1989 Aston Martin V8 Zagato Volante Fi

Description

Stratton Motor Company are delighted to offer for sale one of the rarest models in Aston Martin’s heritage portfolio: the V8 Zagato Volante

The Aston Martin V8 Zagato is among the most striking and exclusive grand tourers of the 1980s, born from the celebrated collaboration between Aston Martin and the Milanese design house Zagato. The story began at the 1984 Geneva Motor Show, when Victor Gauntlett, together with Peter Livanos and inspired by the success of limited-production icons such as the Ferrari GTO and Porsche 959, resolved to reunite with Zagato to create a new two-seat Aston Martin. The objective was to follow in the footsteps of the hugely successful DB4 GT Zagato, now regarded as one of the most desirable Aston Martins ever produced.

In the weeks that followed, teams travelled between Italy and the UK to develop the concept. The brief was ambitious: a car capable of 300 kph with a 0–60 mph time of under five seconds. The V8 Vantage was selected as the donor car, as even in standard form it came close to achieving these targets. Weight savings were achieved through a shortened chassis, increased use of lightweight materials and improved aerodynamics, resulting in a 10 percent reduction in overall mass. With the two-seat layout finalised, production commenced under the guidance of Zagato’s Chief Designer, Giuseppe Mittino. Rolling chassis and drivetrains were constructed at Aston Martin’s Newport Pagnell facility, using the high-performance Vantage version of Tadek Marek’s 5.3-litre all-alloy V8 engine. Featuring high-lift camshafts, Cosworth pistons, enlarged ports, bespoke exhaust manifolds and Weber carburettors, this engine produced a formidable 432 bhp.

Once completed, the chassis were shipped to Milan, where Zagato craftsmen hand-formed the distinctive aluminium bodies and trimmed the interiors in luxurious leather, before the finished cars were returned to the UK for completion. From the outset, production was limited to just 50 coupes. Despite overwhelming demand, Aston Martin honoured its promise of exclusivity. Victor Gauntlett famously remarked: ‘Reaction everywhere has been incredible. We could have sold the production run three times over, but we are steadfast in our refusal to build more than 50.’ All examples were sold before production commenced.

In November 1986, continued pressure from customers led Aston Martin to approve a limited run of V8 Zagato Volante models. These cars differed mechanically and visually from the original coupe. Most notably, these were originally fitted with Weber-Marelli fuel injected V8 engines (replacing the carburettors) resulting in smoother power delivery but a reduced output of 320 bhp. The bonnet power bulge was deleted, giving a flatter profile, and further styling changes included ‘eyelid’ headlamps and a partially covered front grille.

Although originally intended to number just 25 cars, a total of 37 Volantes were ultimately produced. Additional chassis strengthening improved rigidity and handling, which many owners felt compensated for the lower power output of the fuel-injected engine. Of those 37 Volantes, only around seven were converted by the factory to full Vantage specification, retaining the original 432 bhp carburetted engine and reinstated power bulge and nose cone. Today, just six of these are believed to survive, making them among the rarest Zagato variants in existence.

The car offered here, however, is one of the fuel-injected Volante models, fitted with the 320 bhp Weber-Marelli injection engine, representing the standard and most refined Volante specification.

Chassis number 30044 boasts a particularly interesting provenance, having originally been commissioned by 1980s pop icon and Duran Duran frontman Simon Le Bon. Finished in Javelin Grey with a Magnolia Parchment interior, the car covered just 200 miles during his ownership before being sold in 1996. Since then, it has had only four further owners, and mileage has remained exceptionally low. Today, the car shows just 5,920 miles, an extraordinary figure for a vehicle now 36 years old.

Beyond routine Aston Martin servicing, the most notable work was carried out in 2011 by marque specialists Nicholas Mee & Co. This included upgraded front and rear suspension, Koni NM-spec adjustable front struts and an uprated front anti-roll bar. The car has also benefited from a modernised audio system featuring DAB radio and a Morel speaker upgrade.

Supplied with a comprehensive documented history, together with its original service and owner’s manuals, this fuel-injected V8 Zagato Volante represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most exclusive Aston Martins ever produced and is an essential addition for the discerning collector.

• Aston Martin
• Aston Martin Heritage
• V8 Zagato