Lot 177

Fort Lauderdale 2015

1978 Aston Martin V-8 Volante

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$151,250 USD | Sold

United States | Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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Identification No.
V8C0L15023

In 1974 Aston Martin was on the verge of bankruptcy, but a take-over from a consortium in 1975 saved the company that rarely had recorded a profit. After this near-death experience Aston Martin focused on fine-tuning the existing V-8 line-up for many years, rather than designing a completely new car, which accounts for the long production run of the V-8.

In 1978 the single biggest development was unveiled; the V-8 Volante convertible. This new variant of the V-8 model featured a revamped exterior look with a new trim design and also a new bonnet. It was fitted with a 5.3-liter DOHC V-8 engine delivering up to 305-hp and 320-lb/ft of torque. An automatic transmission is ideal for this model and its touring capabilities. This model was also sold in the United States, despite the tough laws concerning convertible cars' safety standard. This was a very important development for Aston Martin and key to the success of the new Volante. The world was most definitely ready again for an Aston Martin convertible, which was underlined by the relatively large sales figures. In the years the V-8 Volante was available, over 650 ’regular’ Volantes were produced, of which a large number found their way to the States.

This United States specification V-8 Volante is presented in triple black; with the exterior, top, and leather interior all presented in this popular color. The tonneau for the retracted top is also black. With that, this desirable Aston Martin is also left-hand drive and in very nice overall condition. It is reported, from appearance, that it is presented in primarily original condition with the possibility that the paint has been redone. With only 9,301 actual miles, the leather is stated to look “like new,” and the beautiful wood veneer accents are also said to be in nice condition.

Among the many features that are found on the Aston Martin are factory wheels, subtle chrome bumpers, four-wheel ventilated disc brakes, Lucas lights, Mouton wool carpets, Smiths instrumentation, in-dash aftermarket CD player, Kienzle clock, air conditioning; power brakes, steering, antenna, mirrors, seats, top and door locks.

The Volante introduced the thrill of Aston Martin open-air motoring to the already exciting V-8 platform. Motor magazine road tested a V-8 Volante in March 1979 and found its performance to be impressive for a luxury tourer, as it had a 0– to 60-mph time of 7.7 seconds and a top speed of 150-mph. The Volante remained in production for 11 years, and whilst engineering development continued over its production run, the muscular character of the car remained the same, and it continues to delight enthusiasts to this day.