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.

In 1986 Aston Martin unveiled the V8 Vantage Volante—a macho restyling of the V8 Volante. William Towns, designer of the DBS, added flared wheel arches, like those seen on the Brunei Vantage Volante. In keeping with the times, the front air dam was enlarged—making the new model a full 63 mm wider than a standard Volante. It could attain cruising speeds well in excess of 150 mph.

Most important, this latest incarnation of the model was fitted with the 580X Vantage engine, leading to the moniker ‘X-Pack’. First seen on the V8 Vantage Zagato, this engine was fitted with special Weber carburettors, Cosworth pistons, and Nimrod racing-type heads, as well as enlarged inlet and exhaust ports in the cylinder heads alongside enlarged exhaust manifolds to feed the Webers. Whilst Aston Martin would never be so vulgar as to boast about the output of its new engine, the reality was a peak output of 432 bhp. Speeding along the British countryside at well over 100 mph, a driver never felt like he had left the lap of luxury, as the interior remained all Aston Martin—plush leather seats, deep-pile carpets, and burr walnut.

The X-Pack Volante on offer today was delivered new in European specification to its first owner via Achili Motors Milan. Finished in Windsor Red over Piped Magnolia leather, the car was serviced regularly by marque specialists Ian Mason, Desmond Smail, and Aston Works Service in the UK and dry-stored from 1996 until 2009, when it changed hands to its second owner. Covering just under 27,000 km from new, its current custodian is a well-known Aston Martin collector. This rare and unused V8 Volante deserves to be used and enjoyed this summer.