1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante

Registration No: NHM 742X
Chassis No: SCFCV81C3BTL/15240
MOT: November 2023

• The subject of a photographically documented, bare metal restoration by marque specialist Trinity Engineering
• Entered from a private collection
• Fitted with an uprated four-speed automatic gearbox, converted to run on unleaded petrol, air-conditioning
• Service history from Trinity Engineering, Nicholas Mee, Runnymede and Grange Aston Martin etc
• 1 of just 439 Weber-carburettor fed V8 Volantes made

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.

For many the ultimate Aston Martin V8 was the Vantage Volante that the late Emir of Bahrain gifted to HRH Prince Charles in 1986. Eschewing the body kit usually fitted to Vantage models, the future King requested a far subtler look with a modest front air dam, mesh radiator grille, spoiler-less boot lid, ‘power bulge’ bonnet, wood-rimmed Nardi steering wheel, bumper over riders and slightly flared wheelarches housing larger, sixteen-inch alloy wheels etc. The result was a masterclass in muscular elegance and doubtless served as inspiration for R. Dench Esq. who had the sale car – chassis 15240 – restored and upgraded by marque specialist Trinity Engineering of Cobham, Surrey from 2001-2002 (though, Mr Dench may also have been impressed by Victor Gauntlett’s similar V8 Volante which starred in the James Bond film ‘The Living Daylights’).

The nature of an Aston Martin V8’s construction, a steel chassis and aluminium bodywork, means that it can be particularly prone to electrolytic corrosion. Thus, there can be distinct advantages in refurbishing a car which has spent its life in a temperate climate. Completed on 24^th July 1981 and despatched to Aston Martin Lagonda Inc of America the following month, chassis 15240 was duly stripped to bare metal and converted to chrome bumper, right-hand drive configuration. An improved ‘V580’ type unit, the original engine was thoroughly overhauled and uprated to run on unleaded fuel (the accompanying Heritage Certificate quotes the engine number as ‘5248’ but the chassis plate and powerplant itself are both numbered as ‘5240’). A more modern four-speed automatic gearbox was installed and the suspension, brakes and steering all renovated.

Finished in the stunning combination of Balmoral Green Metallic with Tan leather upholstery and a Dark Green hood, the V8 Volante was first UK registered as ‘NHM 742X’ on 23^rd July 2002. Returning to Trinity Engineering for servicing at 1,084, 6,246, 8,497 and 11,457 post-restoration miles, the Aston Martin was purchased from marque specialist Nicholas Mee by M. Campbell Esq in 2008. Given their familiarity with the car, Mr Campbell also called upon Trinity Engineering’s expertise. As well as having the Surrey firm repair the radiator, rejuvenate the steering rack and replace the front differential mount, he had them uprate the suspension via lower / stiffer springs, new anti-roll bars and fresh front shock absorbers and install the current sixteen-inch Ronal alloy wheels (with the speedometer being recalibrated accordingly).

Serviced by Trinity Engineering at 17,656 miles in 2008, ‘NHM 742X’ entering the current ownership the following year via marque specialist Runnymede. Sparingly used as part of a private collection, a mere 4,000 or so miles have been added to the V8 Volante’s odometer reading which now stands at just shy of 25,000. Entrusted to main dealer Grange Aston Martin for maintenance at 24,361 and 24,580 miles, the 2+2-seater’s condition is a credit to Trinity Engineering’s craftsmen. Starting readily and running well during our recent photography session, the Aston Martin did not want for admirers! With several marque specialists currently charging £250,000 + VAT for a similarly comprehensive renovation, ‘NHM 742X’ is an appealing prospect. A fabulous looking machine with distinct ‘Prince of Wales’ overtones, it is offered for sale with restoration photo album, fresh MOT certificate and leather-bound history file.

For more information, please contact:
Damian Jones
damian.jones@handh.co.uk
07855 493737