Engine No. V585/5714/LFM

Following the firm's financial turbulence and receivership of 1975, Aston Martin finally unveiled the eagerly anticipated Vantage variant of their V8 in 1977. The Vantage debuted with enhanced performance through a higher 10.2:1 compression ratio, hotter camshafts, Weber carburetors, and an aggressive aerodynamic package.

While early examples were estimated to produce 375 horsepower, late-production "X-Pack" variants introduced in 1986 represent the pinnacle of naturally aspirated V8 Vantage development. Originally developed for the exotic V8 Vantage Zagato as the "580 X" engine, these remarkable grand tourers were equipped with specialized Cosworth pistons, high-lift camshafts, and a sophisticated quad Weber carburetor arrangement that produced an extraordinary 432 horsepower. Notably, U.S.-specification examples were denied the enhanced Weber-carbureted engine due to emissions compliance challenges. These so-called "cosmetic Vantages" commanded a relatively modest $2,500 premium initially, though this increased dramatically to $31,000 by 1988.

Also of particular significance to collectors is the "Prince of Wales" specification, commissioned by The Prince of Wales, now King Charles III. This bespoke creation married the potent Vantage drivetrain with more understated aesthetics, incorporating only subtle modifications including a special chin valance and delicately flared wheel arches to accommodate larger 16 inch wheels. While retaining the Vantage's signature mesh grille and power bulge hood, it presented an altogether more discrete appearance. The factory would produce just 27 examples of this specification before V8 production concluded in December 1989, creating what many enthusiasts consider the ultimate expression of the V8 lineage.

Chassis number 15714 is one of 27 “PoW” Vantages produced, and of those, one of just seven left-hand drive examples. According to a digital copy of its build sheet, the U.S.-specification car was delivered new in California to Newport Imports for Michael Parker in November 1988, finished in the stunning color combination of Salisbury Blue paintwork over a Magnolia leather interior with Dark Blue piping and Blue Onslow carpeting. The build sheet also notes that it was originally configured with a five-speed manual transmission, 3.54:1 rear axle, and special PoW features including a smooth F.I. bonnet, slightly flared wheel arches, standard Volante front valance, and 16 inch wheels and tires.

The Vantage was later imported to Europe, passing to French dealer Pierre Landereau. Through his company Peter Speed, the car entered the care of a new French caretaker who had the Aston fastidiously maintained by British Motor Service near Paris. In 2017, still finished in Salisbury Blue and fitted with a standard Volante hood, the car passed to a new owner who would commission an extensive restoration. Conducted by Aston Martin Works, the work involved a comprehensive transformation from its original U.S.-market 5.3-liter fuel-injected specification to full 6.3-liter "X-Pack" carburetor configuration. The engine (V585/5714/LFM) received extensive machining work, including vapor blasting of the block, sump, timing case, and cylinder heads. The engine was then methodically rebuilt to exacting 580 X specifications, requiring the installation of increased capacity cylinder liners, pistons, connecting rods, and crankshaft. The combustion chambers were hand-modified, and a bespoke big-bore specification intake system was fitted. A matching 6.3-liter stainless steel exhaust system completed the conversion.

This exceptional mechanical upgrade was complimented by equally thorough cosmetic restoration, which included fitting a hand-crafted hood to Vantage specification, refinishing the exterior in dark blue, and re-trimming the interior in Magnolia leather interior with Dark Blue piping. Completed in 2022, invoices on file detailing the monumental undertaking exceed £288,000.

Combining the refined elegance of the Prince of Wales specification with the formidable performance of the 6.3-liter X-Pack conversion, this rare Vantage Volante is authenticated by its Aston Martin Assured Provenance Certificate and represents an extraordinary opportunity to acquire one of the most distinctive and high-performance Aston Martins of the period.