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 discs 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 lip on the boot lid.
Produced to satisfy demands from the USA for such a car, the Volante convertible debuted in 1978, but did not become available to Vantage specification until 1986. Along with the Vantage engine and bonnet came flared wheelarches, boot spoiler (a feature the Volante had previously lacked) and extended front spoiler, while glassfibre 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. Not all Aston Martin customers found the new look to their liking however, preferring the more restrained appearance of the earlier model. Foremost among these was HRH the Prince of Wales, who ordered his Volante with Vantage engine and bonnet but otherwise effectively to standard specification. The factory went on to build 26 examples of the ‘Prince of Wales’ specification Vantage Volante before V8 production finally ceased in December 1989.
Of these 26 cars, three were built to a special body specification incorporating the Vantage’s spoilered boot lid and blanked front grille. This trio became known as the ‘Ecurie Ecosse’ cars in recognition of the first two ordered by the McCaig brothers, whose Ecurie Ecosse Racing Team was to feature in Aston Martin’s Group C sportscar racing programme.
This ex-McCaig ‘Ecurie Ecosse’ Vantage Volante was sold at Brooks’ inaugural sale at Aston Martin Works Service in May 2000 (Lot 134). In 2001 the car was treated to a bare-metal repaint in Welsh Green (from Suffolk Red) and the tan leather upholstery piped in green to match. Originally of ‘blanked’ Vantage type, the front grille is now the normal Volante style. A right-hand drive model, the car benefits from ‘unleaded’ engine conversion, factory handling kit, satellite navigation system and immobiliser, and is offered with Swansea V5 document and current road fund licence. It is expected to possess a fresh MoT at time of sale. Purchased by the current owner in April 2004 and meticulously maintained from new, the vehicle comes with full AML Works Service/Ian Mason/R S Williams/Nick Mee service history, and is described by the private vendor as in very good condition throughout.