With the introduction of the Vantage in 1977, Aston Martin’s V8 was thrust back into the supercar league. The name had previously been applied to high-power versions of the DB six-cylinder cars, and in the V8’s case the Vantage tune raised maximum output to around 375bhp: in Rolls-Royce fashion the factory chose not to disclose the actual figure, merely claiming that power was ‘adequate’. Chassis changes were minimal apart from the adoption of bigger ventilated disc brakes 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 lipped bootlid.

Produced to satisfy demands from the USA, the Volante debuted in 1978, but it was not until 1986 that it became available to Vantage specification, which by this time meant around 400bhp. Along with the Vantage engine and bonnet came flared wheelarches, boot spoiler (a feature the Volante had previously lacked) and extended front spoiler, while side extensions replaced the model’s hitherto characteristic chromed sill covers. The result was a muscular, aggressive-looking car that could justifiably claim to be the world’s fastest convertible, all the more so when it came with the optional 432bhp ‘X-pack’ engine. A total of 166 Vantage Volantes had been completed by the end of production in December 1989.

First registered ‘G905 CPL’ in 1990, this Vantage Volante was delivered with the more powerful ‘X-pack’ engine option installed. The car was last serviced at Aston Martin Works Service in Newport Pagnell at 332 miles in May 2000, coincidentally in the same month/year as Bonhams’ inaugural Aston sale. The recorded mileage at time of cataloguing was 502.