Looking to satisfy demand for an open-top version of its V8 coupe, Aston Martin unveiled the V8 Volante in June 1978. Primarily designed with the American market in mind, the car had a fully lined and power-operated soft-top, enhancing the excitement provided by the already thrilling V-8 engine.

The Volante remained in production for 11 years, and while engineering development continued over its production run, the muscular character of the car persisted. In 1983, the V-8 range received substantial improvements, including revised heating and ventilation controls, and it could be easily identified by its BBS cross-spoke alloy wheels. Aston Martin later introduced an updated Volante model, the Series 2 (a designation corresponding to the coupe’s Series 5) in January 1986; it featured Weber-Marelli electronic fuel injection with a restyled, flat hood owing to the overall height of the engine being reduced due to the absence of carburetors.

The example offered here was released from the factory on 21 April 1986 and dispatched to the United States, according to a copy of its original build sheet. It was finished in Midnight Blue with a Fawn soft-top over a Fawn leather interior and equipped with the optional five-speed ZF manual transmission rather than the standard Chrysler Torqueflite three-speed automatic. Much of the car’s early history is a mystery, but a Carfax report indicates that it remained in the Western United States from the early 2000s, registered in Wyoming and serviced in Idaho, Nevada, and Utah. It has been equipped with an aftermarket Sony head unit with CD player and satellite radio capability.

Wearing its striking, factory-correct color scheme, retaining its numbers-matching 5.0-liter V-8 engine, and riding on correct BBS wheels mounted with Avon tires, this V-8 Volante would be an excellent candidate for touring or showing, following recommissioning.