Background
The Aston Martins that followed on from the DB6 were very obviously from the pen of a different designer.
They took their aesthetic cues from the design zeitgeist of the 60s and 70s, not the 40s and 50s. They also tipped an unapologetic and undisguised nod to America’s muscle cars – the Ford Mustang in particular.
When William Towns’ aggressively beautiful V8s reached the end of their long run, Aston took an altogether different aesthetic direction once again.
Out went any kind of homage to steroidal pony cars, in came the Virage, and with it a more modern sculpted look underpinned by de Dion tube rear suspension and a double wishbone unit at the front.
Despite its size and weight, the Virage was a lively performer, thanks largely to the latest iteration of Tadek Marek’s V8 power unit, a 32-valve 5.3L (5,340 cc) V8 delivering 330bhp and 364 lb⋅ft of torque. In automatic guise, the Virage could reach 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds.
The aluminium-bodied V8 Coupé was introduced in 1996 (two years after the introduction of Ian Callum’s DB7) as a development of the original Virage. It featured a revised version of the 32-valve 5.3 litre V8 - which added 24bhp - and, in common with its more powerful Vantage sibling, it boasted numerous all-round improvements courtesy of new owners Ford.
The most distinctive frontal feature was the new mesh grille and, along the side panels, body vents originally intended for the Virage were introduced.
While not as brutally fast as the Vantage, the V8 Coupé was still good for 0-60mph in 5.8 seconds and had the refinement and ride quality to make it a highly accomplished grand tourer.
Production of the V8 Coupé ceased with the introduction of the Vanquish in 2000.
Only 101 V8 Coupés were ever built, with just 71 RHD versions.
