1986 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante

To most, the 1985 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante and 007 movies are synonymous. For collectors, the sleek car is a testament to power and precision. As Berkley One Classics celebrates the big 5-0, we’re hosting an exciting virtual car show for collectors and enthusiasts alike. We’ll share our love of classic cars by spotlighting 50 cars for 50 years that have been chosen and beloved by our employees. Each will showcase the evolution of design and engineering and provide a nostalgic journey through auto and pop culture history. Read on as Alex Horowitz, Berkley One’s Vice President, National Relationships, tells us why he loves the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante.

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The Car:

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante is a British grand tourer convertible. A higher performance version of the Aston Martin V8, it was hailed at its 1977 introduction as “Britain’s First Supercar” for its 170 mph top speed. Its engine was shared with the Lagonda but it used high-performance camshafts, increased compression ratio, larger inlet valves and bigger carburetors mounted on new manifolds for increased output. Straight-line performance was the best of the day, with acceleration from 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds, one-tenth of a second faster than the Ferrari Daytona at the time.

The Collector:

The production version featured an even deeper front spoiler than fitted to the Vantage, even wider wheel arches, and extended side skirts. The Vantage Volante also had a rear spoiler, which the regular Volante did not feature. In total, 166 Vantage Volantes were built, with the last ones leaving the factory in December 1989.

In 1987 Charles, Prince of Wales took delivery of a Vantage Volante, but at his request, built without the production car’s wider wheelarches, front air dam and side skirts. This became known as the ‘Prince of Wales Spec’ (or PoW) and another 26 such cars were built by the factory. These are now generally considered the most desirable of all the 1970s and 80s V8 models. Combined with the PoW cars, 192 Vantage Volantes were built. The car was further solidified in history and culture when it appeared in the James Bond film “The Living Daylights”, complete with special (effect) spy modifications such as heat seeking missiles, lasers in front wheel hubcaps, bulletproof windows and body and a self-destruct system.

The Love:

Bond…James Bond. 007 movies and beautiful cars are synonymous. The Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante was a touring vehicle that could take a beating and was meant to be driven, thereby living up to the title of a Bond Car and putting it on the list of one of the top cars from the film franchise. Dubbed as one of Britain’s first “Super Cars”, the Aston Martin made its mark on the automobile industry and never looked back.

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Contributed by Alex Horowitz

Photo: Alamy

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This car feature is part of our 50 Cars for 50 Years campaign in honor of Berkley One Classics celebrating 50 year of insuring collectors and their vehicles. See the other cars we love here:

Checkout the list of spotlights here.

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Berkley One Classics is a Berkley Company who recognizes that classic cars are unique and require insurance that’s equally distinctive. Let us help you protect your beloved vehicle so you can enjoy it for years to come. Learn more here.