By the late 1980s it had been nearly two decades since Aston Martin had successfully delivered an all-new car.

Whilst they continued to muddle on with production of the then ageing V8, no amount of James Bond product placements could hide the fact that their competitors were delivering newer, more advanced cars.To combat this rising tide of technology, Aston Martin launched the Virage at the 1988 Birmingham Motor Show.

It was fresher, sleeker and more modern than its predecessor, but it retained the handbuilt charm that Aston s clientele had come to know and love.This example is a 1990 Aston Martin Virage.

Externally, the car is finished in a Raven Black, which suits the modernised lines.

As is appropriate for a car of this era, the black paintwork is contrasted by orange indicator lenses.At the rear, the car s aggressive raked styling leads down to a rear diffuser panel that houses a twin-exit exhaust.

The car sits on its original set of 16 5-spoke alloy wheels, finished in silve...