The 1996 Aston Martin V8 Coupe is a fascinating piece of automotive history, representing a pivotal era for Aston Martin as it sought to modernise its offerings while maintaining the handcrafted luxury and exclusivity that defined the brand. Here's a deep dive into the story and history of this model: Background: A Transitional Era By the mid-1990s, Aston Martin was in a period of transition. Under the ownership of Ford, the company was working to balance its heritage of bespoke craftsmanship with the need to modernise production processes and expand its customer base. The V8 Coupe emerged as part of Aston Martin's strategy to refine its lineup and provide a more accessible alternative to the high-performance Vantage model. Design and Development The Aston Martin V8 Coupe was introduced in 1996 as a replacement for the long-running Virage, which had debuted in 1989. The V8 Coupe shared much of its design and underpinnings with the Virage but featured several refinements aimed at enhancing its appeal: Styling: The V8 Coupe retained the classic Aston Martin silhouette, characterised by its long hood, low roofline, and muscular stance. Subtle changes to the front grille, headlamps, and bodywork gave it a more timeless and elegant appearance compared to the Virage. Handcrafted Luxury: Each V8 Coupe was meticulously hand-built at Aston Martin’s Newport Pagnell facility, with extensive use of high-quality materials such as Connolly leather, Wilton carpets, and walnut veneers. Customisation options allowed customers to personalise their cars to a remarkable degree. Powertrain and Performance: The V8 Coupe was powered by a naturally aspirated 5.3-liter V8 engine, producing 330 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. The engine was mated to either a 4-speed automatic, delivering a smooth and refined driving experience. While not as aggressive as the Vantage, the V8 Coupe offered impressive performance, with a top speed of around 155 mph. Market Position The V8 Coupe was positioned as a more "gentlemanly" alternative to the Vantage, which was known for its supercar-like performance. It catered to buyers who prioritised comfort, style, and craftsmanship over outright speed. This approach made the V8 Coupe a desirable option for enthusiasts who valued Aston Martin’s heritage. Limited Production Production of the Aston Martin V8 Coupe was extremely limited, with fewer than 200 units built between 1996 and 1999. This exclusivity has made the model a rare and collectible classic today. Its scarcity and timeless design ensure it remains a cherished part of Aston Martin’s legacy. Legacy The 1996 Aston Martin V8 Coupe stands as a testament to the brand’s dedication to handcrafted excellence during a challenging period in its history. While it was overshadowed by the more dramatic Vantage and later models like the DB7, the V8 Coupe is appreciated for its blend of traditional Aston Martin craftsmanship and understated elegance. Its role in bridging the gap between the classic Aston Martins of the 1980s and the more modern offerings of the 2000s highlights its importance in the evolution of the marque. For collectors and enthusiasts, the V8 Coupe represents a unique snapshot of Aston Martin’s journey through the late 20th century. This perfect example was first purchased by Lennox Lewis at the Birmingham Motor Show in 1996 and took delivery after a number of enhancements carried out like the extended seat runners to gain extra leg and head room. The largest music system was installed at great expense to satisfy the big mans music taste. Ordered in Rolls Royce Peacock blue with Magnolia leather trim piped in dark blue, with dark blue Wilton carpets. The great man only covered just under 21,000 miles in the car personally and always had the car serviced at Aston Martin Works Service. The car was sold to the current owner in November 2013 and was exported to France where it has been in a private collection and used sparingly, having just covered 25,000 miles and is still in prime condition. A great opportunity to own a peace of motoring history with the added boxing history.