A very rare and elegant 2+2 grand tourer, this Aston Martin V8 Volante is a handsome example of the marque’s powerful open-top classic. The seller notes that of approximately 4,021 AMV8s built from 1969 to 1989, only 849 were convertibles (Volante) of which an estimated 600-750 survive today worldwide, making this vehicle highly collectible. It is powered by the desirable naturally aspirated, Weber carburetted 5.3-litre V8, driving the rear wheels via a retrofitted five-speed manual transmission. This example is finished in the original launch colour of the Volante introduced in 1978 and has reportedly been with the seller for the last 13 years. It was awarded ‘Best in Class’ (DBS, AMV8, Virage) at the AMOC Concours d'Elegance in 2017, has been entered in the prestigious Motorclassica Concours d'Elegance, and was recently featured by Melbourne Carspotters. The seller reports that the car was originally delivered to California,USA, is now offered for sale in Australia, and was converted to right-hand drive during the restoration, carried out on a rust-free body. Steel Wings upgrades include: adjustable suspension, manual modified Tremec gearbox and clutch, and ignition kit. The five-digit odometer indicates approximately 12,214 km since restoration.. Build year: 1980 AMV8s were all hand-built at Newport Pagnell, with the Volante taking significantly longer to produce (around 4 months per car) due to the convertible bodywork. The car is finished in Selene Bronze over a Magnolia leather-trimmed cabin featuring grey carpets, contrast piping, and burr walnut inlays. The seller states that the engine is the original matching-numbers unit, and has been fully rebuilt to near Vantage specification, using components and guidance from RS Williams, and dual speed SPAL thematic fans. Fitted with upgrades from Steel Wings, including adjustable suspension, manual gearbox / clutch and ignition kit. Upgrades also include an Aston Martin special edition Nardi steering wheel, electrically heated front seats, and the Vantage spoiler. Fitted with period correct Avon tyres, including spare Accompanying the sale is a folder of receipts, the spare wheel, and a ‘Best in Class’ 2017 trophy and Motorclassica grill badge. Please refer to the photo gallery to assess the exterior and interior condition. The seller notes a small dent in the rear quarter panel, which they believe can be repaired without affecting the paint, stone chips on the spoiler, blemishes on the driver’s door edge and top lip, and minor wear inside the cabin. The vehicle is believed to have been involved in a minor accident previously repaired in the right rear quarter panel prior to the restoration. The seller states that the vehicle underwent a meticulous bare-metal respray, involving 20 layers of paint with sanding between each layer. The entire vehicle was fully restored following a reported dashboard fire in 1991, and the car remained in storage until the restoration was completed in 2017. The seller also states that the radio is non-operational and the air conditioning has been refitted and re-gassed, but the control panel has not been reconfigured. The most recent roadworthiness inspection was reportedly conducted in July 2023. The most recent service and roadworthy certificate was performed in July 2023 at an indicated 8,734 kilometres. The roof hydraulics have reportedly been repaired. The Aston Martin AMV8 Volante is a sophisticated and powerful grand tourer, offering a compelling blend of British luxury and V8 muscle. This particular example benefits from a past concours award and presents with a desirable manual transmission, making it a truly engaging classic. It would make a compelling addition to any collection of British vehicles, and a rewarding companion for fair-weather cruises and weekend drives.