Lot 334: Aston Martin Virage Coupé

We wanted a car that was a new form. Fresh, exciting, purposeful but unquestionably Aston Martin,' explained Aston Martin Chairman and Chief Executive Victor Gauntlett on the Virage's arrival, while stressing: 'It was important that, although new in virtually every way, the Virage was of evolutionary, rather than revolutionary, design. It has to be a car that could stand in line with every post-war Aston Martin and be the self-evident successor to that tradition.' Launched at the International Motor Show, Birmingham, in October 1988, the sensational newcomer restated its Aston Martin V8 forerunner's muscular looks in the modern idiom, contriving to be slightly narrower yet providing increased interior space. The car was still no lightweight, but with 330bhp on tap courtesy of the trusty V8 engine's new 32-valve top end, was good enough for a top speed approaching 160mph and a 0-60mph time of under seven seconds. The Virage offered here was first registered on 20th February 1991 as 'H490 YJD' and supplied new to a Mr Robert Cooper, of Swindon. It is one of approximately 50 fitted from new with the rare and desirable ZF five-speed manual gearbox option. The car is finished in the popular Brewster Green with green-piped magnolia leather interior, and has been upgraded with genuine Virage Volante 17 wheels Although the odometer currently displays a total of around 37,000 miles, the car has been subject to a rebuild and resetting of the total, which is documented in the service history. Taking this into account, and in conjunction with the nine old MoT certificates present, the vendor calculates the current mileage to be around 55,000. The present owner - an AMOC member - is the 7th keeper and has owned the Aston since April 2006. The car is sold complete with full fitted tool kit, owner's handbook and service book showing a total of 18 stamps: six at prescribed intervals from Works Service up to 30,000 miles and 12 from respected independents. In addition there is a history file containing various bills/invoices for work done and letters from previous owners. The car is taxed to the end of September 2009, MoT'd until April 2010 and will be supplied fully serviced. An age-related 1991 'H' plate is expected to have been issued by time of sale, the previous cherished registration '3138 UK' having been retained by the vendor.