1996 Aston Martin V8 Coupé

• One of only 101 V8 Coupés made
• Automatic transmission
• Extensive service history

After spearheading Aston Martin's transformation for the 1990s, the Virage 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. Chassis numbers ran from '79001' to '79101', a total of 101 cars.

An automatic transmission model, this highly original example was first registered in October 1996. '79013' is presented in the handsome colour combination of Buckinghamshire Green with Ivory leather interior, the latter featuring a dark green upper dashboard and smart wood inlays to the dashboard, centre console and door panels. The factory specification includes climate control, cruise control, selectable Sport mode, electric windows, and heated and electrically adjustable front seats. A more modern Clarion head unit has been installed, which features a fold-out screen with Bluetooth connectivity and satellite navigation.
The Buckinghamshire Green paintwork is described by the vendor as in good overall condition, showing some stone chips front and rear but otherwise presenting very well with no major defects visible. The nearside wheelarch previously had a scuff in the paintwork, which was taken back to bare metal and re-sprayed by Aston Engineering. The interior presents very well overall, with a few minor blemishes, while the vendor also notes that the leather around the rear parcel shelf speakers has shrunk slightly. The vendor is not aware of any electrical or mechanical faults, and states that there are no warning lights showing on the dashboard. The vendor also notes that the prop shaft has been re-balanced, the radiator re-cored, and the brakes replaced/
The car's most recent service was carried out by Revive Iconics in April 2023 at 83,060 miles and is offered with an MoT valid until May 2025. Records of all 14 services are on file, mostly undertaken by the factory and more recently by Heritage Aston Engineering, Derby. The car will be supplied with its owner's manuals; stamped service history booklet; tool kit; a selection of Aston Martin Works maintenance invoices; and the original Kenwood radio and Blaupunkt CD stacker unit. This potent and well-documented modern classic has been used by the previous vendor for a variety of European tours, including a drive to Venice in September 2019. This example would make a fine addition to any collection as an elegant weekend cruiser or long-distance tourer.