Highlights
- Well maintained, highly original
- Comprehensive history
- Automatic transmission
- 5.3-litre drivetrain
The Appeal
With an aluminium bodyshell, hearty V8 engine and – in this case – a robust ZF automatic transmission, the Virage was a suave and sophisticated grand tourer when it was launched. It remains a desirable and collectible machine, with good examples getting thin on the ground.
Here we have an example in a very stylish specification, presented in good condition with a comprehensive history of servicing and maintenance. In storage for the last few years, it has now been professionally recommissioned and is once again ready for the road.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in August 1990
- Four owners from new
- Last owner since 2000
- Stored and serviced since 2005 by Oselli Engineering
- Will be supplied with a fresh MOT
- Complete with the original owner’s handbooks and service log
- A combination of stamps and invoices for services, detailing thousands spent
- Mileage believed to be about 45,000 (calculated from paperwork) as the VIC unit has failed
The Interior
- Cream leather upholstery
- Electrically adjustable front seats, with driver side memory function
- Electric windows and door mirrors
- Air conditioning and heated front seats
- Period Blaupunkt radio/cassette
Swathed in cream leather, the cabin of the Virage is a comfortable and surprisingly airy space. The leather itself presents well, with the seats, door cards and headlining all looking to be in good order, with no major sagging and no tears we could see. The driver’s seat outer bolsters are showing some wear, but no more than you’d expect considering the car’s age. All of the leather is in need of a good clean and feed, but we think this would soon bring it back to a nice standard.
Black carpets run through the cabin and boot area. The carpet in the boot shows no evidence of staining or damage, while the cabin carpets show some wear and threading, particularly in the footwells.
All of the switchgear and instrumentation presents well, with expected levels of wear from use but nothing missing, cracked or damaged that we could see. The vendor tells us that the VIC unit has failed (a common issue with these cars), which is why the mileage does not display.
The burr walnut wood trim on the door cards and dash are in very good order, with a nice shine and no warping, cracking or delamination apparent.
In the boot there is also a spacesaver spare wheel, the original first aid kit, which is unused, and the full factory toolkit.
The Exterior
- Dark Grey Metallic paintwork
- Original five-spoke alloys
- Overall very good condition
With the car having been in storage since 2005, the paintwork shows very well. There’s a handsome gloss finish and the paint looks smooth and clean, with no signs of rippling or notable blemishes. Of course, there are some minor marks and blemishes, but nothing that would worry us.
The bodywork all looks straight and tidy, with crisp lines and good panel gaps. There is a small “car park” ding behind the off-side door, and some bubbling in evidence to the lower near-side front corner and around the rear ‘Virage’ badge. But as the car wears an aluminium shell, it’s not something that would overly concern us.
As far as we can see, all of the trim, external light lenses and glass elements are undamaged and in fine order. Nothing appears to be missing, cracked or chipped, which is nice to see.
The car rides on 16-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels, which look to be in good condition with no major marks, kerbing or lacquer peel on show. We’re told by the vendor that the tyres would ideally need to be replaced before the car is used regularly on the road.
We’re told that the underside is in good order, and has been treated with WaxOyl to extend its lifespan.
The Mechanics
- 5,340cc naturally aspirated V8
- ZF five-speed automatic transmission
- Comprehensive recent recommissioning (March 2022)
That barrel-chested 5.3-litre V8 pumps out a meaty 330hp and an even greater slice of torque to the rear wheels, making the Virage an eminently driveable machine. Especially as this example is fitted with the desirable automaticl transmission. The engine itself runs a Weber-Manelli injection system and has Callaway designed heads.
Having been off the road for a few years, the car has been comprehensively recommissioned at a cost of some £6,000. The entire fuel system was refurbished, which included new injectors, fuel lines and a refurbed tank. Also refurbished was the braking system, while new hoses and vacuum lines were fitted along with a new battery, while the car was serviced at the same time.
At the front, double wishbone suspension helps you keep the Virage pointing in the right direction, while the rear benefits from a de Dion axle and there are disc brakes all round.
We’re informed by the vendor that the car runs and drives well, with no mechanical issues that they are aware of.
Summary
Finished in a handsome specification and benefitting from a recent recommissioning, this 90s icon is ready to take its new owners on any number of adventures. With that magnificent V8 up front and automatic transmission for when the going gets twisty, we imagine it’ll be a lot of fun.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
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