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.

Propelling Aston's V8 back into the supercar league was a tuned version of the existing 5,340cc engine producing 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 tyres.

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.

Although introduced in 1978, the Volante convertible did not become available to Vantage specification until 1986.

Along with the Vantage engine and bonnet came flared wheelarches, boot spoiler (a feature the Volante had previously lacked) and extended front spoiler, while glassfibr...