1989 Aston Martin V8 Vantage X-Pack

1989 Aston Martin V8 Vantage X-Pack

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage was hailed at its 1977 introduction as “Britain’s First Supercar” for its 170 mph (270 km/h) top speed. Its engine was shared with the Lagonda, but it used high-performance camshafts, increased compression ratio, larger inlet valves and bigger carburettors mounted on new manifolds for increased output. Straight-line performance was the best of the day, with acceleration from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 5.3 seconds, one-tenth of a second quicker than Ferrari’s mighty Daytona!

 The first series examples produced 375bhp and series specific details such as a blanked bonnet vent and a separate rear spoiler. 38 of these were built (plus 13 “Cosmetic” versions for the US market. The Oscar India (for 1 October, the date of introduction) version, introduced in late 1978, featured an integrated tea-tray spoiler and smoother bonnet bulge. Inside, a black leather-covered dash replaced the previous walnut. The wooden dashboard did find its way back into the Vantage during the eighties, giving a more luxurious appearance. The Oscar India version also received a slight increase in power, to 390bhp. This line was produced, with some running changes, until 1989. From 1986 on the engine produced just over 400bhp.

 The Vantage name had previously been used on a number of high-performance versions of Aston Martin cars, but this was a separate model. Although based on the Aston Martin V8, numerous detail changes added up to a unique driving experience. One of the most noticeable features was the closed-off hood bulge rather than the open scoop found on the normal V8. The grille area was also closed off, with twin driving lights inserted and a spoiler added to the bootlid.

 The 1986–1989 580 “X-Pack” was a further upgrade, with Cosworth pistons and Nimrod racing-type heads producing 403bhp. A “big bore” after-market option was also available from Works Service, with 50mm carbs (instead of 48mm) and straight-through exhaust system giving 432bhp (the same engine as fitted to the limited-edition V8 Zagato. 16-inch wheels were also now fitted. If this wasn’t enough, a 450bhp, 6.3-litre version was also available from Aston Martin, and independents offered a 7-litre version!

 1988/1989 Aston Martin Vantage “X-PACK”:

304 Series 2 Vantage coupés were built – including 131 X-Packs in spite of only having been officially introduced in 1986, near the very end of production. There was also a “Cosmetic” X-Pack Vantage package for the US Swiss and Japanese markets, with fuel injection instead of Weber carburetors and while not as flat out powerful or performing, the injected X-Pack versions are today highly sought out due to ease of maintenance and far greater reliability.

 A total of 14 Series 2 X-Pack coupés and 56 Volantes were built. The Cosmetic X-Pack Vantages all used fuel-injected engines and retained the Vantage name and all of the various body alterations – though the lack of carburettors allowed a more attractive, streamlined, flattened hood.

 SCFCV81V7KTL12682:

This particular “X-Pack” Aston Martin V8 Vantage is one of the rarest versions completed. It was ordered and finished in the final year of production with an official completion date of February 24th, 1989. This was one of only five similar examples completed, all in left-hand-drive configuration with fuel-injected engines and automatic transmissions. Each of these five were destined for the Japanese market. This particular example was special ordered new as follows:

 Sales Identity Order No. V8VOL12682

Chassis No. SCFCV81V7KTL12682

Engine Sequential No. 650

Engine No. V/585/2682/LFA

Axle Ratio 3.54:1

Steering Left-Hand-Drive

Exterior Paint Cumberland Grey

Interior Connolly Full Leather Black (8500) Piped in Grey (4153)

Carpet Grey 068 Onslow Edged in Slate Grey (4137)

Headliner Grey (7421)

Production Department Notes:

-Vehicle to be prepared to V8 X-Pack Cosmetic Vantage Specification with Fuel-Injected LFA engine and automatic transmission for Japanese Market

-Production Computer Code J (Japanese Market)

-Convex Door Mirrors (Left & Right)

-Left Hand Dipping Lights

-Full USA Federal Regulation Engine with Emission Control Systems

-Supply and fit Catalyst Warning Light on Instrument Panel

-European Specification Fog and Running Lamps

-Side Repeater Flashers

-Grey Lambswool Floor Rugs

-No Radio to be fitted

-Box for export and shipping

Completion of this Aston took place in the Spring of 1989 with delivery and import to Japan taking place later that year. On December 22nd, 1989 it was road registered for the first time by a private Japanese collector on plates “33-6367.” Over the next 25 years, this Aston passed through the hands of several prominent private museum collections, each of which is carefully documented and recorded. Earlier this year, our agent in Japan directed our attention to the vehicle which had covered only 60,000 kilometers from new (37,000 miles.) The car had been ultra-carefully preserved and conserved by each of the previous owners. An examination of the Aston Factory Assembly records confirmed the vehicle remained exactly as delivered when new other than the fitting of a Japanese market radio per the original special order by the first owner.

This is one of only 5 similar left-hand-drive, final-year, “X-Pack” Fuel-injected, Aston V8 Saloons ever completed. It is completely rust and accident free and all “matching numbers” front to back, and top to bottom as delivered new.

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