Looking to satisfy demand for an open-top iteration of the V8 Coupe, Aston Martin unveiled the V8 Volante in June of 1978. Primarily designed with the U.S. market in mind, the car had a fully lined and power-operated hood, adding ample excitement to the already thrilling 432-bhp V8 engine.

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. In 1983, the V8 range received a number of substantial improvements, which included revised heating and ventilation controls, and it could be easily identified by its BBS alloy wheels. Aston Martin later introduced an updated model, designated the Series V, in January 1986, which featured Weber/Marelli electronic fuel injection with a restyled flat bonnet.

A copy of the car record card for this particular V8 Volante confirms that it was delivered just as it is presented here today, finished in Royal Cherry over a Natural leather interior with a matching convertible top and fitted with the rare five-speed manual transmission. Completed by Aston Martin in October of 1986, this V8 Volante was delivered to Lake Forest Sportscars Ltd. of Lake Forest, Illinois, then sold new to Walt K. Weissman of nearby Chicago and delivered to him on 12 November 1986.

In 1990, the car was sold to an owner residing in Eureka, California, who drove the car only 3,800 miles over the course of the next decade. The car remained in Northern California for the next few years before moving south with a collector based in Palm Springs, both of whom continued to preserve the car. By this time, the car had been driven approximately 6,800 miles over the course of its life before leaving the Golden State in 2012 when purchased by a collector of Aston Martins.

With just 7,300 original miles on its odometer and still retaining its original engine, the car presents today in wonderful condition inside and out. Its color combination, believed to be the only five-speed manual V8 Volante finished as such, perfectly reflects the muscular luxury of the car itself. Furthermore, the car’s U.S.-specification bumpers have been replaced with more attractive European-delivery bumpers. Following a recent service and concours-level detailing, it is ready to be shown at AMOC events or enjoyed on the open road.