1988 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante Convertible
Chassis no. SCFCV81V8KTL15705
Engine no. V585/5705LFA

Produced to satisfy demands from the USA, the Aston Martin V8 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 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. By the end of production in December 1989 a total of only 166 Vantage Volantes had been completed and today this rare soft-top supercar is highly sought after.

Originally an automatic transmission model, this left-hand drive Vantage Volante was delivered new to one Ron Tonkin in Portland, Oregon, USA having left the factory finished in Suffolk Red with tan trim. In 1991 the Aston was exported to the UK and the following year found a new owner in Germany, where an Aston Martin dealer fitted chromed bumpers to European specification. In 1998 the car was purchased by Autosport Designs Sales from Aston Martin dealer Michael Brinkert in Germany and brought back to the USA, passing into the ownership of then AMOC USA Chairman Chris Greendale. It was used and enjoyed for several years in Mr. Greendale's ownership and commonly seen at various AMOC concours events. Mr Greendale traded the Vantage to Aston Martin of New England. Subsequently, it was sold on to Mr. Tim Montgomery in California. Repainted and re-trimmed while in Mr Montgomery's ownership, the Aston was purchased by Autosport Designs Sales in May 2007 and fitted with an original factory original ZF five-speed manual gearbox, a Vantage blanking plate and 'carburettor' bonnet being installed at the same time. On 30th July 2008 (at 39,460 miles) the car was sold to Jack Dimaio and in July 2009 passed to its next private owner, Pasi Hamalainen of Manhattan Beach, California, from whom it was purchased by the current vendor in January 2015. Finished in Mercedes-Benz Midnight Blue with blue-piped Magnolia leather interior and dark blue hood, the Aston is offered with State of California Certificate of Title and a copy of its Car Record Card.

Should the vehicle remain in the UK, local import taxes of 20% will be applied to the hammer price.