Beschreibung:

5.7 Liter Quad-Cam V8 Engine 4 Weber Dual-throat Carburetors 393bhp at 5,400rpm 5-Speed Manual ZF Transmission 4-Wheel Independent Suspension 4-Wheel Disc Brakes *Superbly prepared, matching-numbers factory LHD V8 Volante *Upgraded to period performance specifications *Expertly restored in appropriate Balmoral Green over Natural livery *Offered with an abundance of restoration records and documentation Previewing at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California by appointment. Please contact motors.us@bonhams.com for scheduling. THE ASTON MARTIN V8 VOLANTE Aston Martin had initially intended the DBS to house its new V8 engine, but production difficulties meant that the car first appeared with the DB6's 4.0-liter six. Bigger and more luxuriously appointed than the DB6, the heavyweight DBS disappointed some by virtue of its slightly reduced performance, but there were no complaints when the V8 finally arrived in 1969. Staggering performance of the new V8 justified the claim that it was the fastest production car in the world. The most successful Aston Martin ever, the V8 survived the changes of ownership and financial upheavals of the 1970s, enjoying a record-breaking production run lasting from 1969 to 1989, with 2,919 cars sold. Throughout the long production run every car leaving the factory was completely hand built which included hand formed aluminum body panels, assembly of the engine, leather and walnut interior trim and numerous other appointments. THE MOTORCAR OFFERED Aston Martin V8 Volante chassis no. 15429 was completed at the famed Newport Pagnell factory in October of 1985, as a 1986 model-year car. One of the very last factory carbureted examples, the Volante was configured for the US market as a left-hand drive car and finished in Jaguar Regent Grey over a Natural leather interior. It was shipped to Star Motor Cars in Houston, Texas and sold to its first owner, Ms. Susan L. Smith in February of 1987. The Aston Martin remained in Texas until 2003, when purchased by the second owner, Mr. James Taylor of Los Gatos, California. Invoices from the impressive history file attests to approximately $30,000 worth of work completed during Mr. Taylor's ownership at renowned Aston Martin specialist Autosport Designs of Long Island, New York, Upgrades included the conversation to run a factory-correct ZF 5-speed manual gearbox. 15429 was purchased by the consignor from Mr. Taylor in 2011 and has since been restored and refined while in his custodianship, with absolute perfection in mind. In 2012, ProtoTech Services Ltd in Edmonton, Alberta was retained to fully rebuild the original engine and upgrade it to near Vantage specifications. Disassembled to a short-block, the engine was bored to 5.7-litres, fitted with 10:1 pistons, Vantage cams, new timing chains, ported heads and Vantage headers, among other things. The stock 42mm Weber carburetors were retained and rebuilt but not upgraded to 48 mm Vantage carburetors. This was done to maintain drivability and excellent mid-range rpm performance. A new MSD ignition system was fitted for improved reliability and performance. A European air box was sourced and installed, and a new clutch was fitted. Ancillaries such as the radiator, water pump, fuel pump, starter, alternator and power steering pump were rebuilt or replaced as well. Further, the Volante received a full mechanical restoration of the steering rack, brakes, bearings, suspension and electrical systems. A 2018 dyno test of 15429 revelated an impressive 314 horsepower at the rear axle which translates to 393 brake horsepower. The black convertible top was replaced in 2016 to original specifications, while all rubber weatherproofing was replaced with Aston Martin parts. 15429 was professionally painted in 2019 by McKay Auto Body in Calgary, Alberta. The car was stripped and blocked, and then received three coats of the period-correct color "Rolls-Royce Balmoral Green" as seen on the car today, while receiving th