5,340cc DOHC V8 Engine
Electronic Fuel Injection
315bhp at 6,250rpm
3-Speed Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Factory, left-hand drive cosmetic-Vantage spec example
*Delivered new to Florida
*15,005 miles from new
*Documented by a copies of factory records and a clean CARFAX

THE ASTON MARTIN V8

With the resurrection of the 'Vantage' name in 1977, Aston Martin enthusiasts everywhere breathed a sigh of relief; previously applied to high-power versions of the DB six-cylinder cars, it had been dormant since the V8's arrival back in 1969. A heavier car than its six-cylinder predecessor, the V8 had suffered as emissions legislation became ever more strangulating, leading to concern that Aston Martin's traditional performance image might be lost. The arrival of the Vantage dispelled any such worries.

Propelling Aston's V8 back into the supercar league was a tuned version of the existing 5,340cc engine breathing through a quartet of 48mm Weber carburetors rather than the standard 42mm units. Valves and ports were enlarged and the camshafts changed, the end result being an estimated maximum output of around 375bhp. Chassis changes were minimal apart from the adoption of bigger ventilated discs all round and low-profile Pirelli tires. The Vantage was, nevertheless, readily distinguishable from the standard product by virtue of its blocked-off bonnet scoop, blanked air intake, front chin spoiler and lip on the boot lid.

Produced to satisfy demands from the USA, the Volante convertible debuted in 1978, but it was not until 1986 that it became available to Vantage specification, which by this time meant around 400bhp. Along with the Vantage engine and bonnet came flared wheelarches, boot spoiler (a feature the Volante had previously lacked) and extended front spoiler, while fiberglass extensions replaced the model's hitherto characteristic chromed sill covers. The result was a muscular, aggressive-looking car that could justifiably claim to be the world's fastest convertible, all the more so when it came with the optional 432bhp 'X-pack' engine. A total of 166 Vantage Volantes had been completed by the end of production in December 1989.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This V8 Vantage Volante was supplied new to Palm Beah Motor Cars. Completed on March 10, 1989, it was delivered to its first owner, Richard Cappadona—founder and president of cookware and water/air purification company Cairico International, on June 2, 1989. Finished in Windsor Red over Parchment leather with Burgundy piping interior, it was fitted with the three-speed automatic gearbox and equipped with the power operated Off White hood (top), electric windows and mirrors, driving lamps, and Ronal alloy wheels. It is one of only 47 automatic Cosmetic-Spec Vantages sold to the United States.

Mr Cappadona would enjoy his car to the tune of about 1,100 miles a year before letting it go to California in June of 1992 with 4,393 miles. Clocking another 6,400 miles over the next three years, by 1997 the V8 was back in Southeast Florida in the garage of Roger Rohde with just over 11,000 miles indicated. Over the next 14 years, just 4,000 miles were driven before the current owner acquired the car with 15,005 miles on Christmas eve 2010.

Showing the exact same amount of mileage as it did a decade and a year ago, the brutish V8 has been on static display since being purchased. Ready for some recommissioning and road burning, the car is complete with its owner's handbook, jack, copies of factory build records, and clean CARFAX report. With plenty of power on tap, it will make the perfect velvet hammer for its next owner.