Aston Martin Virage | Spotted

This is an Aston Martin Virage. Just wanted to make that clear, because, even to the trained eye, this looks very much like a facelifted DB9. Only when you go around the back and take a peek at the boot lid do you realise that this is one of just 22 right-hand drive coupes built for the UK during a bizarre 18-month period where Aston was trying to figure out what on Earth it was doing with its V12 flagship.

To its credit, the thought behind the Virage was sound. The DB9 had the mile-munching grand tourer box ticket, while the DBS served as a lighter, faster and more aggressive alternative. Aston, however, saw potential for a third model to join its V12 GT line-up; one that offers a bit more power and agility than the DB9 without stepping on the toes of the DBS. Admittedly, said gap in the range was about as thin as the proverbial cigarette paper’s width, but if Porsche can release 25 derivatives of the 911 (and we’ve ranked almost all of them here), then Aston can do the same with the DB9.

This is where things start to get a bit confusing. The carmaker’s decision to revive the Virage name after 11 years made little sense for a car that to all intents and purposes was designed to fill a gap in its GT range, nor did it help that it closely resembled its DB9 and DBS siblings. Granted, the Virage did introduce a number of visual upgrades, such as new head and rear lights, revised bodywork that amazingly looks even sleeker than the DB9’s, and tweaks to the side vents. It’s a very pretty thing, though some would argue that changes were more in line with a mid-life facelift than a sort-of all-new model. And, ultimately, that’s exactly what would become of the Virage.

To call the Virage a lightly updated version of the DB9 would be doing it a disservice, mind. Lessons learned from the Rapide, mostly those related to improving comfort and NVH, were used to update the bonded aluminium architecture that underpinned the DB9, while the adaptive dampers were pinched from the DBS and reworked for a more cossetting ride. Tweaks to the 5.9-litre V12 unlocked an extra 20hp, too, raising peak power to 497hp at 6,000rpm. In that sense, the Virage really did tie both ends of the VH spectrum together.

Reception, however, was mixed with both reviewers and buyers. One reviewer said the Virage was “far from revelatory”, while another called it “the pick of the bunch compared to the 9 and S, because its chassis and driving experience feel much more sophisticated.” Production maxed out at 1,001 cars, of which 114 right-hand drive models were earmarked for the UK. If my rubbish maths serves me right, that’s around six cars sold every month before it was rebranded as the new DB9 a year and a half later.

Not much changed between the Virage and DB9 facelift, bar a slight tweak to the rear boot lid and a small uptick in power. So why not just buy a newer DB9, then? Well, the Virage certainly has the rarity box ticked, while still commanding similar premiums to the facelifted 9er. This example, which the ad claims is a one-of-one spec, is extra appealing given that it isn’t black or silver, and comes with a set of carbon bucket seats with orange piping. All for £62,850. If you like the idea of constantly correcting people who inadvertently call your Virage a DB9, this should be right up your street.

SPECIFICATION | ASTON MARTIN VIRAGE

Engine: 5,935cc V12
Transmission: six-speed auto, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 497@6,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 420@5,750rpm
MPG: 18.8
CO2: 349g/km
Year registered: 2011
Recorded mileage: 13,000
Price new: £150,000
Yours for: £62,850