Remarkably well documented from new, chassis 15521 was completed at Aston Martin’s Newport Pagnell facility 7 November 1986 and finished in Jubilee Silver over dark blue leather trim. Originally completed as a left-hand-drive electric fuel injection (EFI) Volante for the Swiss market, the car was initially retained by Aston Martin for promotional purposes and photographed in period at Castle Ashby displaying the UK registration “AML 1”. Following its press duties, chassis 15521 returned to Newport Pagnell in 1987 and was converted by the factory to right-hand drive, United Kingdom-specification.

Accompanying copies of the original sales invoices and warranty card show the car was sold on 26 February 1988 via Aston Martin Sales Limited to its first owner, devoted marque enthusiast Robert Cooper of Swindon, Wiltshire. Cooper kept the car for just a year before reportedly exchanging it for the third and final Vantage Volante ‘Ecurie Ecosse’.

Under its next caretaker, purportedly in the winter of 1989, the car was comprehensively upgraded to ‘580X’ Vantage Volante cosmetic specification, reportedly by the hand of Aston Martin specialist Lincoln Scott. One of just a handful believed to have been converted by Scott, the car received the Vantage’s signature outrageously flared arches, bonnet bulge, front splitter, rear “fliptail” spoiler, and Mohair convertible top with glass rear window before being refinished in stunning Salisbury Blue.

The car then passed through a well-documented series of conscientious owners before coming under the curation of Paul Southgate of Essex, who regularly had the car serviced by both Aston Martin Sevenoaks and RS Williams, with the latter converting the engine from electronic fuel injection to Weber carburettor induction in 1996. The car also received RS Williams’ signature handling upgrade package and enlarged Brembo brakes during the same service.

Mr. Southgate parted with chassis 15521 in 1998, passing ownership to Mr. Alfred Kapinos who entrusted its maintenance to Aston Martin stalwart John Etheridge and stored it in climate-controlled professional storage for the next 25 years, adding no more than 10,000 miles over that span. Since coming under the consignor’s care, the car has benefited from an extensive 18-month recommissioning by marque specialists Quantum Works and RS Williams at a cost exceeding £50,000.

Highlights of this comprehensive service include engine removal and full bay detail, new water pump, fuel system and carburetor rebuild, plus a complete overhaul of the air conditioning system with new condenser and hoses. The suspension was sharpened with new RSW shock absorbers, anti-roll bar bushes, and a precise geometry setup. New brake servos and hoses were fitted and dialed in, along with a fresh radiator, oil cooler, and uprated ignition system. Further enhancements include an RSW big-bore exhaust system, RSW wheels spacers and refinishing of its signature Ronal rims shod in Michelin Pilot Sport tyres. RS Williams has also fitted a six-speed, fully mappable TCI automatic gearbox which enhances the car’s drivability by an order of magnitude over the original three-speed automatic, which is included in the sale.

A Nardi wood steering wheel, new Blaupunkt Bremen DAB stereo, and rare, factory-correct Tanne & Krolle fitted luggage round out the impressive package. The car is accompanied by a comprehensive history file including the original service book, extensive service records, list of previous owners and registration marks, as well as a set of MoT certificates confirming the 33,141 miles displayed at cataloguing.

Widely regarded as the quintessential British grand tourer of the 1980s, this highly documented, and extensively sorted, Aston Martin V8 Volante epitomizes David Brown’s vision of the ultimate “Gentlemen’s Express”.