'80 Aston Martin V8 Volante

With production estimated at just over 435 copies of the Series 1 Volante, this car will never be considered an uncommon sight. In 'Oscar India' specification [to denote an October introduction], the faint muscle-car bonnet scoop was smoothed out in favour of a closed carburettor power dome, and the rear spoiler swept into the tail.

With a fully lined and electrically operated hood, at time of introduction would have been one of the ultimate four-seat sporting GTs. Interestingly enough most initial production would have been earmarked for the US and other markets, meaning that in the land of it's birth an already low-volume car is doubly rare.

BBS alloys, and interior electrical refinements such as better airconditioning and minor dash enfancements would come later, but at launch, the car was still good for a mid-seven second time from rest to 60mph, and a thunderous 150mph was assured.

It's firmly in my mind, one of the best looking cars ever made, and if and when the time comes, has a solid place in my dream ten car garage.