A rare example, and one of just 137 V8 Vantage ‘X-Pack’ cars produced Powered by its matching-numbers ‘V580X’ 5.3-litre V-8 coupled to a three-speed automatic gearbox Finished in its original hue of Winchester Blue over a Magnolia hide interior Offered after years of ownership from a private collection in the Middle East Arriving in 1977, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage represented somewhat of a return to form for the storied British manufacturer, combining impressive performance with cosseting grand touring appointments in the way that only the best British cars could.

A year later, the V8 Vantage ‘Oscar India’ arrived, featuring a closed bonnet bulge where there used to be a scoop, an aggressive front air dam, and a blanked-off front grille—the look of a supercar.

But it wasn’t until close to 10 years after its launch that the car was fitted with the engine it had arguably always deserved.

Introduced to the world at the 1986 British International Motor Show, the ultimate manifestation...