1984 - Aston Martin V8 Volante

The first British supercar and the last pure Aston Martin production French registration Chassis n°SCFCV81CXETL15336 Engine n°V/580/5336/S - Aggressive lines, powerful engine and luxurious comfort without ostentation - One of only 849 V8 Volante models, and even rarer left-hand drive. - 5.3L V8 version with carburetors and automatic gearbox - Original French car with crystal-clear history, 3rd hand since 1990 - Only 14,500 kms and superb state of preservation - Special order plate, manuals and accessories The successor to the DBS, the Aston Martin V8 is the brand's latest model, developed under the direction of its iconic boss David Brown in the early 1970s. Its in-house V8 set new benchmarks in terms of power, and it is thus considered the first British "supercar". Taken from the DBS V8 engine, itself the result of mating elements from its 6-cylinder predecessor with a 90° V8 crankcase, and once again designed by engineer Tadek Marek, who was already the author of the famous in-line 6-cylinder that made the Newport Pagnell firm's reputation; this block initially developed 280 hp in 1972, then 305 from 1977 (stage 1). The same year, in the Vantage version, thanks to the adoption of larger-diameter valves, reshaped camshafts, more efficient spark plugs and the abandonment of fuel injection in favor of four Weber IDF inverted carburetors, it even reached 380 hp (stage 2). This power was further increased a few years later in 1980, mainly on the Vantage version, by the installation of identical valves and pistons. In 1983, an automatic transmission was offered, and the engine's mechanics evolved with the installation of even larger Weber carburetors, Cosworth pistons and even sharper camshafts, to achieve over 420 hp! These improvements made to the DBS's Tadek Marek engine by engine builder David Morgan enabled the AM V8 to rival the Ferrari 512 BB and Testarossa, as well as the Lamborghini Countach. The only difference is that the Aston Martin V8 can be enjoyed by four. This, in true Aston Martin style, is a front-engined rear-wheel drive, using a rigid de Dion rear axle, which is lighter than the independent wheels and ensures good stability, even if less comfortable and more sensitive to skidding when cornering. The chassis-platform section is reinforced compared to the DBS, for greater rigidity. As for the bodywork, it is made entirely of aluminum, and its aggressive aerodynamics enhance roadholding. The latter is also the result of a well-balanced weight distribution, almost 50/50 front to rear. Aesthetically, the AM V8 is characterized by its wide grille, long hood, high ride height and wide fenders. Depending on the version, the hood, more or less dented to accommodate the carburetors, is also impressive. Especially on the Vantage version, when combined with a full radiator grille, to which are also added two long-range Cibié headlamps, a lower front and rear spoiler, and a spoiler on the rear trunk. As the model evolved, the interior became increasingly luxurious, with leather replacing vinyl on the dashboard and precious wood veneers making their appearance, along with a host of comfort features. The Aston Martin V8 made a major contribution to forging the sporting image of the venerable English brand, both through its style, which broke away from its predecessors, and its extraordinary performance. An extraordinary car, it was produced for almost 20 years until 1990 in various versions, but always in small series, confirming its exclusivity. The car on display is an Aston Martin V8 Volante convertible. It was specially built for Sheikh Ahmed Jamal Jawa and put on the road for him on April 26, 1984, when it was delivered in Paris by the British Motors dealership. In Sebring Blue metallic with a beige soft top, with magnolia leather interior with blue piping and beige carpeting with blue trim, also echoing the bodywork, it boasts an extremely meticulous configuration, highly representative of the brand's refinement. The 15-inch BBS aluminum wheels and dented hood add an extra touch of sportiness to its already intimidating lines. As an example of the 1984 Series 4 (Oscar India), equipped with the 5.3L V580 suffix S V8 engine, this is the carbureted model of the Oscar India.