1990 Aston Martin Virage

[Mr E]

I love this generation of Aston.

I once had one of the fancy kenwood head units that rotated the front plate when you turned the car on or off. This inevitably breaks the ribbon connector and all the buttons fail, so you’re stuck with whatever station you were on.

In my case, it was Radio 1. Which was tolerable for the first 90 minutes until Tim “the big dog” Westwood started his show.
It is not my bag.
I lasted 7 minutes before removing the head and pulling the power.

[PomBstard]

Panord said:

PomBstard said:

Excellent! That looks ace. Which parts of Sydney should I stalk look out for this?

You may see the Virage lurking around the Lower North Shore (Cremorne), the Hunter Valley, or somewhere in between on the M1

Excellent! I’m just north of Spit Bridge, so will keep an eye, and ear, out around Cremorne

[Panord]

I should have mentioned how grateful I am for the advice and positive comments. A few more random pictures.


[url]

|https://thumbsnap.com/PUEVouGP[/url]

[Austin_Metro]

Great further pics. Does anyone know If the trip computer is bespoke Aston or borrowed from another manufacturer?

OP. What’s your thinking on new head unit. Classic look or something more modern? I loved my dad’s alpine - until it was nicked …

[ndtman]

23 mpg is pretty good or is the display wildly optimistic?
Cracking looking car, looking forward to updates.

[Stick Legs]

This should fix your radio woes.

Classic look.
You can set green illumination.
iPod, Bluetooth and DAB capable.

https://www.blaupunkt.com/en/nc/products/car-multi...

[SitCet]

So very cool.

[Huskyman]

What a wonderful motor car! It’s great to read your adventures with this Aston.
Thank you for the photos.

[Panord]

Austin_Metro said:

Great further pics. Does anyone know If the trip computer is bespoke Aston or borrowed from another manufacturer?

OP. What’s your thinking on new head unit. Classic look or something more modern? I loved my dad’s alpine - until it was nicked …

I think the trip computer was a bespoke item for the Virage. Unfortunately the display is so dim it is impossible to read in most conditions.

[Panord]

ndtman said:

23 mpg is pretty good or is the display wildly optimistic?
Cracking looking car, looking forward to updates.

Wildly optimistic I think. Because the fuel gauge isn't working properly I assume the computer isn't getting the correct data. I suspect the sender unit in the tank is faulty.

On the subject of fuel, there are two fillers (like on a Jaguar XJ). Does any one know if the car has two separate tanks? I can't find a switch for swapping tanks like my old XJ12 had. Also I have been only able to open the left side fuel flap. The right side refuses to open. The left tank refuses to accept more than 20L or so at a time. On the way home I stopped every 200-300 km for fuel just to be safe.

[Panord]

Stick Legs said:

This should fix your radio woes.

Classic look.
You can set green illumination.
iPod, Bluetooth and DAB capable.

https://www.blaupunkt.com/en/nc/products/car-multi...

Great minds think alike. I ordered one yesterday.

[Welsh Pirate]

Great car! Thank you for sharing.

Panord said:

On the subject of fuel, there are two fillers (like on a Jaguar XJ). Does any one know if the car has two separate tanks? I can't find a switch for swapping tanks like my old XJ12 had. Also I have been only able to open the left side fuel flap. The right side refuses to open. The left tank refuses to accept more than 20L or so at a time. On the way home I stopped every 200-300 km for fuel just to be safe.

I think it's a single fuel tank. Here's a (poor) picture from when I went on a factory tour back in 1997 of the fuel tank prior to installation:

[Chris944_S2]

Wonderful car!
Red really suits it too, they’re not beautiful in a usual sense (like the more curvy modern astons) but to me they always looked great. The interior although boxy is stunning too. I’ve always imagined them as really comfy and soft, great for a long drive. And the Tadek Marek V8 is a masterpiece

I just struggle with the alloys, they remind me of ronal teddies

[gary71]

Chris944_S2 said:

And the Tadek Marek V8 is a masterpiece

I just struggle with the alloys, they remind me of ronal teddies

By this time it’s very much the ‘Arthur Wilson’ V8 (with a bit of Callaway in the heads). I like to take credit for about 5% of it

Agree about the wheels, with the challenge the tyre availability currently presents its an ideal time to change to 17”. Ronal cross spokes are suitably period and appropriate.

[williamp]

Panord said:

Wildly optimistic I think. Because the fuel gauge isn't working properly I assume the computer isn't getting the correct data. I suspect the sender unit in the tank is faulty.

On the subject of fuel, there are two fillers (like on a Jaguar XJ). Does any one know if the car has two separate tanks? I can't find a switch for swapping tanks like my old XJ12 had. Also I have been only able to open the left side fuel flap. The right side refuses to open. The left tank refuses to accept more than 20L or so at a time. On the way home I stopped every 200-300 km for fuel just to be safe.

Yes a single tank with two fillers. On the old V8 it helps to open the other one as it lets the air out, so the fuel goes in smoothly. You might just be having air comgin back out, or its full, and you're only using 20l between fuel stops- say 250km on 20l is, in old-world money about 35pg which is very good if true...

[Panord]

A Quick Update:

I dropped the Virage in to my (classic friendly) mechanic on Friday morning for a service and inspection. As usual he is running behind schedule so it won’t be ready until next next week. I did however get a quick call from him on Friday evening to say that the car seems basically sound. So far the worst he has found is an oil leak from the rocker cover and that the exhaust is slightly damaged and fouling the chassis.

So far, so good…

[CQ8]

Big fan of the Virage! I think they've aged well and yours looks fantastic in red.

Please keep the updates coming.

[Panord]

Time for an update on the Virage. It has now had a full service with all the fluids changed and it passed our version of the MOT. The report from my mechanic was pretty positive apart from:

Torn rear exhaust mounts (there has been a loud banging noise from the rear which was getting worse).

Worn water pump bearing (it is now making one hell of a racket).

Unfortunately these two issues mean it is a bit too risky for me to drive the car until they are fixed. I have ordered the exhaust mounts and a water pump rebuild kit from the UK and are waiting for them to arrive, along with a fuel sender and a set of belts.

In the meantime I have been thinking about new wheels… I would like to replace the factory 16” with 18”. I’m considering Fiske wheels and Pirelli P Zero tyres.





I’m keen to know people’s thoughts and if you have any other suggestions.

[williamp]

Some have DB7 wheels which look good

[ggdrew]

Re. DB7 wheels: I posted this of a Virage rotting in Kent, UK.... with DB7 wheels FYI




6yrs prior when last sold ... better idea of wheels

Edited by ggdrew on Saturday 19th June 12:47