First owned by Prince Jefri Bolkiah, brother of the Sultan of Brunei
£28,000 spent since 2019
Comprehensive mechanical recommissioning
Tastefully refreshed interior
The Appeal
Provenance is key when it comes to desirable motor cars, and this Aston Martin has it in spades: its first owner was none other than Prince Jefri Bolkiah, brother of the Sultan of Brunei, and in the paperwork we can see his name in the service book and on the original warranty sheet.
Indeed, the paperwork file is extensive, and there are two particularly interesting findings within to note: firstly, the car was originally white when first delivered, but has been registered as silver since it was a year old in 1991 – presumably subject to the Prince’s money-no-object whims.
And secondly, an eye-watering amount of money has recently been spent on recommissioning the car: there are invoices for almost £28,000 spent since 2019, overhauling the engine, chassis, brakes and fuel system, as well as refreshing the interior. So the hard work’s already been done here, and this rare automotive jewel is ready to enjoy!
The History and Paperwork
V5
Sheaf of old MOTs
Original certificate of ownership, naming Prince Jefri Bolkiah (n.b. this shows a different registration number [H734 PVF], but the chassis number matches)
Service book stamped from 1990-2006
2022 – invoice for £4,372 – oil service, plus assorted relays, sensors and investigative work
2021 – invoice for £728 – new ignition impulse sensor
2020 – invoice for £2,862 – interior stripped, seat covers professionally cleaned, new seat pads manufactured, new sound deadening
2020 – invoice for £1,435 – new fuel pump, ignition impulse sensor, door and boot keys
2019 – invoice for £13,966 – recommissioning inc. full service, brake calipers overhauled, new discs and pads, tyres, battery, water pump, cooling fan switches and relays, fuel tank sender unit, attention to wiring for seats and windows, assorted chassis bushes, alternator belt, etc
2019 – invoice for £4,357 – fuel system drained and overhauled, new distributor caps and rotor arms, full inspection and analysis
2006 – invoice for £1,356 – brake hoses, service, etc
2008 – invoice for £481 – ECU repair and electrical repairs
Assorted 1990s invoices from Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd
The Interior
Recent professional refresh
New seat pads and sound deadening
Aston Martin interiors of the 1990s are ineffably stylish, and that’s particularly true here.
The combination of dark blue and mushroom works so well, and it’s important to note that a substantial sum has recently been spent on fully stripping out the cabin, sending the seat covers away for a professional refresh, manufacturing new seat pads, and installing new sound deadening. As such, it’s a delightful place to be – supremely comfortable as a grand tourer ought to be. Aside from one area on the passenger door where the lacquer’s lifted, the wood trim is all in lovely condition.
There are no warning lights illuminated on the dash, and all gauges appear functional (aside from the milometer – see ‘mechanicals’ section). The carpets and headlining are in very tidy condition. Inside the boot it’s all dry and tidy, and we find within the original spare wheel (seemingly unused), the original first aid kit, and the CD auto-changer.
The Exterior
Desirable colour scheme
Avon Turbospeed tyres
The design of the Virage cuts quite a dash, adding the trademark Aston Martin muscularity to the elegant coupe profile. Evidently it was decided very early on in the car’s life that it would be better in silver than white, and it certainly does suit the Virage.
The bodywork shows a few imperfections, most notably an area of lacquer peel on the bonnet and some corrosion bubbling beneath the paint on the front wings, while the colour match between panels isn’t quite perfect. However, it is a striking and attractive thing to behold.
The light lenses and window glass are all in good order, the badges and trim are all present and correct, and it wears its original 5-spoke alloy wheels which are fitted with quality Avon Turbospeed tyres with plenty of tread.
The Mechanicals
5.3-litre V8
Full recent mechanical overhaul
It’s worth noting that the milometer doesn’t presently work, although reportedly it failed in 2019 and we’re led to believe that it’s covered minimal mileage since.
However, what we do know for certain is that a huge amount of money has been spent on refreshing the mechanicals: since 2019, close to £28,000 has been spent on overhauling the running gear, replacing all the consumables throughout the chassis (discs and pads, tyres, bushes, etc), draining down and overhauling the fuelling system, and chasing down and remedying all of the niggling wiring issues.
So today it runs just as it should – it fires on the first turn of the key, idles evenly, revs eagerly, and accelerates keenly. The four-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, the brakes pull up firm and straight, and the car rides well on its suspension.
Summary
Being able to slap your keys down on the bar and say you’re driving a royal car carries a lot of pub kudos. And this Virage offers more than just bragging rights: with a huge history file showing extensive works having been carried out, it’s an Aston which is ready to enjoy.
Just look at that fabulous interior – it’s as comfy and cosseting as it looks, and if you’re imagining slipping into that driver’s seat, pointing the venerable nose toward the horizon and gunning the 330bhp 5.3-litre motor toward a fresh set of adventures, then imagine no more: this dream could be yours, it’s just a bid away…
Notice to bidders
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