Est. 309 bhp, 5,340 cc light-alloy, DOHC V-8 engine with Bosch electronic fuel injection, ZF five-speed manual gearbox, independent front suspension with upper and lower control arms, coil springs and anti-roll bar, de Dion rear axle with Watt linkage, trailing arms and coil springs, and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: 102.8"

- Only 19,700 miles from new

- One of only 166 built

- The ultimate iteration of the Aston Martin V-8 series

- Very well maintained with a 2010 bare-metal repaint and partial re-trim

Launched in 1972, the Aston Martin V-8 was the final David Brown-era model and became the longest-running model in the marque’s glorious history. A true four-seater with potential for 160-mph speeds, this hand-built British grand tourer undoubtedly remains one of the fastest and most elegant cars ever produced.

Penned by William Towns, the V-8 continued the bespoke traditions of its predecessors while simultaneously upping the ante on performance with its all-alloy, quad-cam 5,340 cc V-8, with Bosch fuel injection available from 1986. Powerful disc brakes and highly developed underpinnings enhanced the driving dynamics of this gentleman’s express. The V-8 also continued the company’s famous relationship with the James Bond film franchise, and it was used in 1987’s The Living Daylights, with Timothy Dalton debuting as Agent 007.

To satisfy American demand, the V-8 Volante convertible debuted in 1978, but it was not available in higher-performance Vantage specification until 1986. This option added an uprated engine with an approximate 400 hp and aggressive bodywork including a bonnet bulge, flared wheel arches, an integral boot spoiler and a deep front air dam. For those seeking more, the optional “X-Pack” engine upped power output to 432 bhp. Only 166 Vantage Volantes were so equipped when production ended in December 1989.

With just 19,700 miles from new, this factory-built Vantage Volante X-Pack is equipped with a desirable ZF five-speed manual gearbox and handsomely finished in Balmoral Green with Magnolia hides piped in green. The subject of a bare-metal repaint completed in 2010 by marque specialists, it also received a partial re-trim with new green carpeting. Replacement, original-style Ronal wheels and new tyres were also fitted to the car in 2010. In addition, a new clutch assembly and new flywheel were fitted in 2009, and the car has covered nominal mileage since. This very rare X-Pack Volante also benefits from an excellent service history, first with Aston Martin main dealers and then the specialist firm Trinity Engineering. Complete with Alpine satellite navigation and audio systems, this Volante is an excellent driving car with the ultimate X-Pack option. Offered in superb condition throughout, it is presently UK-registered with a current MoT road test certificate valid to April 2012.