- Hand-built iconic British 'muscle car'
- Acquired by the Passport Collection in 2009
- 1 of less than 65 built for the model year
- Known history and just 11,230 miles from new
- Accompanied by clean CARFAX®
LOT 345
Selling on Saturday
From the Passport Collection
1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante Convertible
OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE
This luxurious open-top grand tourer emerged as part of the legendary V8 series, a lineage that defined Aston Martin's direction from the late 1960s through the late 1980s. The Aston Martin V8 line was first introduced in 1969 as a response to increasing demand for more power and refinement. It succeeded the six-cylinder DBS and marked Aston Martin's transition into producing high-performance V-8-powered grand tourers. The Volante variant - Aston Martin's term for its convertibles - was introduced in 1978 as a drop-top alternative to the standard V8 coupe, catering to the growing luxury market, particularly in North America.
By the time the 1988 model year arrived, the V8 Volante had undergone several refinements, retaining its robust 5.3-litre V-8 engine with Weber-Marelli fuel injection, which provided improved reliability and performance compared to earlier carbureted versions. Producing approximately 305 horsepower, this engine was mated to either a three-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission, delivering an effortless yet thrilling driving experience. The car's acceleration and top-end power made it one of the fastest four-seater convertibles of its time, rivaling offerings from Ferrari, Porsche, and Rolls-Royce. The V8 Volante's design, penned by William Towns, featured a blend of aggressive muscularity and refined elegance. The long hood, squared-off grille, and subtly flared wheel arches gave the car a commanding presence, while the fully lined convertible top ensured that it was as practical as it was stylish.
Finished in January of 1988, this Aston Martin V8 Volante is said to be one of only about 65 Aston Martins of all types sold in the United States for 1988, as they were building fewer than 200 examples a year at that time. Before the Passport Collection took ownership in 2009, this example had just three owners from new and retained a little over 11,000 miles on the odometer. Today it shows 11,230, as it has been sparingly driven under current ownership. Sold with a clean CARFAX®, the body is finished in Dover White over an Oxblood Connolly leather interior with white piping, black Wilton wool carpeting and burl walnut trim. Under prior ownership, a correct black Everflex convertible top was equipped. Interior items include power windows, a power top, cruise control, Kienzle quartz clock, Alpine stereo system, and air-conditioning.
Under the hood lies a 305-horsepower 5.3-litre V-8 engine that is backed by an automatic transmission, a powerful combination that makes for a wonderful touring automobile. Hand-built in limited numbers, this Aston Martin Volante is late '80s British motoring at its finest.
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