1988 ASTON-MARTIN V8 VANTAGE X-PACK VOLANTE Registration Nu...

Hammer

£220,000

1988 ASTON-MARTIN V8 VANTAGE X-PACK VOLANTE

Registration Number: XPA 6K
Chassis Number: SCFCV81VXJTR15642
Engine Number: V580/5642X
Recorded Mileage: 64,670 miles

- One of 167 ‘X Pack’ Vantage Volante models produced
- Recent £130,000+ in restoration and maintenance at Aston Martin Works
- In current ownership since 2011, four owners from new

Announced in April 1972, the Aston Martin V8 was an extensively modified version of the DBS V8 which was announced in September 1969. The engine was by then the well tried and tested all alloy V8 designed by Tadek Marek that had made its first appearance in January 1967 at the Racing Car Show in London, and raced by Lola in their Type 70 Mk III GT. Whilst performance of the new V8 model was more than adequate, as the 1970s wore on it became apparent that the car was starting to sit in the shadow of competitors from the likes of Ferrari and Porsche.

With the introduction of the 375bhp Vantage in 1977, Aston Martin's V8 was thrust back into the supercar league, however the factory chose not to disclose the actual figure, instead commenting that power was 'adequate'. To cope with this additional power larger ventilated disc brakes were added all round, and low-profile Pirelli tyres. Visually the Vantage was distinctive with its bonnet scoop, front chin spoiler and lipped boot lid. Arguably the ultimate in soft-top luxury, the 400bhp V8 Vantage Volante debuted in 1986, boasting a lined, power-operated hood which, when erected, endowed the walnut embellished interior with all the solidity and refinement associated with the saloon version. Although its open-car aerodynamics meant that top speed suffered with the hood down, the Volante's 150mph maximum was nevertheless more than enough for most owners.

The new model featured flared wheelarches, a boot and extended front spoiler, also wider body-coloured sill covers. The result was a muscular, aggressive-looking car which could justifiably claim to be the world's fastest convertible. This reputation was cemented with the mighty 432bhp V580X V8 Vantage 'X-pack' engine option, high-compression Cosworth pistons, four dual-barrel Weber carburettors, and high-lift camshafts all combined to deliver shattering performance.

The ZF five-speed manual transmission was standard equipment on the Vantage, though a handful of cars was built with the Torqueflite automatic gearbox. With either transmission performance was phenomenal, the Vantage saloon was the world's fastest accelerating production car at that time. A total of 167 Vantage Volantes were completed by December 1989 when production ended.

Chassis #15642, one of just 167 ‘X Pack’ Vantage Volante models, was delivered to HWM Aston-Martin on 15th January 1988. The Volante was specified with an automatic gearbox, and was finished in Suffolk Red coachwork with Magnolia hides (piped in Burgundy) and a Fawn-coloured convertible roof.

Ownership of the Volante passed in the spring of 1991 to Globe Trust Ltd. of Exchange Square in London, and then to Mr. Kenneth Edwards a year later. Mr. Edwards entrusted the Aston Martin Works in his ownership, until in 1997 he decided to use the services of specialist Pugsley and Lewis to maintain the Aston on an annual basis. Driven regularly, other than regular maintenance, in 2006 the front suspension was rebushed, and in 2008 (at 54,525 miles) the Volante was fitted with a new gearbox (with a shift kit upgrade) and torque converter. During Mr. Edwards ownership the car was loaned back to Aston-Martin for promotional purposes, becoming the subject of a limited edition print wearing its former registration of ‘ORD 123’.

Our current vendor acquired the Aston-Martin in 2011, since then enjoying the car in the UK and abroad, and storing the car carefully when not in use. In 2018, at 64,381 miles, and following a minor low-speed traffic accident, the decision was made to cosmetically restore the Volante. The car was sent to Aston Martin Works, coachwork was stripped, repaired where necessary and refinished in Suffolk Red. The interior was treated to new Wilton carpeting and a replacement convertible roof. Finally the Volante was serviced and numerous other mechanical and electrical items attended to. Invoices from Aston Martin Works totaling £132,742 document this work.  

Now showing 64,670 miles recorded, this striking X-Pack Volante is offered with a detailed file of receipts, photographic record of restoration, copy of the original Car Record Card, a number of previous MoT certificates, current UK V5C and older V5 documents.