Description
This 1990 Aston Martin Virage was supplied new in September 1990 through Marshall's of Cambridge after the purchaser had put down a £25, 000 deposit when placing the order 21 months prior on a £135, 000 car, that's £400, 000 in today's money ! The Virage was an all-new model for Aston Martin after its predecessor soldiered on for nearly 20 years and was really showing its age by 1988. The new car had a completely new aluminium body, designed by John Heffernan (who still owns one to this day and also designed the wonderful Bentley Continental R) and Ken Greenley. The V8 was reworked by Reeves Callaway and now boasted 32 valves and had a Weber EFI system.
This example was specified in Rolls-Royce metallic Blue with 5-speed ZF dogleg manual gearbox, arguably the most desirable combination available.
A Virage in this shade is indeed one of the smartest body colour we have seen. The interior is trimmed in Blue-piped Magnolia Connolly hide (sources claim 10 hides were required for each car), Wilton carpets, Walnut veneers to the dash and doors and Alcantara headlining. The cabin is a very comfortable place to be.
It has the added benefit of being fitted with a magnificent Nardi wooden steering wheel a solid walnut gearlever knob and a Kenwood radio/ CD player.
The engine in this example was built by Roy Robarts, one of the better engine builders at AML together with Mike Peach and performs very well indeed. As opposed to the 3-speed auto box, the 5-speed gearbox in this Grand Tourer allows to fully exploit the power of the 5. 4 V8 engine for an exhilarating driving experience.
It is also highly desirable since only 71 RHD examples out of the ca. 400 coupes built were supplied with the manual box, a very rare sight on UK roads and so underrated.
This particular car came out of a Kentish collection 2 years ago and was treated to an extensive recommission program by a reputable Aston Martin specialist over the subsequent 24 months to the tune of £13, 500 with the invoice on file.
It runs and drives extremely well (the best example they've driven according to the specialist), with lots of power and excellent road manners. It does not overheat and the steering is precise without play. The car is structurally sound and the body is straight. The paint whilst very presentable does have some marks commensurate with age and mileage. It is 35 years old after all. A great drivers' car nonetheless.
It has covered ca. 52, 300 miles from new and the VIC onboard computer works on this example, a rarity these days ! The last owner kept the car for 20 years.
It is supplied with its handbook, a stamped service book by RS Williams, HWM and invoices from other specialists (Pugsley & Lewis, Quantum Works, etc). It will be supplied with a fresh service and fresh MOT. The car also comes with a prestige indoor fitted car cover, its original space saver wheel and toolkit.
Viewings by prior appointment only in our picturesque village of Smarden, Kent.
P/ x considered.
Overseas enquiries welcome.
