Lot 205: 1990 Aston Martin Virage Coupé

After almost 20 years in production, Aston’s well liked V8 was updated for the 1990s as the Virage, by Royal College of Art tutors Ken Greenley and John Heffernan being responsible for the chosen body design. The existing Lagonda chassis and suspension were used in revised form for the new car, while engine development was entrusted to Callaway Engineering of Connecticut. Immensely strong, the old V8’s bottom half was retained but fitted with new cylinder heads boasting four valves per cylinder and hydraulic tappets, the comprehensive redesign enabling the revised, unleaded-compatible V8 to be built to identical specification for all markets. Launched in October 1988, the sensational newcomer restated its 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 was good enough for a top speed approaching 160mph and a 0-60mph time of under seven seconds, which is still some going for a luxury car capable of transporting its fortunate occupants to the South of France in ultimate comfort.
Nearly 20 years on, the Virage still turns heads, especially in this colour combination. This particular car was Aston Martin’s demonstrator at their London showroom before being sold to the Chairman of Everard’s Brewery in Narborough, Leicestershire. Subsequent owners have cared for it throughout its 46,000 miles as evidenced by the accompanying detailed AM service history. For the past two years the car has been maintained by Aston Martin Cheltenham and was last serviced at 45,000 miles.
An automatic transmission model finished in Edinburgh Silver with Dark Red leather interior, piped in magnolia, the car remains in excellent all round condition and, importantly, shows no sign of corrosion where steel and aluminium panels meet. We are advised that it drives beautifully, the steering still fast and precise and the oil pressure, when hot, spot-on at 55-60psi. Everything works as it should.
As befits a factory demonstrator, ‘50120’ is fully equipped, incorporating an 8-speaker stereo system, air conditioning, electric seats and windows, and heated windscreen. With just 1,050 cars of this type built, the new owner will be part of a very exclusive band, supported by an extensive network of specialists and an enthusiastic owners’ club. The car is offered with the aforementioned service history, assorted receipts, list of previous owners, current MoT certificate and Swansea V5 registration document.