Described by former Aston Martin Chairman Victor Gauntlett as “a stylish thoroughbred, beautifully built, luxurious, fast, and immensely safe,” the Aston Martin V8 was built in several variants, one of the more exclusive being the Volante convertible. Introduced in response to customer demand for such a car, the Volante first appeared in June 1978. Arguably the ultimate in soft-top luxury, the new model boasted a lined, power-operated top which, when raised, endowed the walnut-embellished interior with all the solidity and refinement associated with the coupe version.

Although its open-car aerodynamics meant that top speed suffered with the top down, the Volante’s 150-mph maximum nevertheless ranked it among the world’s fastest convertibles. The V8 Volante received periodic upgrades and refinements, adopting the era-defining BBS wheels in 1983, and then switching to Weber-Marelli fuel injection and a flatter hood in 1986.

The chassis plate within the door jamb indicates this V8 Vantage Volante was completed at Aston Martin’s factory in August of 1989. One of only 58 produced in US Vantage specification, it is visually distinguished from the standard Volante by its wider fender flares, front air dam, sill plates, and a kick-up trunk lid. Its sporting appearance is bolstered by maroon paint across the shapely body and matching red deep-dish wheels. The lavishly appointed interior is furnished with plenty of wood and biscuit-colored hides with red piping. The driver is treated to power seats, air conditioning, and an Alpine stereo head unit.

As reported on the Carfax, the vehicle spent its early life in Florida before arriving in New York around 2003. Its odometer read 11,569 miles at the time of cataloguing, indicating limited use over the past 35 years. Immensely rare and a candidate for thorough recommissioning and refurbishment, this Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante will make for a fine addition to any stable.