For sale by auction on Saturday 1st September 2012 with Historics at Brooklands, Brooklands Motor Racing Circuit, Weybridge, Surrey.

•Chassis Number: SCFDAM256TBR79019

•Engine Number: 9579019A

•Estimate: £30,000 - £40,000

The Virage was Aston Martin's replacement for the decades-old V8 models and introduced at the Birmingham Motor Show in 1988. This V8-powered car was intended as the company's top model with the 6-cylinder 1994 DB7 slotted below it but this V8 model (by then in Vantage form) remained the exclusive, expensive and hand-built king of Astons. The Virage was a large, heavy car in spite of its all-aluminium body, but the 32-valve 5.3 litre V8 engines elevated its performance to near sports car levels. "Acceleration just never seems to run out", claimed Sports Car International on a first test. They also praised the "eager and quicker revving" nature of the engine with its Callaway-designed heads and Weber-Marelli fuel injection. "Nothing sounds quite like an Aston V8," they concluded.

This immaculate example of Aston Martins V8 Coup© was acquired by the vendor in 2003 at which time it had covered just 16,450 miles. The current mileage of 31,400 can be substantiated from previous MoT test certificates supplied within the history file. With servicing carried out exclusively by Aston Martin Works Service and specialists, JCT600, the invoices make for comforting reading. Three stamps with AML then at 11,623 miles, a £3,700 service followed by six stamps from JCT600 including a full service at 15,700 miles. AML continued with a further 15 invoices between 2003 and 2005 to include a replacement oil cooler, fuel tank, front brake callipers and servicing. Subsequent services have also been carried out by respected specialists, Wren Classics Ltd of which there are six invoices for, and including, replacement of all rear suspension and sub frame units costing over £9,000. This devourer of continents has been sparingly used over the last two years and has had an engine oil change and air condition re-gassing in order to ensure everything is in good working order. Aston Martin originally fitted a Tracker device at a cost of £902 which is still active and working correctly.

The car has been kept in dry storage since the current custodian took ownership first with Mr. Allan Matthews of Autoexpress, Dorchester and then private storage. Presented in Pentland metallic Green with a contrasting cream interior piped with green and a sports exhaust fitted by the factory, she also sits on brand new Pirelli P-Zero tyres all round. Accompanying the owners pack is an Aston Martin indoor car cover piped with gold, a comprehensive history file and all the correct tools and equipment.

A magnificent example in fabulous condition.

Interested parties should note that the registration number is being retained and a new age-related plate issued instead.