Chassis No. SCFCV81V9HTR12564
Engine No. V580/2564X

Launched in 1977, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage marked a bold return to performance for the British marque. It blended muscular power with grand touring luxury in equal measure, and with its aggressive styling and robust engineering, epitomized Aston Martin's 1970s “brute in a suit” philosophy. Just a year later, the first updates arrived dubbed “Oscar India.” A closed bonnet bulge, deep front air dam, and blanked-off grille enhanced both form and function. Inside, leather and wood trim catered to the brand's luxury pedigree.

It wasn't until 1986 that the V8 Vantage reached its full potential. Debuting at the British International Motor Show, the X-Pack, a truly exclusive offering, featured the uprated V580X engine, initially developed for the V8 Zagato, producing 432 horsepower from 5.3 liters via four Weber carburetors, high-compression Cosworth pistons, larger valves, and special camshafts making the car capable of speeds up to 200 mph. Simply put by author and historian Kean M. Rogers, "Aston Martin Lagonda saved the best for last... the V580X V8 Vantage." Produced through 1989, just 137 X-Pack-spec Series III V8 Vantages were built, making it one of the rarest and most powerful Aston Martins of its era.

Due to U.S. regulations, the true V8 Vantage was never sold stateside in its full-performance form. American-market examples retained the body updates but featured detuned, fuel-injected engines and DOT-mandated bumpers; falling a tick short of the European-specification supercar credentials, leaving rare European market examples like this car highly sought-after by Aston Martin connoisseurs today.

Delivered on 31 July 1987, this example was sold new in Edinburgh, Scotland, by Murray Motor Company. Subtlety has never been the V8 Vantage's forte—especially when ordered in vibrant Suffolk Red over a Magnolia Connolly leather interior with Burgundy piping as this example was. For the most engaging driving experience, the car was ordered with the highly sought-after five-speed manual transmission.

The early history of the car is documented in its maintenance book with service stamps from the Aston Martin Works Service Department, with later services performed by marque experts. The car was later acquired by a Norwegian collector and received a comprehensive restoration under their direction. The restoration included converting the car from right to desirable left-hand drive configuration, which was completed by Lincoln Scott Aston Martin Specialist in Sussex, England. Naturally, this change necessitated a complete retrim of the interior with new leather with green piping to match the new Green Wilton wool carpeting. The verdant theme carried over to the exterior of the car as the bodywork was refinished in the period-correct shade of Balmoral Green. Additional restorative work included resealing the engine, suspension, brake, and exhaust work that resulted from changing the car to left-hand drive.

Following its time in Norway, the car was brought to the U.S. where it was under the care of well-known specialty dealer Tom Papadopoulos of Autosport Designs. The current owner acquired the X-Pack in 2016 and over the past nine years the car has been maintained with enthusiastic care, resulting in its continued preservation and outstanding presentation today. Representing the more potent performer from when it was new, this rare and highly coveted genuine X-Pack example is truly the ultimate Aston Martin of its era.