Registration No: Unregistered
Chassis No: 50438
MOT: None

• A brand new bodyshell which was intended for race devolvement
• Offered from long-term dry storage
• An exciting opportunity for an Aston Martin build

Expectations were running high when the Virage was unveiled at the 1988 Birmingham Motor Show and, despite a hefty price tag, orders flowed thick and fast. The V8-powered model was intended as the company's flagship model, with the 6-cylinder DB7, introduced in 1994, positioned below it as an entry-level model. Although the DB7 became available with a V12 engine and claimed a performance advantage, the Virage remained the exclusive, expensive and hand-built flagship of the Aston Martin range. It was replaced in 2000 with the Vanquish.

The chassis was designed in conjunction with the Cranfield Institute of Technology and clothed in hand-beaten aluminium to a design by John Heffernan and Ken Greenley, while power came from an uprated version of Tadek Marek's immortal all-alloy 5,340cc V8 unit. Some 365 Virages were crafted between 1989 and 1995, at which point the car was reshaped with styling cues from the more powerful Vantage and redubbed 'V8 Coupe'.

Some might describe Aston Martin's as 'metal sculpture', however, you look at it this is a 'brand new' Aston Martin bodyshell which was intended for motorsport development. Sculpted in aluminium, it was going to be built as a race car with 4-way rear drop link suspension, however, the 550 Vantage was brought out and that car possessed the 4 way drop link suspension and therefore this Virage project was 'Black Flagged' and shelved. Offered from long-term dry storage, this is an exciting opportunity for an Aston Martin build.

For more information, please contact:
James McWilliam
james.mcwilliam@handh.co.uk
07943 584760