1990 ASTON MARTIN VIRAGE

The Virage was Aston’s first new car in a post-Ford acquisition world. So they needed to launch something that was genuinely new, making a bold statement to their clients and the motoring press that they were taking a distinct step forward.

Replacing the ageing V8, which had been in production since the late 1960s, was not an easy task, but leaning into the styling shift of the time resulted in a bold, stylish and aspirational new car. Chrome was out, colour-coded was in.

The Virage’s basic body shape would stay in production until 2000, with the nameplate making a brief, but ultimately unsuccessful return in 2011. This particular example is a rarer, manual-equipped car. Supplied new by Aston Martin Sales in September of 1990, it’s finished in Zagato Valiant Blue over a Rich Red interior.

The sight that dominates your eyes the most is the amount of sidewall on show. In a world of rubber band tyres, these 16” 5-Spoke alloys, wrapped in Avon Turbospeed tyres, just look comfortable. They make sure that this big, grand-tourer can ferry 4 people in great comfort, at great speed.

The bodywork is immaculate, and the Zagato blue paintwork shines like the finest aquamarine. Throughout 2019 and 2020, the car underwent an extensive restoration, with over 500 hours of restorative bodywork being completed by Paul Barker and a full bare-metal respray by E.R.B. Motors. The total cost for the bodywork alone was in excess of £36,000.

The interior is a sea of leather, but to keep the car's originality, it has not been retrimmed. Instead, it has been thoughtfully reconditioned, and the result is excellent. The wood trim was restored throughout and now features a deep gloss. Everything inside works as you’d expect, including the onboard computer, which shows the car has covered just 36,480 miles with its 11 owners.

Under the bonnet is a 330 BHP 5.3 litre V8, which is mated to a reconditioned 5-speed manual ZF gearbox. The reconditioned gearbox, which cost close to £1,000 on its own, was also fitted with a new clutch kit. The car has been regularly maintained and today runs extremely well.

The suspension, steering and braking systems have all been addressed too, with a replacement steering rack, rebuilt Koni dampers and new bushings throughout. The brake callipers have been replaced and the discs and pads have been upgraded utilising modern friction materials to maximise performance and usability.

After a restoration that cost in excess of £40,000, this is likely one of the finest Virages you will find available. Finished in a rare and desirable specification, it is a numbers-matching example that is ready to be used and enjoyed. For those truly in the know, a Virage is a special beast, and this is a mighty fine example.

As with all our vehicles, an entire digital folder is available upon request and contains more images, walk-around videos, and scans of the service history. The car can also be viewed by appointment at our West London showroom.