One to Buy: 19,000 mile manual gearbox 1990 Aston Martin Virage 6.3
Although Aston Martin’s Virage was clearly an accomplished Grand Tourer, some customers wanted a machine with more punch than the standard car offered.
From January 1992, those that desired such a machine were able to order a Virage with an engine enlarged from 5.3 to 6.3-litres. In addition, the 465bhp 6.3 package featured uprated suspension, bigger brake discs, AP Racing four-piston calipers, four channel Bosch ABS (which later became standard on the 5.3) plus 18-inch diameter OZ Racing five spoke wheels shod with Goodyear Eagle tyres.
Cosmetically, the 6.3 came with flared fenders, modified skirts and bumpers and an optional rear spoiler. Engine cooling vents were carved out from behind each front wheel.
Because the 6.3 kit cost a little under half the price of a standard Virage and markets were in a generally depressed state, relatively few customers took up the option which was offered on both new cars and to existing customers as a retro-fit upgrade.
Accordingly these cars are pretty rare, but despite this scarcity they currently represent great value as evidenced by a superb example currently on offer at the Stratton Motor Company in Long Stratton, Norfolk.
Configured in British Racing Green with Fawn hide, Dark Green piping, Parliament Green carpet, no rear spoiler and (perhaps most importantly) manual transmission, this three owner 19,000 mile car has been with the most recent custodian since 1995, during which time it has been maintained exclusively by the Stratton Motor Company.
The car is being offered with a fully documented history to include the original near £61,000 bill from Aston Martin Works Service for its 6.3 conversion.
Reprinted below is the Stratton Motor Company’s description:
Stratton Motor Company have the pleasure in offering this superb condition Virage 6.3.
Finished in British Racing Green with Fawn Leather interior with dark green piping and finished with Parliament Green carpets.
Only 3 owners from new, the last owner has owned this car since 1995.
Maintained by Stratton Motor Company since 1995 with a good history file.
The file also includes the bill from Aston Martin Works for its full factory conversion to 6.3 litres costing £60,770.
It comes complete with its original tool kit, jack, tyre welding kit, space-saver spare wheel, and warning triangle.
“Ahead of the company’s forthcoming twin-supercharged Vantage, Aston Martin’s Service Department offered 6.3-litre conversions for the existing 5,340cc V8-engined Virage. This project had been conceived by Service Department bosses Kingsley Riding-Felce and David Eales, and was given the green light by Walter Hayes, newly installed as Aston Martin CEO by new owners the Ford Motor Company. The project’s aim was simple: convert the stock 330bhp Virage into a 475bhp, 178mph supercar. Introduced in January 1992, this package also incorporated improvements to suspension and brakes – now featuring ABS for the first time – and could be ordered new or retro-fitted to customers’ existing cars.”
Price: £112,995 – includes 12 month parts and labour warranty.
