Highlights
- Huge history file
- Pure 90’s exuberance
- Great runner and driver
- Lots of service stamps
The Appeal
Built as a long awaited replacement for the aging V8, the Virage was Aston's flagship car for over a decade, with the DB7 sitting below it in the range. Full of ‘90s luxuries such as the comfortable leather seats and smooth automatic gearbox, it is a true gentleman around town but once you exit the 30 MPH speed limits it comes alive. With the raucous 5.3L V8 sitting in front of you, it is no slouch.
This example has been well looked after throughout its life, spending the first chapter of life in the sun kissed Isle of Jersey. It has subsequently been serviced and maintained thoroughly with a huge history folder to track its life.
The History and Paperwork
- From the original Aston Martin Lagonda invoice present, we can see that this car was ordered on the 1st of November 1991.
- The full price of this car in 1991 was £105,000 or the equivalent of almost £200,000 today.
- Upon completion of the build process in Newport Pagnell, the car was shipped straight to Jersey
- Amongst the paperwork is a State of Jersey registration document that shows it was first registered for the road in Jersey on the 22nd of January 1992.
- There are a few invoices from Five Oaks Garage in Jersey that reference the majority of the works completed during its time on the small island
- Along with Five Oaks Garage, the car was also maintained by Desmond J. Smail in Buckinghamshire where a lot of money has been spent to keep it in tip-top condition.
- It would appear to have stayed in Jersey until the early ‘00s when it moved back to Essex
- Whilst in Essex, it was maintained by Aston Martin specialists Excalibur Engineering with some in depth invoices that explain the works completed
- In 2008 the car was sold through Coys, and relocated to Godmanchester where it has stayed with the same owner since
- Looked after by B.C. Searle & Son Ltd in Cambridgeshire and later by Chiltern Aston Centre in the 2010s
- The majority of the paperwork has been photographed individually, but there is also a large folder with other miscellaneous invoices
- There are also a few MOTs that plot the car's mileage, though a couple of discrepancies show on the government web site due to stations wrongly stating miles instead of KM
- The original Aston Martin handbook is present, along with the original service book
- Receipt present for over £5000 spent on engine work last year.
The Interior
- Lovely leather seats
- The wood is presented in great condition
- The toolkit, spare wheel, and first aid kit are all present in the boot
Aston Martins are world renowned for their level of interior luxury, and this luxurious ‘90s sports tourer is no different. With acres of leather, wood accents, and high quality carpets it is an amazing cabin to sit in and take in the wonderful views around the world.
Focusing first on the four leather seats we can see that they are presented in good condition, with a bit of age related wear present. The two rear seats are in the best condition, with the front passenger seat following the well presented trend. There is some slight surface cracking to the leather on this passenger seat, but the bolster is well presented.
As you can imagine the driver’s seat has seen the most use from its loving owners, with some more surface cracking to the cream leather and some bolster wear. However, this does not affect the overall comfort of these seats, they are lovely to sit in and you will get out of the driver’s seat feeling as fresh as a daisy.
As you can imagine the driver’s seat has seen the most use from its loving owners, with some more surface cracking to the cream leather and some bolster wear. However, this does not affect the overall comfort of these seats, they are lovely to sit in and you will get out of the driver’s seat feeling as fresh as a daisy.
In the past 30 years, a few areas of the interior have seen a bit more wear and tear than others. There is some discolouration to the carpet in the passenger's footwell, for example. There is also an empty slot where the radio sits, but with the abundance of 21st century single din radios, it shouldn’t be too hard to source a replacement. One of the more ’90s features of the interior of the Virage is the LCD screen that sits in the centre console which is unfortunately no longer functioning. There was also a faint slosh from the doors, but this appeared to drain away as the car was manoeuvred on the day of the photos.
Overall, the interior condition of this Virage is good. With some small recommissioning work, the interior could be bought up to great condition. A great place to sit and watch the miles roll by, you would surely never tire of looking over the long bonnet as you motored down the roads of continental Europe.
The Exterior
- Well-presented alloy wheels
- Distinctive Aston styling
- It will look great on your driveway
A true child of the ‘90s, the exterior of this Virage is amazing; with wide rear haunches and a pronounced chin it will look great sitting in pride of place on your driveway.
If we start with the stunning green paint, we can see that it not only sparkles well in the sunshine, but it is also very reflective which is indicative of well looked after exterior. There is a slight paint chip found at the lower part of the front lip, but the rest of the exterior presents well. Along with the great paint condition, all four of the alloys look to be in very good order.
The front headlight lenses are presented with no obvious cracking or any fogging that you may find on other older cars. The rear lights do have some cracks to them but still work as they should.
Staying with the rear section of this wonderful modern classic we can see that it is one of the best angles, with its squared off design and prominent tailpipes you cannot help but just admire it.
The Mechanics
- Well maintained throughout its life
- Big V8 under the bonnet
- Smooth automatic box fitted
Along with its good looks, the Virage also has a powerplant to die for. The large capacity V8 provides a symphony of noise that Beethoven himself would be proud of. With this car's large history file and well stamped service book, you can see why this Virage starts on the button and selects forward and reverse gears with a positive action.
This car drove down the road and manoeuvred into position for its photos without any complaints whatsoever. Following the car on the way to the location, it seemed to track well on the road and brake in a straight line. It also sounds excellent to follow.
With its torquey V8 and smooth automatic gearbox, this Virage should be a true pleasure to drive not just to the shops and back, but across continents.
Overall, this Virage is presented in good mechanical condition, and is ready to be enjoyed.
Summary
The Aston Martin Virage is a poster car of the ‘90s, with its amazing styling, symphonic V8, and comfortable driving characteristics.
With a small amount of attention to the interior, you will have one amazing modern classic. In a world full of silent EVs why not wake the neighbours with your wonderful V8 Aston Martin.
Notice to offerers
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller’s discretion.
