The Aston Martin V8 Vantage was launched in February 1977 and featured a more powerful engine with more aggressively profiled camshafts, larger inlet valves along with larger diameter exhaust headers and larger Weber 48 IDF 3/150 carburettors. The Vantage engine produced around 390 bhp and propelled the car to a top speed of around 170 mph.

Improved aerodynamics were a key component of the new Vantage with deep front spoiler, flip-up tail spoiler, blanked-off bonnet scoop and radiator grille (inset with 7 inch Cibie driving lights). The improved aero reduction both drag and lift.

The Vantage suspension received a larger-diameter anti-roll bar (later deemed unnecessary and dropped) and Koni telescopic dampers.

However, some customers wanted the increased performance of the Vantage combined with open-air driving so they put pressure on the Aston Martin management to produce a Vantage Volante. The new model was introduced in 1986 and was in production for only three years before production ceased in 1989. The Vantage Volante had flared sills that connected the front and rear flared wheelarches that were wider than the Vantage Coupe. The front spoiler was deeper than that of the Vantage Coupe and the boot lid featured a tail spoiler that was higher than the Coupe.

In 1987 several updates were introduced to the Vantage Saloon and Vantage Volante. Wheel size was increased from 15 inch to 16 inch and in late 1987 the iconic Ronal wheels appeared. The Vantage was then offered with the V580X engine from the Vantage Zagato. The V580X unit had a power output of up to 432 bhp and featured four 48mm Weber IDF3/150 downdraught carburettors, Cosworth pistons, increased compression ratio, higher-lift camshafts, twin air pumps, a throttle damper and a big-bore exhaust system with larger exhaust manifolds. An ‘X’ was added to the engine number of cars so equipped and the specification latterly became known as the ‘X-pack’ thus creating the ultimate V8 Vantage specification.

Other improvements included dual-rate front springs, progressive rate dampers and revised suspension geometry. The Vantage was once again offered with manual or automatic transmission.

Chassis 15824 is a rare Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante ‘X-Pack’ specified from new with a manual gearbox. The car’s warranty card was issued on the 14th September 1989 and was registered the following day on the 15th September.

The certificate of ownership on file states the Aston Martin was supplied new by Stratton Motor Company to Alderley Edge-based businessman and racing driver David Warnock.

In September 2000 the car was sold by Aston Martin specialist Desmond Smail to Richard Bourton of Tamworth, Staffordshire in September 2000 and by 2009 was registered to Ronald Hogben of Gloucester.

The current owner, an avid Aston Martin V8 enthusiast who has owned several prize-wining examples, purchased the car from Aston Martin Specialist Oselli Ltd in February 2017 with just over 10,000 miles showing on the odometer.

The Vantage Volante has since been cherished and used sparingly. When not in use the car is garaged in a heated motor-house.

This beautiful and rare Vantage Volante X-Pack is now offered for sale.

The car is finished in the superb combination of Rolls-Royce Balmoral Green with Magnolia Connolly leather piped in green and is topped by a black hood. The interior leather is complemented by green carpets.

The Aston Martin is accompanied by a history file containing invoices and MOT certificates that document the scant mileage covered from new. The car’s original owner’s manual is present along with a stamped service book that shows the car has been maintained by a combination of Aston Martin main dealers and leading specialists.

This exceptionally well-preserved Vantage Volante has covered only 12,291 miles from new and as such is a genuine time-warp example. Opening the door reveals an interior that smells like new with the strong and addictive aroma of Connolly leather.

Rust proofing has been applied periodically and consequently the underside is naturally corrosion fee. The car feels tight and factory-fresh with none of the rattles and creaks associated with more well-travelled examples.

It is believed only seventy-nine RHD Vantage Volantes were built with a manual gearbox.

Consequently this is a very rare opportunity to acquire a virtually ‘as new’ time-warp example.

Recorded history:

22/05/1990, service, Donaldson & Evans Aston Martin, 240 miles
25/07/1990, service, Donaldson & Evans Aston Martin, 264 miles
14/06/1991, service, Donaldson & Evans Aston Martin, 270 miles
25/01/1993, service, H.W.M. Ltd., 323 miles
21/04/1993, service, H.W.M. Ltd. 1,426 miles
21/07/1993, service, Aston Engineering, 2,450 miles
09/07/1999, MOT, 5,364 miles
10/08/2000, MOT, 5,387 miles
12/10/2000, service, Desmond Smail 5,487 miles
13/03/2001, maintenance, Aston Engineering 6,093 miles
02/11/2001, MOT, 6,824 miles
11/01/2002, service, Aston Engineering, 6,925 miles
18/01/2002, service, Aston Engineering, 6,903 miles
06/02/2003, MOT, 7,614 miles
10/02/2003, service, Aston Engineering, 7,614 miles
12/02/2004, service, Aston Engineering, 8,365 miles
13/02/2004, MOT, 8,372 miles
05/04/2004, service, Aston Engineering, 8,365 miles
04/03/2005, service Aston Engineering, 8,949 miles
04/03/2005, MOT, 8,949 miles
28/11/2005, service Oselli Ltd. 9,476 miles
29/11/2005, MOT, 9,476 miles
25/04/2007, MOT, 9,803 miles
22/02/2008, MOT, 9,962 miles
06/08/2015, MOT, 10,115 miles
15/06/2015, service, 10,146 miles
22/06/2015, service, 10,163 miles
23/06/2015, MOT, 10,154 miles
28/02/2017, MOT, 10,193 miles
07/03/2019, MOT, 10,203 miles
20/05/2020, MOT, 10,416 miles
25/05/2021, MOT, 10,768 miles
30/07/2022, MOT, 11,420 miles