At the time of its introduction in 1977, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage represented an impressive return to form for the British manufacturer, combining true supercar performance with the finest appointments of a luxury GT in the best of British tradition.

Though subsequent models went through mechanical performance upgrades, it took nearly a decade before the V8 Vantage truly achieved 'supercar' status.

The Series 3, first introduced at the 1986 British International Motor Show, was the ultimate iteration of the muscular V8 Vantage.

Officially entitled V580X, quickly becoming known as the 'X-Pack', it was equipped with four dual-barrel 48mm Weber IDF carburettors, high-compression Cosworth pistons, larger inlet ports and higher lift camshafts, resulting in a remarkable 432bhp from its 5.3 litres.

Described by one journalist as 'a Hemi Road Runner built by Bentley', the new and improved V8 Vantage was a genuine 200mph 'supercar' and although not lightweight, could see off the skimpy ...