1989 Aston Martin V8 Vantage

The second half of the 1980s saw a resurgence of popularity for the Aston Martin V8 range that had been in production at the Newport Pagnell works since 1971 when the DBSV8 model was launched. The flagship V8 was the powerful ‘Vantage’ that took the motoring world by storm when it was introduced in 1977 and was the fastest GT car on the planet at the time

The factory decided to add a convertible V8 to the model range following strong demand from their US dealer network and as such the ‘Volante’ was conceived and launched to the public in 1978, remaining in production until 1990 when the new generation of V8 cars were launched, a total of just 849 ‘Volante’ models were built.

The final series of the fabled Vantage was introduced in 1986 and known internally as ‘580X’ or ‘X Pack’ as they are often referred, available with closed two door Saloon bodywork or open Volante coachwork. All Vantage from 1986-90 were fitted the ‘580X’ engine (unless US specification), a revised and more powerful version of the previous V580 motor that was re-engineered to its highest state of tune with upgraded cylinder heads, bigger valves, high compression pistons etc resulting in a mighty 432bhp!

This was the first time the Vantage engine was offered in the V8 Volante as a production ‘Vantage Volante’. There had been a handful of bespoke orders for Vantage engines to be fitted in Volante’s previously, but the factory saw the demand for a fast convertible and listened to its clients. The Vantage Volante was therefore offered as a production model alongside the standard V8 Volante which by that time were all fitted with Weber Marelli Electronic Fuel Injection ‘V585’ engine.

HRH King Charles was a long-term Aston Martin owner and was gifted a new DB6 Mk 2 Vantage Volante for his 21st birthday by his mother HRH Queen Elizabeth. 15 years later, he was generously offered another new Aston Martin Volante by the Emir of Bahrain. He requested a car with Vantage performance but the appearance of a standard car, without the 80s inspired extended wheel arch and sill covers of the production Vantage Volante

Hence, the factory built him a car with a bespoke 580X Vantage engine and standard Volante coachwork. The wheel arches had to be slightly flared to allow the fitment of the larger Vantage wheels. The ‘PoW’ Volante was born and a very limited production of special orders followed with a total of 22 RHD cars and 5 LHD built. The LHD cars were all born with EFi (V585) engines, not the V580X, as such the 22 RHD cars are the most revered of ALL Aston Martin V8 models!

This unique and original Vantage Volante ‘Prince of Wales’ is one of the twenty-two factory ‘PoW’ models and was the sole example ordered in Rolls-Royce Graphite Grey with Burgundy hide interior and black hood.

Ordered and specified for first owner Mr Fowler via Aston Martin Sales Ltd, further special-order options included ‘Burr Elm’ veneers, straight through exhaust system and special stereo equipment

Fitted from new with ZF manual transmission and maintained from new by Aston Martin Works Service and RSW, this unique Aston Martin has covered a mere 16,500 miles from new, offered in original, unrestored and exceptional condition, this car is truly the ‘holy grail’ of the Aston Martin V8 range