One to Buy: ex-works 1985 Aston Martin V8 Vantage V580 / V580X DP 2035
While Ferrari and Lamborghini switched to mid-engined layouts for their range-topping flagships, Aston Martin stuck with a traditional front-engined configuration for the V8 line produced throughout the 1970s and ‘80s.
During that time, the V8 and subsequent V8 Vantage really were in a class of one for, although Porsche’s 928 offered accomplished dynamics and superlative build quality, customers that wanted a true thoroughbred Grand Tourer with the comfort and exclusivity of a Rolls-Royce or Bentley had to join the waiting list for an Aston Martin.
Having been launched in V540 trim during early 1977, the spectacular V8 Vantage was updated to V580 specification in early 1980 and the the V580X from January 1986.
Currently on offer at the Dylan Miles showroom in Tunbridge Wells is a particularly interesting V8 Vantage with works history.
Originally completed on February 16th 1985 in Kensington Silver with Dark Blue upholstery, Grey headlining and an automatic gearbox, it was subsequently delivered to Aston Martin main agent Stratton on March 8th where it served as the company’s demonstrator.
Stratton then loaned the car back to the factory in September 1986 and, following a road accident, Aston Martin took ownership. What became DP 2035 was rebuilt to V580X trim with a manual gearbox and subsequently used for development duty.
Today, DP 2035 is offered in excellent condition throughout having undergone £25,000 of expenditure with marque exports RS Williams just 1500 miles ago.
Reprinted below is Dylan Miles’ description:
Price: £349,995
Number made: 137
Unveiled to the world in 1977, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage was an instant hit with the motoring press gaining immediate notoriety with its 170 MPH + top speed with its elegant yet menacing coachwork, ‘the brute in a suit’ quickly earned the prestigious title as ‘Britain’s first supercar’
There were effectively four variations of the Vantage during the course of the models thirteen year production life, starting with the ‘Bolt On’ Vantage (1977) of which sixteen examples were built, the second being the ‘Flip Tail’ Vantage (1977-78) of which thirty five cars were produced, the third series ‘Oscar India’ Vantage (1978-85) of which one hundred and seventy nine cars were built and the final series and much revered ‘580X’ Vantage or ‘X Pack’ (1986-90) of which one hundred and thirty seven cars were constructed
Our car was completed by the works on 16th February 1985 and was one of two Vantage models that would go on to be used by the factory to develop the modifications destined for production in the forthcoming and final series of V8 Vantage ‘V580X’
Supplied new in Kensington Silver coachwork with dark blue hides, dark blue carpets, grey headlining, automatic transmission, two detachable headrests and rear seatbelts, this Vantage was delivered as a demonstrator to Aston Martin main agents Stratton on 8th March 1985 and registered ‘B27 RCL’
It is understood that in September 1986 the factory borrowed the car from Stratton to use as a demonstrator whereupon shortly afterwards it was involved in a road incident. The factory duly purchased the car from Strattons on 30th September and subsequently used it as one of two developmental cars for the aforementioned ‘V580X’ programme, allocated with the internal ‘DP 2035’ chassis code and road registration ‘AML 56’
Retained on file are copies of the internal factory notes which contain minutes of the meetings where this car and other development cars were discussed:
DP2035 Vantage
16’’ Compomotive wheels fitted to NEC show cars. Spigot tolerance and wheel nuts to be finalised. Meeting 24.10.86 at Compo to finalise, also to obtain samples for Lagonda fitment. 16’’ wheels across board to be investigated
Birdcage stress tests complete, N Code visit 22.10 to analyse results obtained. D.Tp to be made aware of our proposal including common Zagato/Vantage front crossmember.
Auto trans temps to be examined on B27 RCL. Termocouples reqd.
Dual rate road springs and damper revisions to proceed as programmed. Tonks visit 22.10 to check on progress re spring manufacture
Further copies of factory memos held on file dated 8th December 1986 state:
B27 RCL – Silver Vantage
Emission testing
Ign suppression testing
Noise testing – This vehicle will be sold on completion of this work
The final copy of the factory internal memo held on file is dated 7th January 1987:
B27 RCL – Vantage
Emission prep ongoing to programme RG/AW
The Vantage was sold by the factory following its internal developmental duties via specialist dealer Wavetone Ltd to the first private owner Mr John Elliot of Tunbridge Wells, Kent on 26th January 1988, having been repainted and upgraded to 1988 specification, with mileage showing 8411 miles and V5C showing the previous owner as Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd (copy on file)
We recently enjoyed a fascinating meeting with Mr Elliot and his son, both of whom had very fond memories of the car, and who showed us some wonderful period photos during their ownership. Extensive correspondence between Mr Elliot and the works is retained on file and documents various works undertaken during his ownership including the fitment of a manual ZF five speed transmission by the factory on 12th December 1988 with mileage at 21,352 miles
The extensive history file documents its journey from new, including internal correspondence from the factory outlining its specific role in the development of the ‘X-Pack’ model. It is noted that on completion of its development role, the Chassis Plate was updated to show the car and engine’s ‘X-Pack’ specification, and the history file carries written documentation from the Heritage Operations of Aston Martin that their records confirm the instruction to rebuild the Vantage engine to Vantage ‘X-Pack’ specification
The ownership and service history is well documented and supported by a pleathora of service and maintenance invoices by various marque specialists, original sales pre delivery certificate, original service booklet, copy of original build sheet, previous V5 registration documents and multiple MoT certificates. The most recent works were undertaken by marque exponents RS Williams just 1500 miles ago at a cost of GBP 25,000
The car is accompanied by a great raft of accessories including an owner’s handbook, original tool kit and jack, original edition of the book ‘Aston Martin V8 Vantage’ by Kean Rogers embossed ‘DP2035’, and original set of ‘Tanner & Krolle’ Aston Martin fitted Luggage
Without doubt a highly significant part of the evolution of the mighty V8 Vantage, this desirable example is offered in excellent condition throughout and drives as well as it presents, further enhanced by its exceptional provenance and originality. Furthermore it holds a special place in our hearts as it featured centre stage on our stand at the 2017 Salon Prive Concours D’Elegance at Blenheim Palace where we officially launched our company Dylan Miles Ltd.
