1988 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante X-Pack

• Rare model
• Previous ownership 2011-2025
• Regularly serviced by marque specialists Pugsley & Lewis
• Considerable expenditure at Aston Martin Works
• Recent service by Desmond Smail
• Circa 65,000 miles recorded

Produced to satisfy demands from the USA, the Volante convertible version of Aston Martin's V8 debuted in 1978, but it was not until 1986 that it became available to Vantage specification, which by this time meant around 400bhp. Along with the Vantage engine and bonnet came flared wheelarches, a boot spoiler (a feature the Volante had previously lacked) and an extended front spoiler, while glassfibre extensions replaced the model's hitherto characteristic chromed sill covers. The result was a muscular, aggressive-looking car that could justifiably claim to be the world's fastest convertible, all the more so when it came with the optional 'X-Pack' engine (like this example) which, depending on the state of tune, had up to 432bhp available. A total of 166 Vantage Volantes had been completed by the end of production in December 1989 making it one of the rarer and more collectible of post-war Aston Martins. Some 78 were right-hand drive.

This quite exceptional X-Pack-equipped Vantage Volante was delivered new through HWM on 15th January 1988. A copy of the Car Record on file confirms it was delivered in Suffolk Red with a Magnolia leather interior. Originally registered as 'ORD 123', the car was used to illustrate marketing material (photocopy on file). Globe Trust of Exchange Tower, London were the owners on 19th April 1991, and then in 1992 the Aston was sold to a Mr Edwards. The car was acquired by the immediately preceding owner in 2011.

A letter from respected Aston Martin specialists Pugsley & Lewis Ltd confirms that Mr Edwards had the car serviced at Aston Martin until 1997. The mileage at that time was 21,956. Pugsley & Lewis have carried out a yearly services from 1998. In 2007/2008 P&L fitted a new automatic gearbox complete with torque converter and shift upgrade kit. By 2010 the car had covered 56,000 miles.

In 2016, following a slight knock to the offside front wing ( photographs on file), the car returned to Aston Martin Works where some £80,000 was spend on refurbishment. It appears the car returned to Aston Martin again in 2019 for a further £52,000-worth of cosmetic works, which has resulted in the beautifully presented example we see today. Used sparingly by the last UK-based private owner for trips to Europe, this car must be seen to be appreciated. Now having covered circa 65,000 miles, it benefits from a recent service by Desmond Smail Ltd and repairs to the hood mechanism by Oselli. The car is MoT'd to March 2027.