When this is published, the 2021 Academy Awards will be but a passing memory of a bunch of films that few people actually saw. Since I love movies, I thought the Pick of the Day should be one that a star from the golden age of Hollywood once owned: a 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante.
The golden-age star who acquired this Aston when new was none other than actor, crooner and TV host Dean Martin. While Aston Martins were driven in films by James Bond, this one was owned by the actor who played another fictional spy, Matt Helm.
When new, the Aston V8 Volante was one of the most expensive cars you could buy, more than most Ferraris. Volante was the name used by Aston Martin for its convertible models, starting in 1965.
The car then changed hands in the early 1990s from Dino to its second and final owner, according to the Huntington Station, New York, dealer advertising the car on ClassicCars.com. Since then, he had the car meticulously maintained by the best Aston Martin shops in the US, and he has the service records for verification.
In 2003, this Volante was restored by R.S. Williams, LTD in the UK, at which time the original engine was uprated to 7.0-liter specification, giving this stately GT a whopping 500 horsepower. The car has continued to be serviced on schedule, the seller says, and has covered only 68,000 miles from new.
The Aston is finished in BMW Lapis Blue with a blue leather interior, blue Wilton Wool carpeting and blue convertible top. This fine automobile retains its original owner’s manual, tool kit, jack and spare wheel, service records and factory build sheet.
This Aston Martin has to be among the ultimate pieces of Hollywood memorabilia, especially for fans of the original Rat Pack. Dino looks to have had impeccable taste in cars, and how fun would it be to own one that he drove.
This wonderful piece of automotive and Hollywood history does not have a price listed, and who knows what the celebrity bump would be on this already pricey number?
Personally, I look at the stunning and oh-so-stylish Aston Martin and think to myself, “That’s Amore.”
To view this vehicle on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
It was not “upgraded”. It was downgraded.
My Dad had an ’82 Aston Martin and I helped rewire it after an electrical fire. It was white and with the Torqueflite auto trans it never got out of 1st until you hit 70. We would go to the Beach from Portland, Oregon and I could actually shift it to 2nd. I never had the room to shift it to third. We would go to the British car meet at Jantzen Beach and the car became the celebrity as we drove into the meet. My Dad had no use for the ‘stuck-up’ people he did not like and he would have me leave. He did not like answering questions and I liked to drive. He also had a ’65 Maserati that was the 6 cylinder hemi and I put a ‘real’ head gasket in that engine instead of that nincompoop o ring and brass ring junk. I used wheel bearing grease for sealer because it was easier to clean once baked and the head did not have to come off any more and lasted for years .It was one of the best corning cars I had ever driven and the red leather always smelled so good. I remember putting a clutch in it and had to remove the interior to access the tunnel. Only thing dumber than Italian ‘engineering’ is French. Ever put a transmission in a Peugeot? First you pull the back seat…
The car was not restored if the original numbered engine was removed and photos should be taken after the car has been driven enough to unspring the ‘pigeon-toe’ caused by the car being on a lift. Beautiful car and the history make it a great centerpiece for any collection. rv
just like i want to upgrade my 2016 chevy SS to the 7.0 chevy specification get rid of the limiter and put the blower in and make it a 7 liter with 700 HP
Sir, are there really people who don’t know who Dean Martin was? Unbelievable. Check he and Sammy Davis, Jr. as fake “priests” in a Ferrari 308 as part of the Burt Reynolds/Dom DeLuise/Jack Elam/Farrah Fawcett etc al vehicle “Cannonball Run”.
Miss Deano and his lush act- if it was an act. Nice car, why a BMW color?
I can see Dean in that beauty. It really fits the” Rat Packs” style. They were all 4 fast living, fast loving guys that took care of each other, nothing barred. I can say I thought highly of them all. 3 great singer’s and a master of ceremony. Can’t top that!!!!!