1987 Aston Martin V8 Vantage X-Pack

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage X-Pack

The ultimate iteration of the muscular V8 Vantage, the model that would become known to enthusiasts as the ‘X-Pack’ was first introduced at the 1986 British International Motor Show.

The V8 Vantage “Oscar India,” as introduced in 1978, featured a closed-bonnet scoop, large front air dam, and blanked-off front grille gave the car a macho look befitting its status. The interior was outfitted in leather and wood to suit more discerning tastes. Though later models went through mechanical performance upgrades, it wasn’t until the V8 Vantage ‘X-Pack’ that Aston Martin truly achieved supercar status. As recognizable as the handsome Oscar India in appearance, the final V8 Vantage was fitted with the uprated V580X engine previously seen in the V8 Zagato. Equipped with four dual-barrel Weber carburetors, high-compression Cosworth pistons, and larger valves and intake manifold, this high-performance engine produced an impressive 432 bhp 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 200 mph supercar.

This Aston Martin V8 Vantage X-Pack

Offered here is the 48th X-Pack to roll off the line at Newport Pagnell, one of just 137 X-Pack coupes ever produced. Built in late 1987, in preparation for display at the Scottish Motor Show, chassis 12583 is equipped with some of the 1988 model year specifications, such as the desirable Ronal 16-inch wheels. It was delivered to the Murray Motor Company in Scotland in March 1988, and its following owners maintained the car at factory-appointed service centers. By the late 2000s, chassis 12583 had clocked 73,000 miles and was acquired by Bramley Motor Cars, who undertook an extensive restoration by top UK Aston specialists.

The car remained under Bramleys ownership until 2014. During this period the car underwent what may be the most comprehensive restoration of any V8 Vantage. During the restoration the car was treated to a full glass-out bare-metal respray in period correct Rolls-Royce Royal Blue by Spray-Tec Restorations. The interior was re-trimmed in brown Wilton carpets with Bitter Chocolate Autolux leather, both of which were finished with light grey piping. The gearbox and rear axle were removed and rebuilt, while the entire engine was carefully removed, documented, and shipped to the factory service department, Aston Martin Works. Retaining the original block, the engine was rebuilt to the remarkable 6.3 litre specifications, itself totalling over £70,000. During the restoration process the engine was reported to have produced the highest specific output of any 6.3 recorded to date - an impressive 464hp. Other mechanical service included a new AC compressor converted to 134A, an upgraded braking system, Z core radiator, and a new stainless-steel exhaust system. All in all, this V8 Vantage ‘X-Pack’ is as stunning as it was the day it left Newport Pagnell.​

The car was sold to Mr. William S. Weinstein in Massachusetts, USA with mileage of 76,800 miles. In 2019 Mr Weinstein decided to sell, the car was driven very sparingly during his ownership and only accumulated around 500 miles, the car was listed with Fantasy Junction in San Francisco. The car was acquired by our customer and has remained in his collection since. In August 2021 the car underwent a full inspection and service by Aston Martin Copenhagen with the current mileage of 77,900 miles.

This fully restored and properly maintained, Aston Martin comes with a comprehensive restoration file including all invoices, jack, tools, owner's handbook, the original Service Voucher book, plus the limited-edition hardbound book on the V8 Vantage X-Pack by Kean Rogers featuring the build sheet for this extraordinary car.

Located in Denmark on USA title.