Gallery image
Gallery image
Gallery image
Gallery image
Gallery image
Gallery image

1981
Aston-Martin
V8 Volante 1 of 849, Featured in Dynasty, Long-term Petersen Exhibit

Auction Starts in

Watching

2

Location

Lynnwood, WA, USA
USA

Watchers

2
Supercar Blondie image
From Beverly Hills to Dynasty to museum royalty — this hand-built V8 Volante is pure 80s glamour, quad-carb V8 thunder, and unapologetic Aston Martin elegance.

Highlights

  • Originally delivered to Beverly Hills fashion designer Bijan Pakzad
  • Featured in the Dynasty television series
  • Long-term Petersen Automotive Museum exhibit
  • 5.3L DOHC V8 with quad dual-throat Weber carbs
  • Storm Red finish
  • Correct BBS cross-spoke wheels
  • 1 of 849 produced

Overview

SBX Cars is proud to offer for sale this 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante Series 2, showing just 38,711 miles (62,300 km) on the odometer at the time of cataloging. Finished in Storm Red over Natural Tan leather, this hand-built convertible carries an exceptional provenance that traces directly through fashion royalty, television fame, and museum preservation.

Completed at the Newport Pagnell Works in September 1980, this V8 Volante was delivered to Beverly Hills, where legendary designer Bijan Pakzad took possession. The car is believed to have remained in his collection for decades before entering the Petersen Automotive Museum collection, where it was displayed through 2008. It also appeared in the television series Dynasty, a period-defining production synonymous with glamour and excess — an association memorialized by a gold console plaque.

Beyond its documented history, the car itself reflects the unmistakable character of Aston Martin’s flagship open-air grand tourer of the era. The power-bulge hood, elegant proportions, and richly appointed cabin speak to traditional British craftsmanship, while its quad-carbureted V8 delivers the deep-chested performance expected of a hand-assembled Aston Martin from the Newport Pagnell period.

Specifications & Options

Exterior

  • Storm Red finish
  • 15” BBS Mahle cross-spoke cast aluminum alloy wheels
  • Bridgestone Potenza tires measuring 255/60
  • Power-operated tan soft top
  • Bright trim
  • Wraparound bumpers
  • Mesh grille with Cibie driving lights
  • Fog lights
  • Power bulge hood
  • Fender-mounted signal repeaters
  • Fender vents
  • Power antenna 
  • Integrated rear spoiler 
  • Dual exhaust outlets

Interior

  • Natural Tan leather that extends to the door panels, dashboard, and center console
  • Burr walnut wood trim
  • Two-spoke wood-rimmed steering wheel
  • Smiths analog gauge set:
    • 170-mph speedometer with inset odometer reading 38,711 miles
    • 7,000-rpm tachometer
    • Oil temperature
    • Coolant temperature 
    • Oil pressure
    • Fuel level
    • Voltage
  • Gold console plaque commemorating Dynasty appearance 
  • Kienzle center stack clock
  • Power windows
  • Aftermarket Kenwood Excelon CD stereo
  • Cabin heater
  • Door-mounted ashtrays

Mechanical

  • Naturally aspirated 5.3L DOHC V8
    • Quad dual-throat Weber carburetors
  • Factory rated for 275 horsepower at 5,500 rpm
  • 3-speed Chrysler Torqueflite automatic transmission 
  • Powr-Lok limited-slip differential 
  • Independent front suspension
  • de Dion rear suspension
  • Four-corner disc brakes

Service History

As noted in the overview, this Aston was owned for decades by Beverly Hills fashion designer, Bijan, and spent a number of years in the Petersen Automotive Museum collectin in Southern California. The selling dealer reports that when they acquired the car, no service documentation came with it.

Included in the Sale

  • Full-size spare
  • Factory toolkit
  • Factory first aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

Summary

Few automobiles capture the atmosphere of early-1980s luxury culture as convincingly as this V8 Volante. Its story connects Beverly Hills couture, prime-time television spectacle, and museum stewardship — all anchored by the craftsmanship of Aston Martin’s famed Newport Pagnell Works.

For collectors drawn to provenance as much as presence, this example offers both in remarkable measure: a hand-built droptop grand tourer in stunning Storm Red over Natural Tan, with documented celebrity ownership, screen history, and long-term preservation — presented in a timeless specification that reflects the coveted stature of Aston Martin’s flagship convertible.

 

For bidders/buyers: We strive to provide clear and accurate auction listings, but the information should not be considered a complete assessment of any vehicle for sale. Prospective bidders are strongly encouraged to view vehicles in person, arrange independent inspections, and conduct their own due diligence to ensure the vehicle meets their requirements.

Descriptions, commentary, or observations are offered in good faith and represent general, non-expert impressions only. We do not verify or guarantee vehicle condition, mileage, or history, and this information should not be interpreted as a professional inspection or evaluation. Vehicles are not subjected to formal inspections unless explicitly stated. 

Vehicle videos are typically recorded with standard equipment, so audio quality may vary, and engine or exhaust sounds may differ from how they are perceived in person.

All vehicles are sold on a strictly “as-is, where-is” basis. No warranties apply, and bidders must satisfy themselves as to a vehicle’s condition and suitability prior to bidding. Bidders should note that SBX Cars provides information in good faith but cannot verify every detail of the vehicles; the responsibility for assessing condition and suitability rests with the buyer.  For more details, please refer to our FAQs.

As part of the consignment process, SBX Cars requests a range of information from the seller pertaining to the subject of their offering. The auction listing description therefore is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. However, it is the responsibility of a potential buyer to satisfy themself as to the accuracy of the auction listing description. This includes conducting an in-person inspection, which may be arranged between the buyer and seller, as well as verifying the condition, authenticity, value, and title before committing to bid or buy. Please see our Terms of Service for full details.

1981 Aston-MartinV8 Volante 1 of 849, Featured in Dynasty, Long-term Petersen Exhibit

Bids:0
Auction starts:
Watching:2
How bidding works?
How bidding works?

Ending Soon