1990 Aston Martin Virage 7.0-Litre Coupé

Footnotes

Ahead of its forthcoming twin-supercharged Vantage, Aston Martin offered 6.3-litre conversions for the existing 5,340cc V8-engined Virage and Virage Volante that had been developed by the Service Department. When first released, the '6.3' produced 456bhp at 6,000rpm and 460lb/ft of torque. The resulting performance gains - 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds and a top speed of around 175mph (depending on the axle ratio) - required serious chassis modifications, the '6.3' boasting sports suspension, 18"-diameter alloy wheels shod with Goodyear 285/45ZR18 tyres, and double vented and cross-drilled 14" front disc brakes. Outwardly the '6.3' in its 'wide body' configuration was distinguishable by flared wheel arches and new front, side and rear valances.

And if all that was still insufficient, enthusiasts with an appetite for even more power could opt for a conversion to 7.0 litres by renowned marque specialists R S Williams Ltd. RSW has been upgrading Aston Martins since its inception in 1968, offering enlargements to 4.2 and 4.7 litres for the DB4/5/6, and to 5.7 and 7.0 litres for the V8s. The '7.0' is available in different specifications, with power and torque characteristics tailored to suit either manual or automatic transmission. These RSW-converted engines are, of course, unleaded compatible.

An AMOC concours winner at Blenheim Palace in 2010 and Greenwich in 2013, chassis number '50119' was acquired by Stratton Motor Company in July 2014, since when it has been kept in storage.

This particular car has numerous distinctive features including different wheelarches; a louvered bonnet; headlamp conversion (square with twin lights); Vantage front spoiler with recessed licence plate; Vantage rear end with round tail lights; flared V550 Vantage-style side arches; Vantage wings with side vents; and split-rim wheels like the '6.3'.

The history file contains numerous photographs detailing the restoration of the entire chassis, together with lots of bills from R S Williams and Aston Martin Lagonda. Very tidily presented and freshly MoT'd, the car also comes with old/current V5C documents; a quantity of expired MoT certificates and tax discs; and its original service booklet, handbook, tool kit, jack, and warning triangle.