Aston Martin - Volante (1981)

Aston Martin Volante – a true icon of 1980s automotive styling. With its sweeping gull‑wing doors and bold, alpine‑blue paint, the 1981 model instantly turns heads. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, Aston Martin Volante price queries drive a lot of research into value, condition, and what you can realistically expect today’s market.

Whether you’re looking for a pristine chassis, a refurbished gem, or a car that has been scrapped and rebuilt, the used Aston Martin Volante price will vary widely. Below we’ll dive deep into the specs that make this car unique, outline typical depreciation patterns, compare it with contemporary models, and offer you a clear path to get the latest pricing information.

Key Specifications – What Makes a 1981 Aston Martin Volante Stand Out

• Engine: 3.5‑liter supercharged V8 producing 350 hp (continuous power)
• Transmission: 4‑speed automatic (uhf), optional 5‑speed manual in limited runs
• Fuel Type: Premium unleaded gasoline (fuel injection)
• Drivetrain: Rear‑wheel drive
• Dimensions: Length 4,500 mm, Width 1,830 mm, Height 1,310 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,530 mm
• Weight: 1,650 kg (charcoal‑substituted aluminum panels contribute to lightness)
• Powertrain: Dual carburetor “Supercharger” system with a 1.3‑liter turbocharger for peak power, plus a 69‑amp 12‑V battery
• Cooling: Liquid cooling with a 184 mm front radiator
• Brakes: 4‑wheel disc brakes with early ABS prototype on later models
• Seating: 2‑seat “convertible” coupe layout, all seats with adjustable leather liners
• Interior: Custom-made walnut trim, hand‑stitched leather, optional alloy alloy chrome rims
• Optional Extras: Air‑conditioning (added on the later 1510/1513 edits), a tweakable suspension system, upgraded navigation (in the early 1988 revisions)

Depreciation Insight – How the Aston Martin Volante depreciation Profile Looks

Luxury sports cars of the 1980s didn’t hold value in the same way modern icons do. Here’s a realistic snapshot of how the Aston Martin Volante depreciation trend tends to unfold:

1. First year: typically loses 15‑20% of its value, especially if the car has seen any miles or minor mechanical work>
2. Years 2–4: depreciation slows to roughly 8–12% annually, assuming the vehicle remains in solid condition.
3. Beyond 5 years: annual depreciation drops to 4‑6%, largely because the car steeply falls into the “classic” category and its scarcity adds price resilience.

In practice, a 1981 Volante that has been meticulously maintained can retain 70–75% of its original retail price after 30 years, whereas one with a longer service history and visible wear may settle at 50–60% in the same period.

What Is a 1981 Aston Martin Volante Worth?

When you ask “what is a 1981 Aston Martin Volante worth?” the answer is context‑dependent: locale, mileage, restoration level, any original parts authenticity, and the current demand from buyers. Data across several auction sites suggests that exemplars range from below $150,000 to over $500,000 for a flawless, road‑legal unit with original documentation.

However, no single figure can hold water. You’ll typically see a wide range spread from:

• Low‑Mileage, Pre‑Restored: $160,000 – $280,000
• Restored to Near‑Original: $250,000 – $350,000
• Fully Certified and Road‑Legal: $300,000 – $450,000

The best practice is to compare similar lots in your region and review each car’s maintenance history and supporting documentation before making a bid.

Market Position – Where the Volante Ranks Today

• Collector’s Market: The Volante is highly prized among classic enthusiast circles, especially those who value front‑facing door cosmetics and a luxury chassis.
• Estate & Rally Circuits: Since its introduction, organisers of vintage rally series and classic car shows across Europe have listed it as a “must‑see” for authenticity buyers.
• Classic Sportscar Segment: Compared to rivals like the Lamborghini Countach or the Christ‑Year Ferrari Dino, the Volante sits higher in the “records” category, but lower in terms of sheer outdoor performance.
• Spotlight Features:

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