You are looking at a true piece of automotive royalty, the 1988 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante X-Pack. When many manufacturers were focusing on efficiency, Aston Martin decided to stick to its guns. They doubled down on the classic British muscle car recipe, and the result is this absolute powerhouse. This rare left-hand drive example is one of the most desirable specifications built. It boasts the potent V580X V8 engine and a proper ZF five-speed manual gearbox.
The Special X-Pack and Bodywork Details
This particular Vantage Volante is an X-Pack specification car, which significantly elevates its aggression and performance. The Vantage Volante model itself was produced for a brief period from 1986 to 1989. It showcased handcrafted aluminum-alloy body panels throughout its production. Compared to the standard model, the Vantage Volante featured a much deeper front spoiler and wider wheel arches. It also included extended side skirts for a more purposeful stance. This X-Pack adds a distinctive grille blanking plate and an integrated rear spoiler. Additionally, you will notice the slim bumpers that intentionally lack overriders.
The Exterior Finish: Suffolk Red
The beautiful exterior is finished in an eye-catching shade of Suffolk Red. This color certainly emphasizes the car’s muscular lines and presence. Complementing the paint is a tan Everflex convertible soft top. The car is equipped with Cibié headlights and powerful driving lights upfront. Further distinguishing features include a prominent power-bulge hood and the iconic Vantage badging. These badges are strategically placed on the fender vents. The rear view is completed by dual exhaust outlets peeking out below. This car has a road presence unlike almost anything else from the late 1980s.
A Look Inside the Tan Leather Cabin
Stepping inside, the 2+2 seating configuration is upholstered in beautiful tan leather. This luxurious material extends seamlessly to the center console and the door panels. Contrasting beige carpets line the floors, offering a subtle visual break. Wood trim provides classic elegance, accenting the dash, center console, and doors. Modern-era amenities include a Sony AM/FM cassette stereo system. This unit is connected to upgraded Nakamichi speakers for improved audio quality. Further appointments include a timeless quartz clock, functional air conditioning, and convenient power windows.
Classic Tudor Instruments and Drivetrain Controls
A classic two-spoke steering wheel immediately grabs your attention behind the dash. Paired with this is the iconic dogleg-pattern shifter for the manual gearbox. The Tudor instrumentation provides essential information to the driver. This cluster includes a 300-km/h speedometer and a 7k-rpm tachometer. A full array of auxiliary gauges tracks oil temperature, coolant temperature, and pressure. Fuel level and voltage are also monitored for complete peace of mind. The five-digit odometer currently displays only 1,900 kilometers, equating to about 1,200 miles.
Power, Engine Specs, and Performance
Under the power-bulge hood sits the revered 5.3-liter V580X V8 engine. The X-Pack specification meant this engine was fitted with several performance upgrades. These included larger inlet ports and a set of higher-lift camshafts. It also received high-performance Cosworth pistons to handle the increased power. Breathing is handled by a quartet of classic Weber 48 IDF3 carburetors. This setup allowed the engine to produce a factory-rated output of 410 horsepower when it was new. Power is routed to the rear wheels via a robust ZF five-speed manual gearbox. A Powr-Lok limited-slip differential ensures that power is managed effectively.
Wheels, Suspension, and Braking System
The car rolls on period-correct 16-inch Ronal wheels. These are currently mounted with 255/50 Goodyear Eagle VR50 tires. From the factory, this Aston Martin was equipped with an independent front suspension. It featured a strong de Dion rear suspension setup. Stopping power is ample and comes from servo-assisted, ventilated disc brakes at all four corners. This combination offers both confident handling and powerful deceleration. It reminds you that this grand tourer was built for serious performance.
This V8 Vantage Volante is a fantastic expression of late-eighties British high-performance motoring. Delivered new to Milan, Italy, it remained in Europe until 2022. It was then acquired by its current owner and imported to the US. The car is offered complete with its manufacturer’s literature and a comprehensive tool kit. Service records are also included, adding to its provenance. This beautifully preserved, low-mileage classic is a standout in any collection.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The information provided is based on market trends and personal opinions and should not be considered financial or investment advice. Readers should always conduct their own research and consult with a professional advisor before making any decisions.
Source & Details: bringatrailer.com
