In January 1986, the AM V8, Volante and Lagonda received the Weber electronic fuel injection system to replace the carburettors in an effort to reduce emissions and fuel consumption. Yet the Vantage continued to be fitted with the four twin-choke, down draught Weber carburettors. The fuel injection technology of the time could not have provided sufficient power expected of the highest performance car of the range. First produced in early 1986, the final series of the V8 Vantage was fitted with the same 580X engine as previewed in the V8 Vantage Zagato and the X-pack was born. The first view of the X-pack was in the autumn of 1986 at the Birmingham Motor Show. The heart of the series 3 V8 Vantage – the V580X (sometimes called X-pack) specification engine. Changes to the previous version include four 48mm Weber carburettors, Cosworth pistons, larger inlet ports and higher lift camshafts. With the air pumps needed to meet EEC emission regulations, peak power is in the range of 410 to 420 bhp. With an optional conversion from Works Service, which included a big-bore airbox and manifolds, straight through pipes at the back and the carbs meticulously opened up to 50mm, power was increased to 432bhp.
Our vehicle has a truly superb history file including the original Aston Martin warranty card with the factory build card with individual requests and also has a remarkable paper trail through the years starting with correspondence with the factory and Victor Gauntlet right through to total restoration bills cementing the car as a unique proposition...
