1989 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante

-Cumberland Grey over Blue leather Interior with Blue Carpeting, Aston Martin Works Service 6.3L liter V8, ZF 5-speed, Vantage Volante Prince of Wales Specification performed by Aston Martin Lagonda Works Service, Newport Pagnell in 1991, Full ownership and service history, Longterm AMOC Collector Ownership. When Aston Martin unveiled the V8 Vantage Volante, the larger flares and side skirts were not quite to everybodys liking. One particular client at the time, HRH, The Prince of Wales, currently His Royal Highness The King of England wanted the Vantage specification high horsepower engine, but requested a more understated, bespoke styling. Thus was born the V8 Vantage PoW specification Volante. Shortly after taking delivery of his PoW V8 Vantage Volante, the AML factory began to offer their select, VIP clientele the bespoke Volante. It was now known as the V8 Vantage Volante Prince of Wales or PoW for short. The PoW V8 Vantage Volante featured slightly flared wheel arches to cover the Ronal 16 wheels, a subtle front air dam, a flat boot without the standard Vantage Volantes large lip spoiler and the V8 Vantage bonnet with bulge to clear the Weber carburetors. These were all extremely subtle changes to the almost standard V8 Volante. As we would say here in the USA, a bit of a sleeper, all of the go, with none of the show. Only 22 examples were produced in full specification V8 Vantage tune, all in RHD form. Subsequently, several of the original RHD PoWs were later converted to LHD and several other V8 Volantes and V8 Vantage Volantes were returned the Aston Martin Works Service Department in Newport Pagnell for complete factory conversion to PoW specifications. This V8 is one such Aston having been purchased new as V8 Volante. Not all POW cars feature the various bespoke interior features requested by HRH. Therefore, it must be stated that every PoW is unique it is own right and its original clients specifications. From 1986 to 1989 a total of 27 cars were built. Of these, 22 were full spec right hand drive cars, all for the British market, the other 5 were LHD examples destined for North America. Sadly, the US cars are described as cosmetic PoW, not being able to have full specification V8 Vantage engine, but instead having the standard V8 Volante Weber Marelli fuel injected Federal Specification emission controlled engine of the era. Unfortunately, that meant they had all of the show and none of the go. Added to this, the US cosmetic PoW V8 Volantes included the 16 Ronal wheels and wheel arches, but sadly had the unsightly and cumbersome 5 mph Black rubber impact bumpers as demanded and required for importation by the United States Department of Transportation DOT safety standard and regulations. For many, the Vantage Volante to Prince of Wales specification has become the jewel of the Aston Martin V8 model range. This LHD V8 was originally produced as a V8 Vantage Volante and first registered to a Mr. L. Bramley. Almost immediately, it changed hands having been purchased by Mr. Nystrom. Mr. Nystrom returned his newly acquired Aston to is birthplace and entrusted his Aston to the AML Works Service Department in Newport Pagnell. AML Works were instructed to convert the V8 Vantage Volante to PoW specification, but decided to further enhance his now bespoke V8 Vantage Volante PoW with a AM Work 6.3 liter Vantage engine upgrade with completed large bore intake and sport exhaust systems. The result a motor producing massive amounts of horsepower (480+) and over 500 ft. lbs. of torque. Acceleration from in under 0-60 5 seconds and a top speed of well over 175 mph should the convertible top not blow off. Supercar horsepower for the era to say the least! Since the AMWS conversion to PoW specifications, this V8 Volante has enjoyed enthusiast Aston collector ownerships. It has been housed and used in Spain, the UK and with most recent ownership having been within a well-known German Aston collection. In this ownership since 2006, the POW has received a bare metal repaint in its original color, a new convertible top, in cloth-Mohair and has been serviced when and where needed by Aston Service Hamburg. This PoW V8 Volante has been used and enjoyed seasonally, never in inclement weather and has taken part in several vintage rallies-tours as well as AMOC events, thus it has been well-known within the German AMOC circles. This V8 Vantage Volante to PoW specification is complete with all Books, Tools, Manuals, Factory Jack as well as its Full Service and Ownership histories.