1989 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante 'X-Pack'

Introduced in 1977, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage stood as Britain’s sole entry into the rarefied world of supercars, joining the ranks of the Ferrari 512 Berlinetta Boxer, Lamborghini Countach, and Porsche 930 Turbo. With a reworked 5.3-litre V-8 breathing through four 48 mm Weber carburetors, the Vantage delivered a mighty 370 bhp, paired with uprated suspension, larger ventilated brakes, and low-profile tires to match its increased performance. Its distinctive styling cues, such as the blanked-off bonnet scoop and integrated rear spoiler, distinguished it as something special – even at a glance. By the mid-1980s, the model reached its zenith with the introduction of the “X-Pack,” its name referring to the “V580X” engine code. The Volante version – offering luxurious open-air motoring with uncompromising performance – was even more exclusive. Only 109 examples were built over three years, with just 33 specified in left-hand drive and a mere 79 equipped with the desirable five-speed ZF manual gearbox. Today, it represents one of the most coveted expressions of classic British muscle – a fitting swan song for Aston Martin’s iconic William Towns-designed V8 era. This example of the model’s ultimate expression was one of the hallowed 33 cars delivered in lefthand drive. Supplied to Continental Europe through British Motors of Monaco in July 1989, it was finished in Suffolk Red with Magnolia interior and white top – a striking combination that would have made quite an impression on the Grand Corniche that summer. By Christmas, however, the car had returned to the UK, where the factory reconfigured it to right-hand drive and manual gearbox for its new UK owner, marque specialist Desmond Smail. In 1991, with a mere 1,000 miles on the odometer, the car was purchased by Touker Suleyman, chairman of Low Profile Group and a serial entrepreneur who would later appear on the British television show Dragons’ Den, the UK equivalent of Shark Tank. Suleyman retained the car through 2006, after which it underwent a thorough refurbishment under subsequent ownership. Overseen by Aston Martin specialists R.S. Williams, the work included upgrading the engine to 7.0-litre specification and changing the color to a more understated Cumberland Grey with contrasting Tan leather trim, its present livery. Modern amenities were also incorporated, including heated seats and an updated music and entertainment system with Bluetooth technology. Through a handful of careful ownerships, this deceptively potent Aston Martin has continued to be meticulously maintained, while its use and mileage have remained relatively modest. In 2017, it sold for a record price at the annual Aston Martin Works Service auction before making its way to the US. Since then, it has been managed by noted local marque specialists Autosport Designs, from whom the consignor acquired the car in 2024. A well-known and consistently coveted example of the definitive Aston Martin Vantage Volante of the 1980s, this uprated 7.0-litre convertible combines the model’s formidable performance with understated presentation and a distinguished history. Beautifully presented and ready for its next custodian, it offers a particularly compelling expression of Aston Martin’s iconic V8 era. car

Estimation:€267,225

Voir tous les objets deGooding Christie'souVéhicules