1974 Aston Martin V8 Convertible

• Expertly converted by Paul Banham
• Present ownership since 2015
• Previously owned by England goalkeeper Dave Beasant
• Offered from a significant British-themed private collection

"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.

The 'DB' was dropped as David Brown had sold the company and the car became known simply as the 'Aston Martin V8'. With the demise of the DB6 Mk. II Volante in 1970, Aston Martin were not able to offer a convertible motorcar until 1977 with the introduction of the V8 Volante. This presented a niche in the market; there are always wealthy customers with a desire for something unique and unusual. Paul Banham and his company, Banham Conversions (Banmoco) became well known for his cabriolet conversions on Aston Martin. Sadly the company went out of business in 2004. Most importantly these Banham cars are recognised and well regarded by the Aston Martin Owners Club. Typically the conversion included important substantial chassis stiffening using welded box section steel, re-panelling the boot area, and, of course, a bare metal re-spray.

This automatic Banham-converted V8 was formerly owned by Wimbledon, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and England goalkeeper Dave Beasant. The Aston is finished in a wonderful shade of Balmoral Green with green-piped cream leather upholstery and matching dark green hood and hood bag.

Our vendor purchased 'GKX 947N' in October 2015, adding the Aston Martin to his significant British-themed private collection and using it sparingly. A change in direction for the collection as a whole is the reason for its sale. The car underwent an extensive refurbishment programme in 2016; the history file contains some invoices relating to this work and others dating back to 1984. The odometer reading of 28,100 miles is believed to be genuine, although there is no supporting paperwork. Offered with a V5C, document, this expertly converted V8 offers open-top Aston Martin motoring at the fraction of the cost of an original Volante, and would be welcome at any upcoming summer Aston Martin Event. These Banham cars offer wind in the hair V8 motoring coupled with refined comfort and stylish performance.