One to Buy: 1989 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante V580X Works Service 6.3 Prince of Wales Conversion
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Although Aston Martin had not planned to make an open top version of its range-topping V8 Vantage, the early 1980s began to see a handful of special order cars built to such a configuration emerge for VIP customers.
Despite there having clearly been a market for this type of car, it wasn’t until October 1986 that the Vantage Volante became an official model in Aston’s line up.
Since January 1986, the Vantage had been produced in V580X form complete with hot 410bhp version of the firm’s revered 5.3-litre engine. The following October (to coincide with the Vantage Volante’s launch at the Birmingham Motor Show), Aston introduced a number of further updates to include improved variable rate springs with re-calibrated Koni shocks absorbers and a handsome new set of 16-inch diameter wheels.
At this point, the Vantage Coupe was modified to incorporate subtly flared fenders and a more jutting chin spoiler. However, these cosmetic enhancements paled in comparison to what Aston Martin had created for its new Vantage Volante which arrived with massive wheelarch extensions, deep side skirts and a dramatic rear spoiler.
While the Vantage Volante’s aggressive new look found favour with many buyers, one customer who wanted the punch of a Vantage combined with a more discrete appearance in line with the standard V8 Volante was the Prince of Wales.
Aston Martin obliged and created what has come to be regarded as the ultimate iteration of its original V8 line, the V8 Vantage Prince of Wales, 27 of which were completed by special request between 1986 and ‘89.
In addition to these 27, a handful of further copies were converted to Prince of Wales trim by Aston Martin Works Service in period such as this example currently residing at the Autosport Designs showroom in Long Island, New York.
Having originally departed Newport Pagnell in 1989 as a standard left-hand drive Cumberland Grey over Blue V8 Vantage Volante, the car’s first owner sold it almost immediately, no doubt at a healthy premium as this was the height of the late 1980s collector car boom.
The second owner sent his new acquisition straight back to Aston Martin Works Service where it was the subject of a Prince of Wales conversion along with an engine upgrade to 6.3-litre circa 480bhp trim.
Today, this stunningly handsome Aston is being offered in superb condition throughout with a little over 88,000 miles on the odometer and comes complete with a fully documented history.
