1985 Aston Martin

When Aston Martin unveiled the V8 Vantage in 1977, it created something that was almost without equal. Combining the elegance and sophistication for which Aston Martin was renowned with genuine supercar performance, the V8 Vantage could exceed 170 mph and quickly earned its reputation as ‘Britain’s first supercar’. More than four decades later, it remains one of the defining British performance cars of its era, and few examples offer a more fascinating insight into its evolution than this particular Vantage.

Over the course of its thirteen-year production run, there were effectively four distinct versions of the V8 Vantage. The first was the 1977 ‘Bolt-On’ Vantage, of which just 16 examples were produced, followed by the 1977-78 ‘Flip Tail’, with 35 cars built. The third and longest-lived iteration was the ‘Oscar India’ Vantage, produced between 1978 and 1985, with 179 examples constructed. The final and much revered version was the V580X, more commonly known as the ‘X-Pack’, produced between 1986 and 1990, of which 137 examples were built.

The X-Pack incorporated a number of improvements, refinements and upgrades over previous models. The suspension, steering and brakes all received attention but the engine was the final evolution of the ‘580’ type with increased engine power to 403 bhp courtesy of Cosworth pistons and Nimrod racing-type cylinder heads.

The ‘X-Pack’ was to be the swansong of the William Towns designed V8 Coupe, and the most powerful production Aston Martin of that era. Most regard it as the finest version of the V8 line.

This particular Aston Martin occupies a fascinating place in that story, being the genesis of the fabled X-Pack. Completed by Aston Martin Works on 16 February 1985, it was one of just two Vantage models subsequently used by the factory to develop the modifications that would ultimately form the production V580X. Allocated the factory Development Project number DP 2035, it became a development test bed for the programme from which the X-Pack was launched at the Motor Show later that year.

Originally supplied in Kensington Silver with Dark Blue hides, Dark Blue carpets and Grey headlining. It was delivered new as a demonstrator to Aston Martin main agents Stratton Motor Company on 8 March 1985 and registered B27 RCL.

In September 1986, Aston Martin Works is understood to have borrowed the car back from Stratton for use as a demonstrator. Shortly afterwards, it was involved in a rear-end road incident, following which the factory purchased the car from Stratton on 30 September 1986. It was subsequently retained by Aston Martin as one of two development cars for the V580X programme, carrying the internal development designation DP 2035 and the road registration AML 56. It was used to evaluate the combination of the X-Pack engine and automatic transmission, together with revised suspension and Compomotive 16″ wheels which are available with the car.

The history file contains copies of internal Aston Martin factory notes, including minutes from meetings in which this car and the other development cars were discussed. These provide a fascinating insight into the car’s role within the development of what would become the final and most highly regarded iteration of the V8 Vantage.

Following the completion of its development duties, the Vantage was sold by Aston Martin through specialist dealer Wavetone Ltd to its first private owner, Mr John Elliot of Tunbridge Wells, Kent, on 26 January 1988. At this point, the car had been repainted and upgraded to 1988 specification, with the odometer showing 8,411 miles. The V5C records Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd as the preceding owner, with a copy retained on file.

Extensive correspondence between Mr Elliot and Aston Martin Works is retained within the history file, documenting a number of works carried out during his ownership. Of particular significance was the installation by Aston Martin Works of a manual ZF five-speed transmission on 12 December 1988, at which point the car had covered 21,352 miles.

The factory development history is further supported by the car’s chassis plate, which was updated following completion of the programme to reflect the car and engine’s X-Pack specification. The history file also contains written confirmation from Aston Martin Heritage Operations that its records document an instruction for the Vantage engine to be rebuilt to Vantage X-Pack specification.

Having known its previous owner, Pendine subsequently sold DP2035 to its current owner in November 2017, and the car has remained with them ever since.

The subsequent ownership and maintenance history is exceptionally well documented, with a substantial collection of invoices from various Aston Martin specialists, with major works carried out by marque specialists RS Williams, together with the original sales pre-delivery certificate, original service booklet, a copy of the original build sheet, previous V5 registration documents and numerous MoT certificates.

The car is accompanied by an excellent collection of original and period accessories, including its owner’s handbook, original tool kit and jack, an original edition of Kean Rogers’ book ‘Aston Martin V8 Vantage’, embossed ‘DP2035’, and the original set of Tanner & Krolle Aston Martin fitted luggage.

A manufacturer development prototype occupies a particularly important place in the history of any marque, and DP 2035 is no exception. This is a highly significant Aston Martin, representing a direct link between the pre-X-Pack V8 Vantage and the development of the final V580X production cars. Combining exceptional factory provenance with a remarkably well-documented history and original development, this important Vantage drives as well as it presents.

Available now for viewing and demonstration at Pendine’s Bicester Motion showroom.