Chassis #: SCFCV81C2KTR15733

Est. 309 bhp, 5,340 cc light-alloy, dual overhead-camshaft V-8 engine with Bosch electronic fuel injection, ZF five-speed manual gearbox, independent front suspension with upper and lower control arms, coil springs and anti-roll bar, de Dion rear axle with Watt linkage, trailing arms and coil springs, and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: 102.8"

- Only 14,000 miles from new; one of just 25 produced
- The ultimate iteration of the Aston Martin V-8 concept
- Fresh MoT and RS Williams service; very well maintained
- High-performance Vantage specification with clean styling

Launched in 1972 to update the mechanically identical DBS V-8, the Aston Martin V-8 was the final model development during the David Brown era, and it became the longest-running model in the company’s glorious history. A true four-seater with the potential for 160-mph speeds, this hand-built British grand tourer was without doubt one of the fastest and most elegant cars of its generation.

Penned by talented designer William Towns and based upon his design for the original DBS, the V-8 continued the bespoke traditions of its predecessors, while simultaneously upping the ante on performance. It was powered by the sophisticated all-alloy, quad-cam 5,340 cc V-8, engineered by Aston’s legendary Tadek Marek, with Bosch fuel injection available for the first time in 1986. Powerful disc brakes and highly developed underpinnings enhanced the sophisticated ride of this iconic gentleman’s express. The V-8 also continued the company’s famous relationship with the James Bond film franchise, and it was featured in 1987’s The Living Daylights, starring Timothy Dalton as Her Majesty’s Secret Agent 007.

With an eye to satisfying American demand, the V-8 Volante convertible debuted in 1978, but it was not available in higher-performance Vantage specification until 1986. This option added the uprated Vantage engine, an aggressive bonnet bulge, flared wheel arches, a rear spoiler, a deep front air dam and more. While the aggressive V-8 Volante Vantage styling appealed to many, others preferred the crisper, more understated appearance of the standard Volante. HRH the Prince of Wales specified his Volante with the Vantage-specification engine and raised bonnet, but without all the other Vantage-specific accoutrements. Following this special car, the factory produced a strictly limited run of 25 similar cars, based on the car for the Prince of Wales, with the variant being referred to as such. The cars were the final Vantage Volantes produced, when V-8 production finally ceased in December 1989. Today, many regard this model as the ultimate Aston Martin V-8.

The right-hand drive “Prince of Wales” V-8 Volante offered here is one of the most desirable of the V-8 series, and it was first registered on 1 January, 1989. Beautifully finished in Rolls-Royce Graphite Grey with burgundy leather upholstery, it is certainly one of the very best original POW available today, having covered just 14,000 miles from new. The prior owner acquired it in May 2000, accumulating some 500 miles during their ownership tenure. Always well maintained, the POW was factory-serviced by Aston Martin Lagonda in its earlier years, including a front suspension service in 1994, air conditioning service in 1996, and the installation of a 3.06:1 final-drive ratio and a recalibrated speedometer.

The current owner acquired it in 2007 with just 12,500 miles indicated and since then has invested over £30 000 with RS Williams to ensure that it is perfect in every respect. Offered complete with a history file, a fresh MoT and RS Williams service, this is one of the finest examples we’ve ever seen, seamlessly blending Aston Martin Vantage performance with the understated elegance worthy of its “Prince of Wales” designation.

DOCUMENTS:
UK V5