26th Nov, 2008 13:20
The Pavilion Gardens
1991 Aston Martin Virage
Sold for £13,500
(including buyers premium)
Registration No: H912WAH
Chassis No: SCFCAMIS5MBR50190
Mot Expiry: June 2011
Introduced at the October 1988 Birmingham Motor Show to almost universal acclaim, the Virage was the first new Aston Martin for eighteen years. A satisfying blend of muscularity and understatement, its sleek aluminium silhouette was the work of John Hefferman and Ken Greenley. Based around a modified version of its Lagonda sibling's sheet-steel platform chassis, the newcomer benefited from revised wishbone independent front suspension, a lightened de Dion rear axle, four-wheel disc brakes and power-assisted rack and pinion steering. Suitably reworked by Callaway Engineering of Connecticut, USA (using 'four-valve' cylinder heads, hydraulic tappets and Weber electronic fuel injection), its 5340cc 'quad-cam' V8 engine not only satisfied forthcoming emissions legislation but also developed some 330bhp and 350lbft of torque. Allied to a choice of either three-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmissions, this prodigious powerplant imbued the model with a nigh on 160mph top speed and the ability to sprint from 0-60mph in under seven seconds. A hand-built, luxury four-seater GT in the best traditions of the Newport Pagnell concern, the Virage carried an initial price tag of £135,000. Reassuringly exclusive, just 420 are thought to have been made between 1989 and 1994.
Finished in dark metallic green with green-piped cream leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "good" condition with regard to its engine, automatic transmission, electrical equipment, interior trim, bodywork and paintwork. Entering the current ownership via our November 2008 Buxton auction, 'H912 WAH' was reportedly accompanied by "a stamped up service book attesting to some main dealer history" at the time. Further understood to have been maintained in-house by the previous keeper's own technicians using "parts sourced from Aston Martin or specialists", the handsome GT rides on five-spoke alloy wheels. Representing an inexpensive entry to the world of Aston Martin V8-motoring, this sleek Virage is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until June 2011 and current road fund licence.
Auction: The Pavilion Gardens, 26th Nov, 2008
All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.
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