Lot 149: 1991 Aston Martin Virage Coupe

Ref 461991 Aston Martin Virage CoupeRegistration Number: H724 VHL Chassis Number: SCFCAMISHBR5With less than three years between conception and display, the Virage was truly a miracle result for Aston Martin Lagonda. In 1986 AML had a two door Lagonda development car on the road and had also announced a design competition between five British design studios. The winners, stylists Ken Greenley and John Heffernan, created a large, modern and entirely modern GT but with an evolutionary link straight back to the DB4. Reeves Callaway in America reworked the 5.3 litre V8 engine with four valves per cylinder, Weber-Marelli fuel injection, compatibility with world-wide exhaust emission regulations and an output of 330bhp. Shown at the 1988 Birmingham Motor Show in Coupe form, with first deliveries in 1990, the sensational new Virage restated its forerunner's muscular looks in the modern idiom, slightly narrower but with increased interior space. A top speed approaching 160mph was possible, while from rest to 60 and 100mph took just 6.5 and 16sec respectively. The Virage has a look of menace, even when stationery, and when introduced it set new standards of speed and comfort. One will not find another car of this capability with such bespoke luxury. When this car stands before one, its skin seems taught. It has a naturally aggressive stance and its menacing look implies that every one of those 330 horses is on tap. Aston Martins are expensive things to put right however and has it been looked after is often the first question on a buyer's lips. The answer is yes. The accompanying owners pack comes with a service history describing service intervals at Aston Martin specialist Donaldson & Evans at 764, 1,200, 7,638 and 12,376 miles; then Wolf Garage at 18,712 miles, JCT Aston Martin at 20,473 miles, Nine Trees at 23,254 and 23,949 miles, and finally Aston Martin Works Service in Newport Pagnell at 25,142 miles mid-December last year. As one would expect from a car of this quality, a full years MoT test certificate will be attributed to it prior to the sale. The interior is in excellent condition throughout with only the driver's seat showing signs of light use. Press the loud pedal and smile one's way to work!Estimate£19,000-£24,000