1982 | Aston Martin V8 Volante

In the late 1960s, European car design was heavily influenced by North America, so it is no surprise that the first Aston Martin DBS and V8 had a Muscle Car look.

Designed by William Towns, the V8 benefited from significant aesthetic and mechanical upgrades over its nearly 20 years of production. The Volante, introduced in 1978, stands out from its predecessors with its higher rear end, more modern headlights, and its bonnet with its characteristic 'power bulge'.

The 5.3-liter V8 engine designed by the virtuoso Tadek Marek continued to be the soul of the new AM V8. With an aluminum block and heads, double camshafts per bank and fed by four Weber 42 carburetors, the power exceeded 310 hp, enough to 'dispatch' 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and reach a top speed of almost 250 km/h.

The chassis and transmission convincingly accompanied the strong lungs of the AM V8, with a 5-speed ZF gearbox, self-locking differential, Girling ventilated discs and independent suspension on the front axle.

This Volante is one of 441 units produced between 1978 and 1986. Purchased in June 1982 in Japan, it arrived in Europe in the mid-1990s and was recently subjected to a meticulous, fully documented restoration, with all invoices present, which bear witness to work done without regard to cost.

The original service book, warranty certificate and owner's manual are present and attest to the good provenance of this car.