1988 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Zagato Volante
After a limited production of 50 Zagato Coupés, Zagato started an even smaller run of convertibles called Volante. These had the same body shape as the Coupes, albeit with a non-vantage spec engine and a new grill cover.
The project was reminiscent of the lightweight DB4GT Zagato, a 1960s race car that was meant to challenge Ferrari at the top level of sports car racing. Like its classic counterpart, the modern V8 Vantage Zagato was reduced in overall size and received an updated aluminum body from Italy. Much like the DB4, the chassis was shortened and the rear seats removed.
Futhermore the engine was reworked to produce 432 bhp and offered a top speed of 300 kph.
The first Zagato Volante appeared at the 1987 Geneva Motor Show with a different fron grill and headlight covers. Bosch fuel injection was fitted which provided anough clearance such that the large bulge on the Coupé’s hood wasn’t necessary.
Only 37 Zagato Volantes were produced, 12 in right-hand drive and 4 with automatic gearboxes.
In Detail
| type | Series Production Car |
| built at | Newport Pagnell, England |
| body stylist | Zagato |
| production | 37 |
| engine | V8 |
| block material | Aluminum Alloy |
| valvetrain | DOHC |
| fuel feed | Bosch Fuel Injection |
| displacement | 5340 cc / 325.87 in³ |
| power | 238.6 kw / 320 bhp |
| specific output | 59.93 bhp per litre |
| f suspension | Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar, Lever Arm Dampers |
| r suspension | de Dion-Type Axle |
| transmission | Manual or 3-Speed Torqueflight Automatic |
Auction Sales History
Just 37 V8 Zagato Volantes were ultimately built, including only 12 original left-hand drive cars; of those, this example is one of four equipped with an automatic gearbox. It was sold new to Monaco via British Motors, and today, it is offered with only 4,800 actual miles showing and just two registered keepers from new. Stunning throughout, it is also complete with service bills totalling over £11 000 in the past two years to maintain it in as-new condition, including a replacement top. Presented with close attention to detail throughout, it remains a great example of an extremely rare and increasingly collectible thoroughbred motor car.
Auction Source: 2010 Automobiles of London by RM Auctions
