To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Monterey event, 15 - 17
August 2019.
Estimate:
$375,000 - $475,000
- 1987 Scottish Motor Show car
- Original engine upgraded to 6.3-liter specification by Aston
Martin Works
- One of just 137 X-Pack coupes built; fully restored by UK
specialists
- Aston Martin Assured Provenance on file
Please note that this lot is titled as a 1988.
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
liters. Described by one journalist as "a Hemi Road Runner built by
Bentley," the new and improved V8 Vantage was a genuine 200 mph
supercar.
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 Murray Motor Company in Scotland in March 1988, and
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 Aston Martin underwent a full glass-out, bare-metal repaint in
period-correct Rolls-Royce Royal Blue by Spray Tec Restorations,
followed by a rebuild of the gearbox and rear axle. The interior
was retrimmed in Brown Wilton carpet and Bitter Chocolate Autolux
leather piped with Light Grey. The engine was sent to the factory
service department, Aston Martin Works, where a full rebuild to
6.3-liter specification was performed for a total cost in excess of
�70,000. This engine was documented to have produced the highest
specific output of any 6.3 conversion to date with an equally
generous serving of torque. Additionally, a new AC compressor was
installed alongside an upgraded braking system, Z Core radiator,
and stainless exhaust system. All in all, this V8 Vantage 'X-Pack'
is as stunning as it was the day it left Newport Pagnell.
Fully restored and properly maintained, this 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.
Please note that Aston Martin Assured Provenance has recently been
issued for this lot. Also note that due to California emissions,
this vehicle must be sold to a dealer or out-of-state resident.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo19.
