• Delivered new to the USA
• Imported into the UK in 1989
• Present ownership since 1989
• Registered in Guernsey
• 1,100 miles from new
• Recently checked and lightly serviced by R S Williams

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, principally from those in the USA, 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.
It was not until 1986 that the Volante became available to Vantage specification, which by this time meant around 400bhp. Along with the Vantage engine and bonnet came flared wheelarches, a boot spoiler (a feature the Volante had previously lacked) and an extended front spoiler, while glassfibre 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. V8 Volante and Vantage Volante chassis numbers ran from '15001' to '15849', a total of 849 cars.

Delivered new to the USA, this left-hand drive Vantage Volante is the fifth-from-last car made. Left-hand drive, it has automatic transmission and the 'lead free' engine, and was delivered finished in Suffolk Red with red-piped Magnolia leather interior and white convertible hood. The following 'extras' were fitted: cruise control; CD player; and full luggage set in black leather. All USA-specification Vantage Volantes were described as 'Cosmetic Vantages' because they had all the body refinements of the X-Pack cars but not the more powerful engine, which did not comply with US regulations.

In September 1989 the Aston was imported into the UK from Palm Beach Motor Cars Ltd, Florida by Mr Eric Glennon of Dorchester Garages Ltd, Macclesfield, Cheshire, from whom our vendor – the car's first private owner - purchased it two months later. The car is currently registered in Guernsey and recently was checked and lightly serviced by R S Williams. Accompanying documentation includes a copy of the US Certificate of Origin; assorted correspondence; shipping paperwork; owner's handbook; service book; Sony stereo instructions; and details of its early service history.

Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.