Introduced in 1977, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage stood as Britain’s sole entry into the rarefied world of supercars, joining the ranks of the Ferrari 512 Berlinetta Boxer, Lamborghini Countach, and Porsche 930 Turbo. With a reworked 5.3-litre V-8 breathing through four 48 mm Weber carburetors, the Vantage delivered a mighty 370 bhp, paired with uprated suspension, larger ventilated brakes, and low-profile tires to match its increased performance. Its distinctive styling cues, such as the blanked-off bonnet scoop and integrated rear spoiler, distinguished it as something special – even at a glance.

By the mid-1980s, the model reached its zenith with the introduction of the X-Pack, its name referring to the “V580X” engine code. First shown at the 1986 Birmingham Motor Show, the X-Pack was the final and most powerful iteration of the V8 Vantage line. Output rose to 410 hp and over 430 hp was available with optional factory tuning. Featuring high-compression Cosworth pistons, high-lift camshafts, and design elements derived from the limited-run V8 Zagato, the X-Pack represented the culmination of a decade of performance development.

When Autocar magazine tested the V580X in its June 1988 issue, they reported: “The Vantage is astonishingly fast… Torque and acceleration are both thunderous: floor the throttle in gears three, four or five and the Vantage snorts and flies off.” It was a fitting tribute to what was then the most powerful production Aston Martin ever built.

The Volante version – offering luxurious open-air motoring with uncompromising performance – was even more exclusive. Only 109 examples were built over three years, with just 33 specified in left-hand drive and a mere 79 equipped with the desirable five-speed ZF manual gearbox. In contrast to mass-produced rivals, the X-Pack Volante’s traditional styling and handcrafted pedigree made it a standout even in elite company. Today, it represents one of the most coveted expressions of classic British muscle – a fitting swan song for Aston Martin’s iconic William Towns-designed V8 era.

Not only is the V8 Vantage Volante “X-Pack” offered here one of the precious few European-delivered, five-speed examples built, it is a true time capsule, having covered just 1,791 km – approximately 1,100 miles – from new.

According to records on file, this Aston Martin, chassis 15702, was delivered new via Achilli Motors of Milan, Italy, to its first owner, Adel Kamil Sindi. The former Director General of Saudi Arabian Airlines and the nation’s Assistant Minister of Defense and Aviation in 1979, Mr. Sindi specified his new X-Pack Volante in the vibrant shade of Suffolk Red with tan leather upholstery. The car’s optional features include luxurious Wilton wool over-mats, a top-of-the-line Sony stereo with Nakamichi speakers, and Ronal wheels wearing Goodyear Eagle tires.

Mr. Sindi first registered his Aston Martin in October 1988 and kept it at his home in Cannes, France, together with a Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary model finished in an identical color scheme. The Volante saw sparing use over the next decade; when it was serviced by Royal Motors Cannes in May 2000, it had covered a mere 1,356 km.

In 2016, the X-Pack Volante was sold to fellow Cannes resident Claude Levy, and the car’s maintenance book records a service carried out by Aston Martin Monaco in September 2021, with the odometer displaying just 1,713 km.

Since 2022, the V8 has resided in a significant American collection, where it has been maintained and displayed among other exclusive Aston Martins, ranging from a DB4 GT Zagato to the latest Valour. Today, it remains in pristine condition and is accompanied by its original handbooks, tool roll, jack, and emergency spare. The V8 is also offered with an impressive history file containing the original Aston Martin warranty papers, certificate of ownership, service records, and copies of original correspondence with Achilli Motors.

As a left-hand-drive, European-delivered V580X Volante equipped with the highly sought-after five-speed manual gearbox, this car represents the ultimate evolution of a beloved and iconic Aston Martin model. Its exceptionally low mileage, documented provenance, and outstanding original condition make it one of the finest examples in existence. For discerning collectors seeking an essentially as-new V8 Vantage Volante, the appearance of this car at auction represents an opportunity to acquire the very best of a refined breed.

*Please note that this vehicle will not be sold for use or resale in California or to a non-dealer California resident.