1985 Aston Martin V8 Volante

This beautifully maintained Aston Martin V8 Volante is one of just 656 first-series Weber- carbureted examples that were introduced in 1978 before a second generation with less-powerful fuel injection appeared in January 1986. According to a factory record, this car was shipped on April 24, 1985, for distribution to British Motors SA in Paris. Finished in Winchester Blue paint over gray leather and equipped with instruments in kilometers, the European-specifications car was also fitted with a rear axle ratio of 3.058:1.

Likely imported to the US sometime during the early 1990s, the Volante was discovered in 1996 by the consignor, a collector of fine motorcars in the New York City area. Impressed with the car’s low mileage and European components, particularly the chrome bumpers, the consignor purchased the Aston and sold it a month later to Carlos Ferrer of Greenwich, Connecticut.

In 2000, Mr. Ferrer sold the car back to the consignor, and in November 2001it was purchased by Bob Sherman of New Hope, Pennsylvania. In early 2003, the Aston was reacquired by the consignor, passing to Antoine Crettol in July 2003. Returning through the dealership once more, the Volante was sold in August 2004 to Steven Davison of North Arlington, Virginia, who retained possession until November 2011.

In March 2012, this rare Volante was purchased by Nick Dine of New York City, a collector who enjoys both the restoration process and returning his acquisitions to the marketplace in finer condition than when he purchased them. Despite the car’s impressive condition, Mr. Dine undertook a significant cosmetic restoration, conducting a bare-metal repaint in Mercedes-Benz Silver.

The interior was reupholstered with hand-trimmed Connolly leather and German square-weave carpeting, while the walnut trim was re-veneered and a new canvas top with a wool headliner was installed. Mr. Dine also modified aspects of the exterior trim to match the esteemed Prince-of-Wales editions, most notably including the installation of a split-chin air dam and 16" Ronal wheels, and the deletion of the side markers.

Once again entering the consignor’s purview in August 2012 after 16 years of regular service, this exceptional Aston Martin was briefly utilized as a promotional vehicle before passing to one more New York-based owner. The beautifully presented car is offered with tools and manuals, promising both elegant British style and dynamic carbureted performance.