To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' London event, 24 October
2019.
Estimate:
£250,000 - £300,000
- One of only 137 'X-Packs' built
- The ultimate 'true' V8 Vantage; high-performance European
specification
- Presented in a beautiful and classic colour combination
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 all 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. First introduced at the 1986
British International Motor Show, the ultimate iteration of the
muscular V8 Vantage�the model that would become known to
enthusiasts as the 'X-Pack'�would go on to be produced through the
end of the decade.
The V8 Vantage 'Oscar India', as introduced in 1978, featured a
closed-bonnet scoop, large front air dam, and blanked-off front
grille which gave the car a macho look befitting its status. The
interior was outfitted in leather and wood to suit more discerning
tastes. As recognizable as the handsome Oscar India in appearance,
the final V8 Vantage was fitted with the uprated V580X engine
previously found in the V8 Zagato. Equipped with four dual-barrel
Weber carburettors, 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.
According to V8 specialist Kean Rogers, chassis 12579 was one of
the first 'X-Packs' to be fitted with Ronal wheels, which were
specified with polished rims. The Ronal wheels would become
synonymous with the 'X-Pack' and have been subsequently fitted to
many Vantage tributes. Presented in the original colours of Suffolk
Red with Magnolia leather and red carpets, chassis 12579 is
tasteful and well in keeping with Aston Martin's subtle
elegance.
A perfect addition to any stable of early supercars, this Aston
Martin V8 Vantage 'X-Pack' is a fantastic example of the ultimate
Aston Martin V8.To view this car and others currently consigned to
this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/lf19.