This 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante Series 1 was acquired by James G. Robinson, the former film producer and CEO of Morgan Creek Entertainment, from Harry Worth Automobiles of Chicago in 1980. Chassis V8C0L15073 was kept as part of his collection over the next four decades including time in Los Angeles and Baltimore, where it received a repaint in its current burgundy metallic finish sometime after 2004. Now showing 18k miles, the car wears a power-operated tan soft top over tan leather upholstery and rides on 17″ multi-piece alloy wheels. It is powered by a 5.3-liter V8 that breathes through four Weber downdraft carburetors, while shifting is through a three-speed automatic transmission linked with a limited-slip differential. Inside, the cabin is accented by burl wood trim and appointed with a Blaupunkt stereo and Koolaire air conditioning. This V8 Volante Series 1 is now offered in Maryland by the seller on behalf of the late owner’s estate with an owner’s manual, purchase documentation, service records, and a clean Montana title in the name of the late owner’s LLC.
Introduced in June 1978, the V8 Volante featured hand-built aluminum bodywork as well as a power-operated convertible top. The closed “power bulge” hood was carried over from the Series 4 coupe to clear the quad Weber carburetors of the V540 and later V580 engines specified for the soft-top Volante, and further styling details included a mesh grille, twin round headlights, fender vents, and an integrated rear spoiler.
This example is believed to have been repainted in its current burgundy metallic finish sometime after 2004. The paintwork is accented by tan pinstriping complemented by a power-operated tan soft top. Further details include stainless-steel rocker panels and US-spec bumpers as well as aftermarket round headlights and Magnaflow exhaust finishers. The seller notes various chips, scrapes, and other imperfections around the car.
The 17″ multi-piece alloy wheels wear Aston Martin–branded center caps and are mounted with 235/55 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires. The car was equipped from the factory with an independent front and de Dion rear suspension, and stopping power is provided by ventilated discs at all four corners.
The front bucket and the rear bench seats are upholstered in tan leather that extends to the center console and door panels. Burl wood trim accents the cabin, and further amenities include a Blaupunkt Casablanca CD52 stereo, a dash-mounted Kienzle clock, and Koolaire air conditioning. The air conditioning system was recharged in preparation for the sale, according to the seller.
A three-spoke steering wheel sits ahead of Smiths instrumentation including a 7k-rpm tachometer, a 170-mph speedometer, and auxiliary gauges for oil temperature, coolant temperature, oil pressure, fuel level, and voltage. The five-digit odometer shows 18k miles, approximately 10k of which were added under current ownership.
The Tadek Marek–designed 5.3-liter V8 is equipped with dual overhead camshafts and four Weber downdraft carburetors. Factory rated output was 310 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. The factory Lucas ignition coil has been replaced with an MSD unit, while the dual exhaust system features an X-pipe as well as Magnaflow mufflers. Work in preparation for the sale involved cleaning the carburetors, changing the oil, and flushing the fuel system.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a three-speed Chrysler Torqueflite automatic transmission and a Powr-Lok limited-slip differential. The seller notes rust on various underside components.
