LOT 36
1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante VIN. SCFCV81C2JTL15650
Estimate: US$450,000 - US$550,000
Lot 36
1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante
1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante
VIN. SCFCV81C2JTL15650
VIN. SCFCV81C2JTL15650
7,000cc All-Alloy DOHC V8 Engine (See Text)
Electronic Fuel Injection
432bhp 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
*Among the finest examples in the world
*Desirable Left-Hand Drive, US specification
*Exquisite £260,000 ($325,000+) restoration by experts RS Williams
*Upgraded with an all-alloy 7.0 liter engine conversion
*Fewer than 4,300km (2,671 miles) traveled since restoration
THE ASTON MARTIN V8
Launched in 1972 as the successor to the mechanically identical DBS V8, the Aston Martin V8 –alternatively known 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 fuel injected, teething problems in the 1970s necessitated the adoption of Weber twin-choke carburetors. At the 1986 New York Auto Show Aston Martin re-introduced fuel injection to the V8, excepting the Vantage-specification cars. The lower-profile Weber-Marelli electronic fuel injection system allowed the "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 robust 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.
THE CAR OFFERED
This late-production V8 Volante was manufactured in January of 1988 and delivered through Aston Martin Lagonda North America to its dealer Palm Beach Motor Cars in Florida on March 23rd, 1988. The car eventually made its way to Europe in the 1990s and later landed in Britain. In the 2000's, an Aston Martin collector acquired the car from Mr. Jeffrey Steiner. The new owner handed it over to the highly respected Aston expert Richard Williams of RS Williams Ltd. to carry out a complete nut and bolt restoration on this already excellent Volante. From 2009 to 2015, RS Williams restored this Aston to their typically exceptional standards, with over £260,000 in receipts for the restoration alone. During the project, RSW also performed their incredible 7.0-liter all-aluminum engine conversion resulting in nearly 440 horsepower, a mightily impressive power figure for an 80s Aston Martin. The finished product is nothing short of spectacular, with exquisite fit, finish, and presence.
The quality of the restoration and engineering work are absolutely evident, as the car has now been part of some renowned collections. Finished in Dark Gray Metallic with Tan leather upholstery, it is handsomely accented by matching Tan wool carpeting and rich burled wood trim. The black convertible top accents the dark gray paint wonderfully, while the silver mesh wheels add just the right amount of contrast. The car will come accompanied with a history file containing service receipts from Roos Engineering as well as the restoration receipts from RS Williams, both well recognized names in Aston Martin circles. Also included is a tool kit, operating manual and a convertible top cover.
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 the care of a prestigious collection, this very rare, late-production 1988 V8 Volante marks a fitting exemplar of David Brown's celebrated vision for the ultimate British "Gentlemen's Express."
Saleroom notices
Please note, the VIN is SCFCV81C7JTL15644. The engine number is V/585/5644/LFA and is the original engine block as listed on the build sheet.
Additional information
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