V8 VANTAGE VOLANTE

Though several Volantes had been fitted with the Vantage speciation engine – including Victor Gaunlett’s personal car used in the Bond film ‘The Living Daylights’ – the model did not become official before 1986, when it was unveiled at the Birmingham Motor Show. In addition to the 410 bhp ‘X-pack’ Vantage engine or the 435 bhp ‘Big Bore’ option, the Vantage Volante was given a bigger front air dam, a big rear spoiler and flared wheel arches. This ostentation was too much for some customers, including HRH Prince Charles, the resultant more restrained look without the arches and big spoiler going into production as the ‘Prince of Wales’ specification.