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Details
1984 ASTON MARTIN V8 VOLANTE
Registration No. B530 WUU
Chassis No. SCFCV81C8 FTR 15371
Engine No. V/580/5371/S
British Racing Green, with magnolia interior
Engine: V8, 5,340cc, four Weber carburettors, 300bhp; Gearbox: five speed manual; Suspension: front, upper/lower control arms, coil springs, rear, De Dion axle, trailing arms and coil springs; Brakes: hydraulic front and rear discs. Right hand drive.
In its 1982 road test Road & Track described the V8 Volante as follows: ...out on the open road the car is responsive, endowed as it is with nearly 5.5 litres of exotic engine. Their performance test recorded a 0-60mph time in 8.9 seconds, 0-100mph in 25.2 seconds and a top speed of 142mph.
The V8 Volante made its debut in 1978 and has to be one of the most elegant open-topped cars of its time. With its traditional clean-cut line, it exudes the sheer elegance and quality of a hand-built machine. The Volante offers the very best of British craftsmanship and the strength of design that has been the hallmark of Aston Martin. Standard equipment included a power-operated soft-top and polished burr walnut trim.
Aston Martin have been able to confirm that this car was sold new to Elton John, being purchased from their Sloane Street Showroom in London. The date of first registration is recorded as 6th December 1984, and it was supplied then as it is today, in British Racing Green livery. The corresponding interior was furnished in magnolia leather upholstery and piped in dark green, and the hood in dark green 'Everflex'. The company build-sheets record that the specification included 2 (Cibie) driving lights and detachable head-rests for the seats. The Volante is unusual in that it has manual transmission.
In Sir Elton John's ownership the car has been used alongside the other Aston Martins and convertible Bentleys, on occasions being sent to the South of France for summer transport. From new, to our date of inspection, the mileage recorded is a modest 11,145, and throughout its life it has been maintained by Weybridge Automobiles.
It is naturally ready for use in the Summer months ahead, being sold with a current MoT certificate and road tax. The car is also fitted with a Sony CD Stereo and comes with the original Warranty and tool roll.
Aston Martins have a special place in Elton John's heart. Bob Stacey, Elton John's long-term employee, recalled the time when Elton bought his first Aston. 'It was in the early days, 1969 or 1970 his manager then was Dick James, he said to Elton who at that time had a Ford Escort 'You can't drive around in a car like that you've got a certain image to live up to'. Elton then disappeared and a few hours later there was this growling sound coming around the corner, and he turned up in this most expensive Aston Martin. It was amethyst colour gorgeous car. Dick James nearly had a fit, it was certainly one extreme to the other.'
John Newman, Sir Elton's fleet manager, refers to this car as 'Classy Lady'. This is one of his favourite cars that he'll be very sad to see go. He told us that this Aston has been taken down to the South of France on a few occasions, adding: 'She's beautiful, a Classy Lady needs to be taken down to the South of France now and again, and she's one Classy Lady'.
Registration No. B530 WUU
Chassis No. SCFCV81C8 FTR 15371
Engine No. V/580/5371/S
British Racing Green, with magnolia interior
Engine: V8, 5,340cc, four Weber carburettors, 300bhp; Gearbox: five speed manual; Suspension: front, upper/lower control arms, coil springs, rear, De Dion axle, trailing arms and coil springs; Brakes: hydraulic front and rear discs. Right hand drive.
In its 1982 road test Road & Track described the V8 Volante as follows: ...out on the open road the car is responsive, endowed as it is with nearly 5.5 litres of exotic engine. Their performance test recorded a 0-60mph time in 8.9 seconds, 0-100mph in 25.2 seconds and a top speed of 142mph.
The V8 Volante made its debut in 1978 and has to be one of the most elegant open-topped cars of its time. With its traditional clean-cut line, it exudes the sheer elegance and quality of a hand-built machine. The Volante offers the very best of British craftsmanship and the strength of design that has been the hallmark of Aston Martin. Standard equipment included a power-operated soft-top and polished burr walnut trim.
Aston Martin have been able to confirm that this car was sold new to Elton John, being purchased from their Sloane Street Showroom in London. The date of first registration is recorded as 6th December 1984, and it was supplied then as it is today, in British Racing Green livery. The corresponding interior was furnished in magnolia leather upholstery and piped in dark green, and the hood in dark green 'Everflex'. The company build-sheets record that the specification included 2 (Cibie) driving lights and detachable head-rests for the seats. The Volante is unusual in that it has manual transmission.
In Sir Elton John's ownership the car has been used alongside the other Aston Martins and convertible Bentleys, on occasions being sent to the South of France for summer transport. From new, to our date of inspection, the mileage recorded is a modest 11,145, and throughout its life it has been maintained by Weybridge Automobiles.
It is naturally ready for use in the Summer months ahead, being sold with a current MoT certificate and road tax. The car is also fitted with a Sony CD Stereo and comes with the original Warranty and tool roll.
Aston Martins have a special place in Elton John's heart. Bob Stacey, Elton John's long-term employee, recalled the time when Elton bought his first Aston. 'It was in the early days, 1969 or 1970 his manager then was Dick James, he said to Elton who at that time had a Ford Escort 'You can't drive around in a car like that you've got a certain image to live up to'. Elton then disappeared and a few hours later there was this growling sound coming around the corner, and he turned up in this most expensive Aston Martin. It was amethyst colour gorgeous car. Dick James nearly had a fit, it was certainly one extreme to the other.'
John Newman, Sir Elton's fleet manager, refers to this car as 'Classy Lady'. This is one of his favourite cars that he'll be very sad to see go. He told us that this Aston has been taken down to the South of France on a few occasions, adding: 'She's beautiful, a Classy Lady needs to be taken down to the South of France now and again, and she's one Classy Lady'.
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.