1999 Aston Martin V8 Coupé

Footnotes

After spearheading the Aston Martin V8's transformation for the 1990s, the Virage name was dropped during 1995, its place as the 'standard' model being taken by a Vantage-style V8 Coupé.

Launched at the International Motor Show, Birmingham, in October 1988, the Virage had 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. Running on unleaded fuel and designed to meet the requirements of a more emissions-sensitive world, the fuel-injected, catalytic converter-equipped V8 was suitable for all Aston Martin markets. 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.

Introduced at the Geneva Salon in March 1996, the new V8 Coupé adopted all of the supercharged Vantage version's muscular styling cues but retained the normally aspirated 5.3-litre engine of the Virage, delivering 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 Mendip Blue metallic with grey leather/Alcantara interior, this automatic transmission V8 Coupé was purchased in 2003 by the lady vendor's late husband, its second owner. The odometer reading stood at 6,200 miles at time of acquisition, and since then the V8 has been serviced by Aston Martin Works.

To the usual features - air conditioning, central locking, heated/electric seats, power steering, stereo system, etc - this particular example adds the following: Dynamic road wheels, carbon fibre interior, Lacro body glaze, sports exhaust, overdrive modification, indoor car cover, and stainless steel door plaques. A detailed specification sheet is on file and the car also comes with full service history with Aston Martin Works up to October 2015, sundry bills, MoT to March 2020, SORN, and a V5C Registration Certificate.