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      1989 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante 7.0L 5-Speed 'X-Pack' RHD

      1989 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante 7.0L 5-Speed 'X-Pack' RHD

      Technical Information

      Lot Number:9535

      Year:1989

      Make:Aston Martin

      Model:V8 Vantage Volante 7.0L 5-Speed 'X-Pack' RHD

      Trim:Saddle Leather

      Mileage:50124 mi

      Drivetrain:RWD

      VIN:SCFCV81V3KTL15790

      Transmission:Manual

      Engine:7.0L V8

      Body Style:Convertible

      Location:Weston, FL 33327

      Title Status:Clean

      Seller:Guitarman

      Seller Type:Private Party

      Exterior Color:Cumberland Grey

      Interior Color:Tan

      Overview

      Among the most formidable open grand tourers of its era, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante combined hand-built craftsmanship with performance that rivaled contemporary supercars. Introduced in Vantage specification for the Volante in 1986, the model featured significantly uprated power, factory figures coyly described as “adequate,” though widely understood to approach or exceed 400 horsepower, alongside aggressive aerodynamic enhancements. Flared wheel arches, a deep front air dam, integrated rear spoiler, and signature bonnet bulge gave the car a muscular, purposeful stance, while its limited production—fewer than 200 examples completed by December 1989—ensured exclusivity befitting the marque’s flagship open model.

      This 1989 example was originally delivered new via British Motors in Monaco, specified with the highly desirable “X-Pack” engine and finished in Suffolk Red over Magnolia trim. Built in left-hand-drive configuration, it returned to Aston Martin Works at Newport Pagnell later that same year, where it was converted to right-hand drive and fitted with a five-speed dog-leg manual transmission under the direction of noted marque specialist Desmond Smail. Retaining its full European specification, the car features slimmer bumpers, wide-body coachwork, and correct 16-inch Ronal wheels, along with the distinctive quad-carburetor bonnet bulge. Its early history includes long-term ownership by businessman Touker Suleyman, who acquired the car in 1991 and retained it for approximately 15 years.

      A comprehensive restoration carried out between 2007 and 2008 by renowned Aston Martin specialists R.S. Williams brought the car to an exceptional standard. At that time, the V8 engine was enlarged to 7.0 liters and equipped with four carburetors, significantly enhancing performance. The restoration also included structural attention to the chassis, a bare-metal repaint in elegant Cumberland Grey, and a complete retrim of the interior in tan leather. Additional upgrades included a new black mohair soft top, refinished wood veneers, heated front seats, and modernized audio equipment with Bluetooth connectivity, all executed with careful attention to preserving the car’s character while improving usability.

      Since completion, the car has been sparingly driven and consistently maintained, with recent servicing in 2024 addressing items such as air conditioning, ignition components, and routine mechanical care. Imported to the United States in 2022 and subsequently acquired by its current owner, the car is offered with its owner’s manual, service records, and supporting documentation, including its factory Car Record Card. A well-known example within Aston Martin circles, this V8 Vantage Volante presents as a highly developed, thoroughly documented, and exceptionally charismatic expression of one of the marque’s most exclusive open-top grand tourers.
       
       

      Features & Options

      • One of fewer than 200 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volantes produced (1986–1989)

      • Desirable late-production 1989 example, originally delivered new to Monaco via British Motors

      • Factory-equipped with highly sought-after “X-Pack” performance specification

      • Converted by Aston Martin Works in 1989 from left-hand drive to right-hand drive

      • Upgraded at that time with a five-speed dog-leg manual transmission by Desmond Smail

      • Retains full European specification, including slimmer bumpers and wide-body coachwork

      • Comprehensive restoration completed in 2007–2008 by marque specialist R.S. Williams

      • Engine enlarged to 7.0 liters with four carburetors during refurbishment

      • Refinished in Cumberland Grey over fully retrimmed tan leather interior

      • Equipped with black mohair soft top, refinished wood veneers, and upgraded interior features

      • Recent servicing completed in 2024, including mechanical and air conditioning work

      • Documented history from new, including long-term early ownership

      • Imported to the United States in 2022; accompanied by records and factory documentation

      Modifications

      The car benefits from a series of well-executed modifications carried out with a focus on enhancing performance and usability while preserving its character. Originally built in left-hand drive, it was converted to right-hand drive by Aston Martin Works at Newport Pagnell in late 1989 under the direction of Desmond Smail, at which time it was also fitted with a five-speed dog-leg manual transmission. A comprehensive restoration by R.S. Williams in 2007–2008 further elevated the car, including enlargement of the V8 to 7.0 liters while retaining its quad-carburetor configuration. Additional refinements include upgraded interior features such as heated seats, improved audio with Bluetooth connectivity, and subtle ergonomic enhancements, resulting in a more powerful and user-friendly example of this rare Vantage Volante.

      Service Records

      • Comprehensive documentation is downloadable in PDF form via the "Documents" gallery above, including its owner’s manual, service records, supporting documentation, and factory Car Record Card.

      Ownership History & Provenance

      The car’s history includes long-term ownership by prominent businessman Touker Suleyman, who acquired it in 1991 with approximately 1,000 miles and retained it for some 15 years. Since then, it has remained well documented and enthusiast-owned, later imported to the United States in 2022 and subsequently acquired by its current caretaker.
       

      Known Shortcomings

      Sotheby's Motorsport presents this auction in partnership with the seller. This 1989 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante 7.0L 5-Speed 'X-Pack' RHD shows wear consistent with its age and restored condition according to a seller’s disclosure. Please review the entire document by clicking "Seller's Disclosure" above. 
        

      • 5-6 chips mostly on front grille. Image available in Seller's Disclosure Addendum
         

      Please click the “Contact Seller” button to reach out with any condition-specific questions. This vehicle is sold where-is, as-is, and bidder is responsible for all due diligence regarding vehicle condition.   

      Items included in the Sale

      • Purchase documentation (i.e. original sales invoice)
      • Service records from current ownership
      • Service records from previous ownership
      • Build sheet
      • Tool kit
      • Spare or removed parts
      • 1 key fob

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