One owner from new
1996 Aston Martin V8 Coupé
Registration no. P491 RSX
Chassis no. SCFDAM2S9TBTR79009

'We wanted a car that was a new form. Fresh, exciting, purposeful but unquestionably Aston Martin,' explained Aston Martin Chairman and Chief Executive Victor Gauntlett on the Virage's arrival, while stressing: 'It was important that, although new in virtually every way, the Virage was of evolutionary, rather than revolutionary, design. It has to be a car that could stand in line with every post-war Aston Martin and be the self-evident successor to that tradition.'

Launched at the International Motor Show, Birmingham, in October 1988, the sensational newcomer restated its Aston Martin V8 forerunner's muscular good looks in the modern idiom, contriving to be slightly narrower yet providing increased interior space. The car was still no lightweight, but with 330bhp on tap courtesy of the trusty V8 engine's new 32-valve top end, was good enough for a top speed approaching 160mph and a 0-60mph time of under seven seconds. The Virage continued Aston Martin's tradition of fine craftsmanship with its hand-beaten aluminium body and fine leather upholstery, complimenting the highest standards of modern technology applied to the design of chassis and engine.

After spearheading the Aston Martin V8's transformation for the 1990s, the Virage name was dropped during 1994, its place as the 'standard' model being taken by a Vantage-style V8 Coupé. Introduced at the Geneva Salon in March 1996, the new V8 Coupé adopted all of the Vantage's muscular styling cues, but retained the normally aspirated 5.3-litre engine of the Virage and delivered similar performance. The model formed part of the Aston Martin range for just three years and is one of the rarer members of the modern V8 family.

Finished in Antrim Blue with Parchment leather interior, this automatic transmission V8 Coupé was purchased new from Five Oaks Garage, Jersey and taken to the UK mainland when the owner moved to Bermuda. First registered in this country on 16th February 1998, the car benefits from a full service and extensive refurbishment undertaken by Aston Martin Works in November 2017. Works carried out at that time included replacing the fuel pump, air conditioning compressor and front shock absorbers; fitting Le Mans-specification anti-roll bar drop links; fitting four new Pirelli Rosso Assime tyres; overhauling the brake callipers; and replacing the engine coolant. The relevant bill is on file and the car also comes with a V5C Registration Certificate and its original service book, stamped by Aston Martin Works and independent specialists. With only some 12,450 miles covered from new, this well cared-for V8 Coupé is described by the private vendor as original and in good condition throughout.