Introduced in June 1978, the Aston Martin V8 Volante was among the most stylish 2+2-seater convertibles that money could buy.

Utilising a strengthened version of its two-door Saloon sibling’s sheet steel platform chassis, the newcomer was equipped with independent coil-sprung front suspension, a De Dion rear axle, four-wheel disc brakes and power-assisted rack and pinion steering.

Sporting a ‘power bulge’ bonnet to accommodate the quad Weber carburettors that sat atop its 5340cc DOHC V8 engine, the soft-top was typically ordered with three-speed Torqueflite automatic transmission.

Reputedly capable of over 140mph and 0-60mph in 7.7 seconds, the V8 Volante featured sumptuous leather upholstery and a beautiful burr walnut dashboard / door cappings.

A smash hit with America’s rich and famous, most of the 439 carburettor-fed cars completed between 1978 and 1986 were to left-hand drive specification.

Supplied new on the 1 st April 1985 to the first owner, a business by the name of Coop...