This Aston Martin is the genesis of the fabled ‘X-Pack’; whilst originally built as a standard production V8 Vantage Coupe in 1985, the car was returned to the Newport Pagnell factory in 1986 to be used for development work by the Engineering Department. It was allocated a Development Project number ‘DP’ and acted as a test bed from which the ‘X’ Pack model was launched at the Motor Show later that year.
The extensive history file documents the car from new, including 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 history – as well as the continued and thorough maintenance work by marque specialists – is detailed in the paperwork. The car is accompanied by a great raft of accessories including an owner’s hand book, V8 Sales brochure, 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 Luggage as well as the original Compomotive wheels used during its role as Development Prototype. It has also just been fully serviced by Newlands Motors, long-established Aston Martin specialist, and is ready for a blast across Europe.
A manufacturer’s ‘development prototype’ always holds special value within every marque’s history. Offered in excellent condition throughout and the genesis of just 121 ‘X Pack’ models constructed, this significant Aston Martin has it all – provenance, originality, rarity, desirability.
It is also worth noting that over the past two years, the market has been ruthless in filtering out the good from the merely O.K. Average cars that fail to offer rarity and an unblemished provenance are struggling in a competitive market place. However, collectors are discerning, knowing that the will be rewarded in the long run by buying the very best now.