550 bhp, 5,340 cc DOHC 32-valve V-8 engine with twin Eaton superchargers, five-speed manual gearbox, independent front suspension with upper and lower control arms, coil springs and anti-roll bar, De Dion rear axle with Watt linkage, trailing arms and coil springs, and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: 102.8"

- Two owners and about 56,000 miles from new

- One of only 239 built

- Complete with books and both dealer and works service history from new

- Supercar performance with legendary Aston Martin styling and luxury

Introduced at Birmingham in October 1988, the all-new Aston Martin Virage succeeded the V-8 Vantage. Its hand-formed aluminium body was wider, more aero-efficient and based on a new chassis with extensive lightweight aluminium, which was designed in collaboration with the Finite Element Analysis Department of the Cranfield Institute of Technology. The updated 5,340 cc DOHC, 32-valve V-8 engine was developed in conjunction with Callaway Engineering, and for the first time, it did not require de-tuning to comply with tough U.S. vehicle emission standards.

Although visually similar, the aggressive Vantage shared only its roof, doors and basic mechanicals with the Virage. Output of the 5.3-litre V-8 was raised to 550 bhp with the addition of two Eaton superchargers. In true supercar fashion, the car could sprint from rest to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds with an official 186-mph top speed. The largest ventilated front disc brakes fitted to any road car at the time and four-piston AP Racing callipers provided stopping power to match the stunning performance. Only 239 examples of the Vantage were built between 1992 and 1999.

Stephen Gibson, chair of the Middlesborough football club, purchased this right-hand drive, manual-gearbox example new from Aston Martin dealer Reg Vardy of Tyne and Wear, who also maintained it while in Mr. Gibson’s ownership. In March 2003, the Vantage was sold to the current owner, a long-term Aston Martin enthusiast who had the car maintained by the works service. In April 2003 and with about 50,000 miles showing, a replacement gearbox was installed at a cost of £7,792. Now with only 56,000 miles from new, we understand the car has been maintained without regard to cost. Exceedingly rare and very desirable indeed, this two-owner Vantage begs to be driven and enjoyed.