Description
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage needs no introduction, dubbed Britain’s first supercar due to its 170 MPH plus performance and devilishly handsome appearance, there were effectively four variations of the V8 Vantage over the models thirteen-year production life from 1977-1990. The final iteration of the Vantage was the much revered ‘580X’ or ‘X Pack’ that was built from 1986-90, of which just one hundred and thirty seven cars were constructed
This exceptional example is the very last V8 Vantage ever built by the factory and was specially commissioned by loyal Aston Martin client, British industrialist and bon viveur Wensley Haydon-Baillie in July 1989
Haydon-Baillie was well known for his discerning taste and passion for speed, all of his cars were bespoke orders built to his exacting standards, he owned the first production V8 Vantage in 1977 and for a time owned the fastest boat in the world which sat alongside his collection of vintage aircraft that included a Supermarine Spitfire
Without doubt the highest specification V8 Vantage ever built by Aston Martin, the Vantage was to be finished in British Racing Green coachwork with Black 8500 Conolly hides and ZF manual transmission. The exhaust was a larger bore system with straight through pipes at the rear (as per Victor Gauntlett car) with a larger induction box and larger trunking than standard to ensure maximum performance
Comprehensive sound deadening was fitted throughout and a bespoke sound system fitted to ‘H-B’ specification and the rear of the car was fitted with a half roll cage trimmed in Connolly hides as per the interior and an electric metal sunroof was specified
Further requirements included the fitment of a smaller type steering wheel, twin full harness shoulder straps and additional front lap harness, fully adjustable electric Recaro front seats with speakers mounted in the headrests, side markers and flashers mounted on the front and rear wings, Perspex headlamp covers, high speed wipers and a 200 MPH speedometer with KPH to have larger numbers than normal to facilitate easy reading
The Vantage was to be fitted with dual cigar ashtrays fitted each side of the centre console on the under-panel knee roll and a specific request that to ensure maximum depth of exterior paint as the car will be continually polished to keep 100% immaculate appearance for many years to come
First road registered on January 15th 1991 and the original warranty card issued to W. G. Haydon-Baillie on 31st January (retained on file), the Vantage was initially maintained by Works Service and then AM official agent Murray Motor company 1993-96, after which respected long term marque specialist Ian Mason from 1997-2001
Between the years of 2003-2014 the Vantage was entrusted to marque exponent Nicholas Mee who co-incidentally supplied the car new to Mr Haydon-Baillie in 1991 and also to the current owner who acquired the car from Nic in 2016
During the current owners tenure all maintenance has been undertaken by R. S. Williams who in March 2023 serviced the car, fitted four new Michelin Pilot Sport tyres and a brand new RSW specification big bore exhaust system
Offered today in exceptional and original condition with superb and well documented history from new, this unique ‘X Pack’ has covered a mere 32, 000 miles and offers exhilarating performance and unrivalled provenance. Undoubtedly one of the most important Aston Martin V8 Vantage’s extant and a truly unrepeatable opportunity
