Classic Cars (UK)

CHOOSE YOUR V8 VOLANTE

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Drop-top Volante version introduced during 1978, the sixth year of AM V8 production. Same spec as the V8 S4 though it pre-dates that model by four months. Difference­s are the lack of a rear spoiler, while body strengthen­ing adds 70kg. Most early cars are LHD for US market. Auto ’box is standard, manual a £1000 option.

After 1979 all US cars get rubber impact bumpers, but European cars retain chrome ones. From 1983, 8in BBS alloys become standard. Total of 439 built.

Volante S2 introduced January 1986. Carbs replaced by Weber fuel injection, which lifts power to 315bhp and allows much lower bonnet line, but weight up another 25kg. There’s also a Vantage version with 400bhp, wider arches and spoilers; topping 160mph, it was the world’s fastest four-seater convertibl­e. 166 of these are built along with 304 of the regular model.

V8 is replaced by Virage in 1989 and Volante is discontinu­ed; Virage Volante arrives in Jan 1992

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