The ex-Victor Gauntlett, final car produced 1989 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante ‘Prince of Wales' 6.3-Litre Convertible Chassis no. SCFCV81C8KTL15849 Engine no. V/580/5849/X With the introduction of the Vantage in 1977, Aston Martin's V8 was thrust back into the supercar league. The name had previously been applied to high-power versions of the DB six-cylinder cars, and in the V8's case the Vantage tune raised maximum output to around 375bhp - in Rolls-Royce fashion the factory chose not to disclose the actual figure, merely claiming that power was ‘adequate'. Chassis changes were minimal apart from the adoption of bigger ventilated discs all round and low-profile Pirelli tyres. The Vantage was, nevertheless, readily distinguishable from the standard product by virtue of its blocked-off bonnet scoop, blanked air intake, front chin spoiler and lip on the boot lid. Produced to satisfy demands from the USA for such a car, the Volante convertible debuted in 1978, but did not become available to Vantage specification until 1986. Along with the powerful Vantage engine and distinctive bonnet came flared wheelarches, boot spoiler (a feature the Volante had previously lacked) and extended front spoiler, while glassfibre extensions replaced the model's hitherto characteristic chromed sill covers. The result was a muscular, aggressive-looking car that could justifiably claim to be the world's fastest convertible. Not all Aston Martin customers found the new look to their liking however, preferring the more restrained appearance of the earlier model. Foremost among these was HRH The Prince of Wales, who ordered his Volante with Vantage engine and bonnet but otherwise effectively to standard coachwork specification. The factory went on to build 25 examples of the ‘Prince of Wales' specification Vantage Volante before V8 production finally ceased in December 1989 and today the model is regarded by many as the ultimate expression of the Aston Martin V8 family. Chassis number ‘15849' is the last V8 Vantage Volante built, and was completed to full ‘Prince of Wales' specification in December 1989 for Victor Gauntlett, then Chairman of Aston Martin Lagonda. The car was acquired by the current (second) owner and first registered in July 1992, and has covered a mere 7,130 kilometres from new. It was factory converted to LHD and upgraded with the 6.3-litre engine option, complete with large-bore exhaust and induction. Like all of this important private collection's Aston Martins, it has been regularly serviced by visiting technicians from the Newport Pagnell factory. Finished in Buckingham Green with black hood and black leather interior, the latter equipped with Nardi steering wheel and Cobra alarm system, this accident-free car is presented in excellent condition throughout and offered with tool kit, valid Monaco registration papers and Contrôle Technique. We doubt there is a finer example in existence. Cette V8 Vantage Volante châssis ‘15849' fut la dernière construite de ce type en décembre 1989 en configuration ‘Prince of Wales' pour Victor Gauntlett, alors Chairman de Aston Martin Lagonda. La voiture fut acquise par l'actuel (et second) propriétaire et immatriculée pour la première fois en juillet 1992 avec aujourd'hui seulement 7,130 kilomètres parcourus depuis sa sortie d'usine. Elle reçut d'usine le conversion 6.3L avec l'échappement et admission sport et la conduite à gauche. Comme toutes les Aston Martin de cette collection, cette Vantage Volante fut régulièrement entretenue par des techniciens de l'usine. Présentée ici dans sa livrée ‘Buckingham Green' avec capote noir et sellerie en cuir de la même couleur, ce véhicule est équippé d'un volant Nardi et d'une alarme Cobra. Jamais accidentée, elle sera livrée avec ses outils, ses documents d'immatriculation monégasques et son contrôle technique à jour. Problement le plus bel exemplaire de Vantage Volante. Estimate: €120,000 to 150,000 (CHF190,000-240,000)