1989 | Aston Martin V8 Vantage X-Pack

Introduced in 1986, the X-Pack variant of the Vantage was the final and most powerful version of the V8 Vantage model, confirming Aston Martin's entry into the supercar club of the day.

This example was first registered on the 1st of March 1989, which was approximately 10 months before the last Vantage was produced, making this the 30th from last V8 Vantage to have been built.

It was supplied to its first keeper by Murray Motor Company, who were Aston Martin's official retailer in Edinburgh. It is believed that the first owner kept the Vantage until 2012, when it was sold to a collector by Aston Martin Works of Newport Pagnell. The Vantage formed part of a large private collection and it is understood, was hardly used in the years that followed.

Approximately 8 years later, it was purchased by renowned and highly respected marque specialist R.S. Williams Ltd of Cobham, Surrey who effectively carried out a full restoration of the Vantage, including and not limited to, stripping the car and repainting the bare metal shell in York Red (its original colour, having previously been Suffolk Red).

The Vantage was purchased by a U.K.-based collector whilst the restoration was well underway, and he took the opportunity to choose the Champagne Hide with contrasting House of Lords Red seat piping with matching Wilton carpeting and hide binding. The veneers have also been refinished and the dashboard illumination benefits from being upgraded to LED lighting. The interior also benefits from having been upgraded to ‘Prince of Wales’ specification switch gear.

The engine was rebuilt to RSW’s 5.7 Litre specification, and the dyno sheet is on file. It produces a maximum of 405 BHP @ 6,000 rpm and 415lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm. Both the ZF 5-speed gearbox and rear differential have been overhauled and it has also been fitted with a large bore exhaust system, manufactured by RSW. The manual gear change is courtesy of an RSW short-shift gear lever upgrade, which is very nice, indeed.

During the restoration process, it received a full mechanical rebuild of all mechanical items.

It is of course fitted with 18” Ronal wheels, which are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tyres and fitted with a space saver spare wheel.

Lastly, the audio system was upgraded to include a new Blaupunkt Bremen Head Unit, which can be connected to a modern telephone and includes Bluetooth connectivity.

It has been a few years since we have been able to offer for sale, what is effectively a ‘new” V8 Vantage from period, albeit with some meaningful upgrades.