Introduced in 1977, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage featured a 5.3-litre V8, equipped with modified Weber carburettors and revised camshafts, produced an estimated 390bhp, giving the British grand tourer a top speed approaching 170mph.

The additional power was matched by uprated suspension, a ZF five-speed manual gearbox, with a sophisticated, tuned chassis.

When the open-top V8 Vantage Volante arrived at the Birmingham Motor Show in 1986, its deep front spoiler, extended sills, flared wheelarches and pronounced rear spoiler gave it an unmistakably extrovert appearance.

For customers who preferred their performance delivered with greater discretion, an altogether more subtle alternative would soon emerge.
The catalyst was a unique V8 Volante commissioned in 1987 for HRH The Prince of Wales, now King Charles III.

A gift from the late Emir of Bahrain, the car was created to meet the Prince’s preference for Vantage performance without the more conspicuous bodywork of the V8 Vantage Volant...