In 1986, Aston Martin debuted a convertible version of its high-performing V8 Vantage, dubbed the Volante. This specific build really shot to fame the next year when it was driven by Timothy Dalton in the 1987 James Bond film, The Living Daylights. The V8 Vantage Volante remained in production only until 1989, with only 192 made in total. Within those same years, the British outfit also equipped its Series 2 V8s with an upgraded 580 X-Pack engine, producing 432hp and racing faster than any other sports car on the market — with the addition of two rear seats, no less.
Coming up for auction next month via RM Sotheby’s is one such rare 1988 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante with the X-Pack engine. Finished in Suffolk Red with a tan hide on the interior and a matching tan mechanical retractable soft-top, this vehicle is truly a sight to behold. This car was serviced by Aston Martin Monaco last year, at which point the odometer read a mere 1,713km (~1,064 miles), going up to 1,769km (~1,099 miles) upon cataloging.
Originally debuting in the limited-edition V8 Zagato, the X-Pack variant benefited from high-compression Cosworth pistons and Nimrod racing heads. Initially producing 403hp, an after-market option was able to earn it 432hp as you see here. With only 131 produced, the X-Pack also comes equipped with four dual-barrel Weber carburetors, high-lift camshafts, and cosmetic plus-ups such as a spoiler and slimmer bumpers without overriders.
This stunning car is not only beautiful but extremely rare. In addition, it was among the fastest cars on the planet in the late ‘80s. It will cross the auction block on May 14th at Monaco’s Grimaldi Forum via RM Sotheby’s auction house, where it is estimated to fetch between €600,000 and €800,000 (~$650,000 and $850,000).
