1988 Aston Martin V8 Vantage X-Pack Manual (V580)

At the time of its introduction in 1977, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage represented an impressive return to form for the British manufacturer, combining true supercar performance with the finest appointments of a luxury GT in the best of British tradition. Though subsequent models went through mechanical performance upgrades, it took nearly a decade before the V8 Vantage truly achieved 'supercar' status. The Series 3, first introduced at the 1986 British International Motor Show, was the ultimate iteration of the muscular V8 Vantage. Officially entitled V580X, quickly becoming known as the 'X-Pack', it was equipped with four dual-barrel 48mm Weber IDF carburettors, high-compression Cosworth pistons, larger inlet ports and higher lift camshafts, resulting in a remarkable 432bhp from its 5.3 litres. Described by one journalist as 'a Hemi Road Runner built by Bentley', the new and improved V8 Vantage was a genuine 200mph 'supercar' and although not lightweight, could see off the skimpy Ferrari 512BB and Testarossa plus the Lamborghini Countach with aplomb and carry an extra two passengers.

Dating from early 1988, E821 OVN is an original factory-built, manual gearbox 'X-Pack' car and was first registered on 8th January 1988 by Reg Vardy Ltd before subsequently being sold to its first owner, a Mr John Mills of Stratford-upon-Avon. He only kept the car until March 1990 when our lucky custodian acquired the Aston and he has owned it ever since, his fastidious care being evident in the gleaming Suffolk Red paintwork, polished Ronal wheels and inviting leather interior in fresh Magnolia and Suffolk Red complemented by immaculate Walnut veneers.

It's supplied with its original book pack containing the owner’s manual, wiring diagram, Aston Dealerships booklet, along with the all-important service record which currently displays 18 stamps, the first by Reg Vardy, then from April 1988 through to June 2000, Newport Pagnell Works. Stratstone Aston then took up the mantle after a period of storage from 2008 until 2010 and latterly Aston Martin Workshops of Beamish took care of the car. A substantial invoice from AMW (£14,365) refers to the rectification of various mechanical issues and a full service. In 2013, AMW also undertook some paint correction works to keep the Aston in tip top order producing a further bill for £8,482. Within the history file are details of a speedometer head change (a known fault) by Aston Works back in December 1988 at 19,935 miles and when combined with the indicated mileage, (at the time of photography) of 24,177 the Aston appears to have covered just 44,112 miles from new. There are a number of other invoices relating to routine servicing and old MOTs suggesting that this fabulous X-Pack has been diligently maintained all its days.

Very rarely do hand-built cars as special as this come to market and this is an excellent opportunity to acquire a superb example of Britain's first supercar. It's one of only 137, fitted with a manual ZF gearbox, low-mileage, known provenance and ownership from new, detailed history, an MOT valid until June 2025 and really well presented. We welcome and encourage your viewing of this glorious Suffolk Red Vantage X-Pack.