Carburetors
300bhp at 6,000rpm
3-Speed Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Original US delivery LHD V8
*Two owners in the last three decades
*Retains matching-numbers engine
*Offered with copy of factory build sheet


THE ASTON MARTIN V8

Aston Martin had always intended the DBS to house its new V8 engine, but production difficulties meant that the car first appeared with the DB6's 4.0-liter six. Bigger and more luxuriously appointed than the DB6, the heavyweight DBS disappointed some by virtue of its slightly reduced performance, but there were no complaints when the V8 finally arrived in 1969. With an estimated 315bhp available from its 5,340cc four-cam motor, the DBS V8 could reach 100mph in under 14 seconds, running on to a top speed of 160mph, a staggering performance in those days and one which fully justified the claim that it was the fastest production car in the world. After Aston Martin's acquisition by Company Developments in 1972, production resumed with the Series 2, now known as the Aston Martin V8 and distinguishable by a restyled front end recalling the looks of earlier Astons. The most successful Aston Martin ever, the V8 survived the changes of ownership and financial upheavals of the 1970s, enjoying a record-breaking production run lasting from 1969 to 1988, with 2,919 cars sold.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

According to copies of Aston Martin's factory build records, this V8 Volante was built during November of 1982. The car was equipped with a left-hand drive steering arrangement and a 3-speed automatic transmission, just as it appears today, and destined for the US market. The Volante was finished in Hereford Brown over a Natural interior with dark brown piping and a brown top.

The Aston Martin's early history remains unknown, but from June of 1990 the Aston was in the garage of Donald Silpe. Mr. Silpe would sparingly drive his Aston up and down A1A and the surrounding environs to the tune of about 1,000 miles a year. The current owner acquired the car in April 2012 and has had the car on static display since. According to CARFAX, a mileage discrepancy was recorded in 2001 when a reading of 37,501 was listed against the previous listing of 55,000. The car presently shows 66,949 miles on the odometer, a figure that would suggest the 2001 reading may have been an error.

The V8 is increasingly being appreciated by collectors as an important cornerstone of the Aston Martin story in America. After recommissioning, this V8 would make a lovely cruiser once again.