The first prototype, a famed 'DP' example and likely 1992 Geneva Motor Show car
1992 Aston Martin Virage Shooting Brake
Chassis no. DP2099/1
Engine no. 89/2099/1/A

One of the most important advantages conferred on Aston Martin by the essentially hand-built nature of its manufacturing is the ability to produce small batches or individual cars to meet their customers' own special requirements. The very special car offered here belongs in this category, being the first prototype of the three-door Virage Shooting Brake, of which only a handful was made for selected customers. Although specialist coachbuilders had created shooting brakes on previous Aston Martins (DB5, DB6 and DBS), the Virage was the first to be built by the factory. The two prototypes - 'DP2099/1' and 'DP2099/2' - were the only cars built from scratch, all the others being conversions of existing Virage coupés.

After almost 20 years in production, Aston's well liked V8 was updated for the 1990s as the Virage, by Royal College of Art tutors Ken Greenley and John Heffernan being responsible for the chosen body design. "We wanted a car that was a new form. Fresh, exciting, purposeful but unquestionably Aston Martin," explained Aston Martin Chairman and Chief Executive Victor Gauntlett on the Virage's arrival.

The existing Lagonda chassis and suspension were used in revised form for the newcomer, while engine development was entrusted to Callaway Engineering. Immensely strong, the old V8's bottom half was retained but fitted with new cylinder heads boasting four valves per cylinder and hydraulic tappets. Launched in October 1988, the sensational newcomer restated its forerunner's muscular looks in the modern idiom, contriving to be slightly narrower yet providing increased interior space. With 330bhp on tap it was good enough for a top speed approaching 160mph and a 0-60mph time of under seven seconds, which is still some going for a luxury car capable of transporting its fortunate occupants to the South of France in ultimate comfort.

With a top speed of 152mph (244km/h), the Virage Shooting Brake was the world's fastest purpose-built load carrier when it arrived in 1992, making its debut in three-door form at that year's Geneva Motor Show. Arguably the most practical of the Virage variants, the Shooting Brake featured fold-down rear seats with a 50/50 split; electric rear ventilation windows; folding dog guard grille; and a luggage blind. With the rear seats folded down there was 28 cubic feet (0.8 cubic metres) of luggage space available, four times that of the coupé, while the extended roof afforded the rear passengers more than 6" (15.2cm) of extra headroom. Able to accommodate four adults in comfort, and with a range of 400 miles (643 kilometres), the Virage Shooting brake was and remains one of the finest Grandes Routières ever to emerge from Newport Pagnell.

Its Car Record Card (copy on file) shows that DP2099/1 was finished in Aston Green with Parchment leather interior and left the factory equipped with automatic transmission (since changed to manual). The current vendor purchased 'DP2099/1' from Christian Voight of Hamburg, Germany on 15th May 2005 at 33,795 kilometres. In November of that year the Virage was sent to Aston Martin Works Service for extensive servicing to make it safe and useable and also to improve its specification. Tasks carried out included converting the car to Swiss specification; upgrading the cooling system; installing the latest Alpine DVD navigation system with 6 CD auto-changer; and fitting new colour-matched seat belts. AMWS's detailed bill is on file and the car also comes with copies of the 2005 bill of sale and its old German Fahrzeugbrief. Since acquisition the Virage has been on static display and will naturally require recommissioning prior to road use.

A wonderful opportunity to own and enjoy one of the rarest, and at the same time most practical, Aston Martins of the post-war era.

Please note that if this vehicle remains within Monaco or France, the reduced rate of Import VAT at 5.5% will be applicable on the hammer price. All customs charges will be invoiced and collected directly by our customs agent, Benaim. Please note that if you purchase as an EU Company, the VAT amount will be calculated based on your registered country's rate and paid directly there. Import rates to other EU Countries may vary and an administration fee will be charged to prepare the necessary customs clearances. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.