Beschreibung:

‘We wanted a car that was a new form. Fresh, exciting, purposeful but unquestionably Aston Martin,’ explained Aston Martin Chairman and Chief Executive Victor Gauntlett on the Virage’s arrival, while stressing: ‘It was important that, although new in virtually every way, the Virage was of evolutionary, rather than revolutionary, design. It has to be a car that could stand in line with every post-war Aston Martin and be the self-evident successor to that tradition.’ Launched at the International Motor Show, Birmingham, in October 1988, the sensational newcomer re-stated 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 emission 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. The Volante convertible had been the big seller of the ‘old’ V8 line-up, so the only surprise was that it took Aston Martin more than two years from the Virage coupé’s introduction to come up with a soft-top equivalent. The production Virage Volante debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1991, a prototype having been displayed at Birmingham’s NEC the previous October. Weighing in at over two tons, the open Volante was even heavier than the closed coupe, itself no lightweight, this increase in weight being accounted for by considerable body strengthening to compensate for the absent roof, plus the extra complication of the power-operated convertible hood. Electrically powered, the latter was beautifully made and incorporated a glass rear window complete with heated de-misting elements. Mechanically the Volante remained much the same as its closed cousin, though with slightly lower final drive gearing to aid acceleration through the gears. Top speed was slightly reduced, to a still-outstanding 150mph. Automatic transmission was standard on the Volante, the original three-speeder being superseded in 1993 by a new four-speed dual-mode (normal/sport) unit. The five-speed manual ’box continued to be available as an option. ‘Beautiful hand-built craftsmanship abounds in this most aristocratic of convertibles,’ said Fast Lane. Finished in dark blue with blue-piped beige leather interior, this Virage Volante was sold new in Bologna, Italy via Emilianauto SPA. We are advised that the most recent service was carried out within the past two years by Jaguar/Aston Martin Roma (at 57,000 kilometres) when new front and rear brake discs were fitted, and that the car has covered only 5,000-or-so kilometres since then. A very nice example equipped with the automatic transmission, the car comes complete with owner’s manual, Virage brochure, partially stamped service booklet, sundry service/maintenance invoices and Italian libretto. €55,000 – 70,000 De peinture bleue foncée avec intérieur cuir beige à passepoil bleu, cette Virage Volante a été vendue neuve à Bologne, en Italie, par Emilianauto Spa. Nous sommes informés que la plus récente révision a été effectuée dans ces deux dernières années par Jaguar / Aston Martin Rome (à 57 000 km). Des disques de freins neufs ont alors été installés à l'avant et à l'arrière, et la voiture n'a couvert depuis que 5 000 km environ. Très bel exemplaire doté de la transmission automatique, ce cabriolet Aston Martin est livré complet avec son manuel d'instructions, la brochure Virage, son livret d'entretien partiellement tamponné, diverses factures de révision/entretien et so