1991 Aston Martin Virage Coupe

The Aston Martin Virage was introduced at the Birmingham Motor Show in October 1988 and served as the company's top model. Its design was reminiscent of the prior V8 and was designed by designers John Heffernan and Ken Greenley. It had a hand-formed aluminum body that was more aerodynamically efficient than its predecessor and based upon a new chassis, which was designed in collaboration with the Finite Element Analysis Department of the Cranfield Institute of Technology.

Power came from a 5340cc, dual overhead cam, 32-valve, V8 engine fitted with Weber-Marelli fuel injection system. It was developed in conjunction with Callaway Engineering, and it was the company's first V8 engine that did not require de-tuning to comply with U.S. vehicle emission standards. The powerplant produced 335 horsepower and carried the car to a top speed beyond 155 mph.

Inside, the Virage was given Connolly leather upholstery, Wilton wool carpeting, and wooden trim. Automatic and five-speed gearboxes were available. A total of 365 first-generation Virage Coupes were built through 1994, initially priced from 135,000 Pounds Sterling. Between 1990 and 1993, a few examples were exported to the United States.

This example left the Aston works in March of 1991. It is an original left-hand-drive example and came equipped with the five-speed manual gearbox. It was finished in Dark Green over Black leather and entered the care of a Connecticut area resident prior to joining the current owner's collection in California.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2015