One to Buy: 1 of 1 last off the production line 1991 Aston Martin V8 Vantage V580X
From its introduction in early 1977 until the last example rolled off the production line in late 1989, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage was Britain’s only series production offering that could rival Italy’s top-of-the-range supercars.
From January 1986, the V8 Vantage got a useful boost when Aston Martin began to install the V580X motor seen previously in the limited edition Zagato-bodied version. With its Cosworth pistons, high lift camshafts, larger inlet ports and higher compression ratio, the V580X unit pumped out a formidable 410bhp at 6000rpm and 395lb-ft at 5100rpm.
New 16-inch split-rim wheels with concealed nuts gave the car a fresh new look and in late 1987 Aston Martin added a 432bhp option complete with big bore airbox, larger carburettors, air pump delete and free-flow exhaust.
Currently on offer at the Dylan Miles showroom in Royal Tunbridge Wells is the last V8 Vantage ever produced by Aston Martin and one of just 137 examples produced in V580X trim.
Commissioned by pharmaceuticals magnate Wensley Haydon-Baillie in July 1989, this particular car was configured in British Racing Green with Black upholstery, manual transmission and a number of special features to include a trick exhaust, elaborate audio system, electric Recaro seats with speakers in the headrests, a leather covered half roll cage, electric sunroof, Pespex headlight covers and more.
First registered in January 1991, this unique car is today offered in superb original condition having covered a little over 31,000 miles.
Reprinted below is Dylan Miles’ description for what represents a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire what is undoubtedly one of the most significant Aston Martin V8 Vantages in existence:
Price: £550,000
Number made: 137
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.
The 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 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 Conolly hides as per the interior and an electric metal sunroof was specified.
Further requirements included the fitment of 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 31,250 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.
