1989 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante 'Prince of Wales'
Registration no. Not UK registered
Chassis no. 15741
Engine no. V/580/5741/X

Not all Aston Martin customers found the V8 Vantage Volante's aggressive the new look to their liking, preferring the more restrained appearance of the earlier non-Vantage model. Foremost among them was HRH The Prince of Wales, who ordered his Volante with Vantage engine and bonnet but otherwise effectively to standard specification. For many the jewel in the Aston crown, the Vantage Volante to 'Prince of Wales' specification was produced for only two years from 1988, drawing uniquely from the best of the Volante and Vantage features. The factory went on to build 26 examples of the 'Prince of Wales' specification Vantage Volante before V8 production finally ceased in December 1989.

Chassis number '15741' was manufactured in right-hand drive 'Prince of Wales' configuration and first registered on 10th January 1989 in the UK, where its first owner was Mr Ralph Ingersoll of Chesham Place, London SW1, who kept the car until circa 1993. Originally registered 'F867 OYR', the Aston was delivered equipped with the desirable five-speed manual transmission and left the factory finished in Cabernet Red with Slate Grey interior trim.

In 1995 (at circa 9,300 miles) '15741' was returned to Newport Pagnell for conversion from right- to left-hand drive, an interior re-trim in tan leather, and repaint in the current, and more desirable, British Racing Green livery at a cost of £47,305 (copy of bill on file).

The Volante was acquired by the immediately preceding owner in 1997 from Aston Martin specialist Desmond Smail. Work commitments in 2008 took the owner to Dubai and the car accompanied him. Whilst in Dubai, the Aston covered circa 800 kilometres and was understood to be well cared-for and maintained with visits to Aston Services Hamburg, sadly these invoices are no longer on file.

Prior to being offered for sale at Bonhams' Goodwood Festival of Speed auction in July 2011 (Lot 485), the car was checked over by Aston Martin specialist Heino Landsberg in Hamburg and found to be in very good order. The total distance travelled from new was estimated in July 2011 to be circa 14,500 miles (23,000 kilometres). The current vendor purchased the car at the aforementioned sale and exported it, since when it has been kept in dry storage (the current odometer reading is 8,051 kilometres). Re-commissioning will be required before further use. Offered with an old German Fahrzeugbrief, this Vantage Volante represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire an exclusive and original manual transmission 'Prince of Wales', now in left-hand drive form and liveried in the most desirable colour combination.

Please note that if this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. It will also require a NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrival) and an additional fee of £350 (plus VAT) will be charged on the Invoice to prepare the NOVA. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.