The Aston Martin Virage Sports Car

Aston Martin Virage - A close look at this sports car including performance, technical data, features, comparing rivals, history, used prices

from Classic to Modern

THE CAR

The V8 Series of Aston Martin sports cars had been successfully produced since 1969, and a replacement was well overdue.

Consequently, in late 1988, and as a natural evolution, the successor was introduced at the Birmingham Motor Show as a 2+2 coupe, and designated the Aston Martin Virage sports car.

It was positioned as the company's premier and exclusive model, and the timing of the launch coincided with the acquisition of the company by Ford of the US.

In terms of styling, it's sleek lines, which produced a drag coefficient of just 0.34, resembled that of a Lagonda rather than the classic lines of the V8 Series.

It was fitted with spoilers both front and rear, and stylish flush headlights.

The influence of Ford was noticeable in the fact that, as a cost-cutting measure, a number of the car's' components were sourced from a wide range of companies, including the Parent.

Although it used aluminium body panels, it was still a heavy car with a curb weight of 1790 kg.

When production ended in 1995, Aston Martin had built a total of 365 Virage sports cars.

The Aston Martin Virage Sports Car

THE ENGINE

The Virage was powered by a front-engined, all aluminium, 5.3 litre, 32 valve, DOHC, V8 unit with the head modified by Callaway Engineering in the US, and incorporated a modified intake manifold and Weber-Marelli fuel injection.

This developed 330 bhp at 5300 rpm, and 350 ft/lbs of torque at 4000 rpm.

Fitted with a ZF five speed manual gearbox and using a 9.5:1 compression, it produced a top speed of 158 mph, with 0-60 mph in 6.5 secs.

Interestingly, the majority of customers preferred the optional Chrysler three-speed Torqueflite automatic transmission.

Towards the end of production, an optional six speed manual gearbox from the Vantage sports car was offered.

The Aston Martin Virage Sports Car

In January 1992, as part of a programme of improvements, existing customers were able to replace the original 5.3 litre engine with a 6.3 litre V8 unit that had been incorporated in the Aston Martin AMR1, a Group C sports car racer that was entered in the 1989 Le Mans 24 Hours race.

The new engine developed 500 bhp at 6000 rpm, and 480 ft/lbs of torque at 5800 revs, which gave the car a top speed of 175 mph.

The conversion included fitting larger vented disc brakes, 18 inch wheels, air dams and side air vents.

Aston Martin DB9 Convertible - A Driving Delight

The Aston Martin DB9 is a highly desirable and visually appealing drop-top grand tourer. Both the Coupe and Vol ante models are known for high performance and luxury that its maker is typically known for. From the previous model, both the variants underwent a style update for a freshened look and slightly revised interior and more powerful motor.

Though it had got some updates but the exterior facet including the classic proportions and graceful stance remained somewhat unchanged. However, several new details have been added to the latest convertible model, which were missing in the predecessor. For instance, the headlights are more angular and swept-back than before whereas the front fascia has received a streamlined single-intake design.

Talking to the styling, the DB9 Convertible is one of the most beautiful cars that a person can ever own. Despite a few amendments and upgrade, the model still carries off the classic Aston look with much ease. Though it has a classic exterior, it has a few modifications and improvements in the materials and texture to offer a more beautiful cabin that is exquisitely crafted and well finished.

Aston Martin DB9 Convertible - A Driving Delight

The Vol ante model isn't as stiff as the Coupe, but both the variants are a driver's delight. It offers massive thrills with the added sensation of speed and wind as well as noise that a convertible allows. Also, the sound of 510bhp V12 bouncing off walls makes the driving more sensational. Whether Vol-ante or Coupe, some features are same - 0-62mph time of 4.6-seconds and the three-mode suspension. It turns in sharply and offers masses of grip to grant more control while driving. The carbon ceramic brakes are fitted as standard are excellent and has awesome stopping power. Even if there is a tiny bit of body shake, the vehicle is remarkably stable and offers a smooth ride.

Aston Martin DB9 Convertible - A Driving Delight

The first models which sold in 2004 have been refined and honed with reliability improving all the while. The engine - 6.0-litre V12 - is well proven and used throughout the Aston range leaving no scope for bugs. Driver would not feel any problem with engine, transmission or drive line thus reliability is ensured. In terms of quality, the interior is well made to withstand the test of time. Both Coupe and Vol ante of DB9 Convertible have standard safety kit like airbags, traction and stability control as well as new front end to meet pedestrian safety legislation. In all of this, it maintains the traditional Aston front grille.

The Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato Sanction Sports Car

Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato Sanction - A close look at this sports car including performance, technical data, features, comparing rivals, history, used prices

from Classic to Modern

Aston Martin DB4 Zagato on the Track

Four of the chassis used on the original Zagato sports car (also referred to as Sanction 1) were duly modified to produce lightweight versions that would be ideal for racing.

These racers incorporated the following features to improve aerodynamics: A lower roofline - Enlarged rear wings, with a restyled tail section, and an extended front section.

One of these restyled Zagatos made it debut at the Goodwood race track in early 1961 when, driven by Stirling Moss, it finished in third position, with its arch rival, the Ferrari 250 GT, taking the chequered flag.

The Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato Sanction Sports Car

 However, a couple of months later, two of the quartet, supported by Aston Martin and assigned to Essex Racing, were entered in the Le Mans 24 Hour race, but both were forced to retire.

Not to be outdone, in July 1961, one of these cars claimed the Zagatos first win in one of the races as part of the British Grand Prix.

A further attempt at Le Mans in 1962 ended in early retirement through engine failure.

Aston Martin DB4 Zagato Sanction 2

Production of the DB4 Zagato ended in 1963 with 19 of the sports cars being built.

However, this was not the end of the story. In 1988, having approached Aston Martin, it was decided to modify four of the original DB4 chassis so that they could be transformed into a lighter weight construction, identical to that used in the DB4 GT.

These were then shipped to Milan to receive bodies comparable to those used in the original Zagatos of the early 1960's, with the distinctive small oval grille, and a smoother, restyled rear section.

The first of these modified rolling chassis was shipped in January 1989, with the fourth three months later.

These four officially approved replicas were designated as Sanction 2 cars.

The Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato Sanction Sports Car

Although there was little difference, externally, from the originals, modifications were made to improve the handling characteristics, whilst the engine capacity was increased from 3.7 to 4.2 litres, and the size of the road wheels was reduced from 16 to 15 inches.

All four replicas were completed in July 1991, but were not permitted to display the original Zagato badges.

When placed at auction, these replicas were sold for as much as $1.25 million.

Aston Martin DB4 Zagato Sanction 3

Following the sale of the four Sanction 2 Zagatos, it was found that there were still two additional Zagato body shells that had not been used, for whatever reason.

Therefore, in 1992, Aston Martin was approached with a view to creating further Sanction variants.

Following agreement, another two DB4 chassis were discovered, and were duly modified to produce, in conjunction with the newly found Zagato body shells, a final two DB4 Zagato replicas, which were completed in 2000, sporting the original Zagato badges.

Choosing a Body Shop for Classic Car Restoration or Repainting of an Older Car

In the market for a classic car restoration? When you have a car that is considered a classic, you may want to take it to a body shop to have it professionally restored. The process involves more than just a new paint job, and implies that it is being put back in its authentic condition, just as it was when it was new on the showroom floor. Not all body shops are equipped to handle a true restoration.

What is Classic Car Restoration?

A classic car is defined by the Classic Car Club of America as a vehicle between 30 and 49 years, while one between 50 and 99 years is considered a pre-antique and cars 100 years and older, an antique. Not all older cars meet the definition of "classic car." The crucial thing with classics is that they represented "fine or unusual motorcars" distinguished by "fine design, high engineering standards, and superior workmanship." Often costly at the time, they often have other distinguishing characteristics, based on their engine displacement, custom coach work, and luxury accessories. Other car organizations have different criteria, while some states consider it a classic after 20 or 25 years for licensing purposes.

Is Restoration Really what you Want or Need?

Restoration means that the body shop might need to tear the car apart to examine the condition of the components and either refurbish it with original parts or find reproduction parts and install them in an authentic way. If the car is updated or re-created to look like a fancy limited edition model, the work is not considered a restoration. Typically, the reason that people undertake a restoration is to create something of value for sale or to enter in car show.

Choosing a Body Shop for Classic Car Restoration or Repainting of an Older Car

Not every car is a good subject for restoration. The fact is, many old cars are just that - old cars. You may want to refurbish one and have it repainted for your son, but the car might not be considered a classic. When you are looking for a shop to work on an old car, you must be clear in your goals in order to select the right shop. Anytime your pay money to have work done, you want the shop to do an excellent job for you. However, your standards for repainting an older car that you love are different than if you have a car that meets the definition of classic and that you intend to use as a classic car. Having a 1947 Chevy is not the same as having a 1947 Cadillac 90 series.

Can your Body Shop Handle Classic Restoration?

Many body shops boast that they do custom work on classic cars. If you have a car that is a true classic, your standards should be higher to make sure that you have a finished product that is show worthy or able to command a higher price. You need to ask some questions of the shop. Specifically, you need to know:

    What do they consider a classic car?

    What have they restored?

    What assurance do they offer that the parts they use are genuine?

Choosing a Body Shop for Classic Car Restoration or Repainting of an Older Car

If you have found a good shop with a track record of making older cars serviceable and attractive, you may have a great place to take your older car that you will love, but unless the shop has had experience restoring your Alfa Romeo or your 335 BMW, you might need to find a shop that specializes in the type of classic car restoration you need.

Jillynn Stevens is a writer and researcher. She is the Director of Digital Content Marketing for Be Locally SEO where she enjoys helping clients expand and improve their businesses through articles, blogs, website content and more.

Why Restore a Classic American Car?

I ask the question why?

Why do you want to take the risk and possibly spend more money than the car is thought to be worth? Why spend so much time hunting obsolete parts all over the web? Why break the car down to the nuts and bolts only to find you have more repairs to do? What is the magnetic pull that makes you decide you will restore a piece of the past and present it to the modern world as your baby?

There are many driving forces that keep Vintage and Classic Cars alive. Among them are: The Time Machine, History, "Laboratories" and Connections. Read on...

Time Machine:

We have all been taken by the idea of a time machine. Going back to days when we were young, reckless, excited about life and free. Yes, free to imagine the future and our place in it.

 Why Restore a Classic American Car?

Like the Time Traveler in H. G. Wells' "The Time Machine", we want to create our own device that is capable of taking us back. We want to create with our own hands a vehicle to transport us to simpler times, our simpler times. You know, times with less clutter, less anxiety. Oh, but of course, we were all much younger then. Families and careers where still in the future or just beginning. But that's another story.

History:

What is it about 1950's, 60's and 70's American cars that hold such a spell on we humans. You don't have to be born in those eras to be bitten by the Classic Car bug. So what is it? Why do modern folk, young and old, want to restore or buy a restored classic Chevy, Ford, Cadillac or any other vintage American made car?

Memories:

We are our memories and they are made through emotion. We feel our remembrance. Whether good or bad, memories are branded into our souls. It only takes the smell of something to trigger a feeling that takes us back in time. Just about anything can hold the power to snap you back to your past, like a taste, a song, a perfume or a picture, but a car? Well now, that is the one machine we all remember and feel in a big way.

If you were a kid in the 60's and 70's you share with me the same memories of Dad behind the wheel, hair slicked back with Brylcreem and one of the 40 Lucky Strikes he will smoke that day hanging from his lips. Mom, sitting in the front passenger seat with hair teased up high and sprayed to a crisp with Aqua Net. Us kids, we sat in the big back seat sliding around with no seat belts and the back sides of our thighs sticking to the vinyl on a hot day.

 Why Restore a Classic American Car?

 Let's also remember the summer vacation family trips. Hitting the road on a long trip in a big roomy car was something to look forward to. The 1967 Ford Country Squire with its 9 passenger seat arrangement, electric windows, and Magic Door tailgate was heaven on wheels for the whole family. As kids, we could camp out in the back and ride like royalty. Again, we never used seat belts but such were the times.

Tips on Selling and Buying Cars

Do you have a timeworn, corroded, unwanted car that is just occupying extra space on your property? Maybe you have a worn-out car that you want to dispose of as it should be so that you can get rid of the problems that it is bringing along. There are vast numbers of corporations that will voluntarily take them off your hands and will compensate you with cash in return. No matter what form your car is in, you can get additional money by scrapping your car if you choose a credible company.

Tips on Selling and Buying Cars

Why do you need to sell old car for scrap?

When the car has stretched to the termination of its life and becomes of insignificant or no use, when it has been depreciated and is of diminutive or no worth, these are some of the aspects people will need to scrap their vehicle. The term scrap cars is often used to insist on old or wrecked cars which are abortive in their functionality and are long past their sell by date with respects to performance and dependability.

If your automobile is in this cataloging, then it is easy to discard the vehicle and then you could plan to interchange it with a new model, facilitating you to another time make driving a pleasure. Many individuals get emotionally involved with their timeworn car which makes it tough for them to dispose it off. However, when you think through the surplus maintenance and cost allied with such a car, it soon becomes clear that it is time to sell their old car for scrap. Maintenance for wrenched vehicles prove expensive once you look through all the expenditure of such upkeeps and you will realize that you could be disbursing more on it than the expenses would be for buying a new model.

Tips on Selling and Buying Cars

Apart from this, one of the chief ideas of selling an impaired car is to lessen landfill use. Junkyards execute auto reprocessing and the salvaged parts can be again used to offer worth. When certain rudiments of your car can be recycled and reprocessed, the manufacturing budget will drop and ultimately lower the value of a new car. Furthermore, the industrial waste and air contaminants that are emitted into the surroundings every year in the manufacture of parts will also diminish.

How to go about selling scrap cars in London?

If you are eyeing to dispose of your car in the London or for scrap car collection Essex, there are countless scrap car exclusion services which you can choose from. However, before finalizing an option, you must know the pros and cons of every option available. If you are living in the London, it is desirable to connect with companies that are well acknowledged for providing outstanding service, reasonable price and principled car disposal solutions. If you want to avoid any confusion as to which company is better and which is not, it is advisable to conduct a comprehensive research on the internet regarding such companies.

The Noble M600 Sports Car

The Noble M600 - A close look at this sports car including performance, technical data, features, comparing rivals, history, used prices

from Classic to Modern

THE CAR

The Noble M600 sports car was launched at the Goodwood Revival Meeting in late 2009, and was the successor to the well-received M12, and the more aggressive M400.

It was offered as a two seater fixed head coupe, with a price tag of £200,000, and planned production of only 50 units a year.

The Noble M600 Sports Car

The body consisted of a lightweight composite fibreglass construction attached to a steel space frame chassis, which produced a curb weight of 1250 kg.

ABS and traction control were offered as optional extras in order to maintain the weight-saving minimalist approach of the standard car.

Although it was popular, the M12 was fitted with a transverse engine which, as the power output of the twin turbo unit increased as a result of ongoing development, this created a number of problems related to insufficient cooling and gearbox reliability caused by ever-increasing stresses.

However, these problems were overcome in 2006 with the launch of the Noble M15 which was fitted with a longitudinally positioned engine, and this format was continued in the M600.

The Noble M600 Sports Car

In terms of performance, the car was pitched in that market sector dominated by the likes of the Porsche Carrera, Ferrari Enzo, Bugatti Veyron, Lamborghini Gallardo and McLaren MP4/12C.

The M600 was designed and developed with the aim of ensuring that the driver, and not an array of electronic computer-controlled aids, was in complete control of this impressive sports car.