Lot details
Registration No: H20 AMV
Chassis No: SCFCAM156LBR50035
Mot Expiry: None

Introduced at the October 1988 Birmingham Motor Show to almost universal acclaim, the Virage was the first new Aston Martin for eighteen years. A satisfying blend of muscularity and understatement, its sleek aluminium silhouette was the work of John Hefferman and Ken Greenley. Based around a modified version of its Lagonda sibling's sheet-steel platform chassis, the newcomer benefited from revised wishbone independent front suspension, a lightened de Dion rear axle, four-wheel disc brakes and power-assisted rack and pinion steering. Suitably reworked by Callaway Engineering of Connecticut, USA (using 'four-valve' cylinder heads, hydraulic tappets and Weber electronic fuel injection), its 5340cc 'quad-cam' V8 engine not only satisfied forthcoming emissions legislation but also developed some 330bhp and 350lbft of torque. Allied to a choice of either three-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmissions, this prodigious powerplant imbued the model with a nigh on 160mph top speed and the ability to sprint from 0-60mph in under seven seconds. A hand-built, luxury four-seater GT in the best traditions of the Newport Pagnell concern, the Virage carried an initial price tag of £135,000. Reassuringly exclusive, just 420 are thought to have been made between 1989 and 1994.

Finished in green with cream leather upholstery, this particular example was declared manufactured in 1990 but not UK registered until March 1992. Said to have had "five owners over the last sixteen years", it apparently possesses "very good service history" with maintenance carried out by Aston Martin dealers at 1,356 miles (12/9/1990), 5,118 miles (3/2/1992), 10,741 miles (24/11/93), 13,354 miles (12/7/1996), 16,249 miles (26/6/1997), 18,039 miles (28/1/1999), 19,030 miles (12/8/1999), 20,306 miles (20/1/2000), 23,096 miles (18/4/2001) and 25,632 miles (6/3/2002).While, the last stamp is understood to be from a classic car garage at 29,243 miles (20/8/2003). The odometer currently shows an unwarranted 35,000 miles or so. The vendor also informs us that the Virage was treated to an extensive bodywork restoration during 2006. Describing the car's coachwork and paintwork as "very good", he states that the engine "runs well and sounds good" and that the automatic transmission "goes through all the gears smoothly". Riding on alloy wheels, this striking GT is further enhanced by an `AMV' (Aston Martin Virage) suffix number plate.