Aston Martin Virage Coupe Is The Only One Existing On The Planet

Sep. 17, 2023 4:04 PM ET by Rex Sanchez Classic Cars / 11 Comments

Started life as a test mule, now a classic worth $356,097.

Bonhams has brought quite several rare Aston Martins to Goodwood this year. While many are sought-after models, this 1986 Virage Coupe is probably unheard of, considering it is a one-of-a-kind example that started life as a test mule for the Virage, the spiritual predecessor of the Vantage.

Dubbed DP (Development Project) 2034, the car in question is a two-door prototype based on the Aston Martin Lagonda. The Lagonda's body was shortened by 11.8 inches to make up the two-door styling, reminiscent of classic cars like the Ferrari 400. Aston Martin completed the prototype with a 5.3-liter V8 and a five-speed ZF manual gearbox in October 1986.

Upon the debut of the AM Virage three years later, the DB2034 was retired. But an enthusiast collector gave the car a second life, as a road-going car rebuilt to full customer specification in early 1990.

According to the buyer, the car was perfect for his 6'3 build, as he found modern sports cars too small then. The production Virage was the British automaker's answer to the Porsche 964 Turbo and BMW 850i in the 90s.

The chassis was rebuilt, while the suspension was replaced with new production Virage components. The drive ratio was also lowered for improved acceleration in exchange for lower top speed. Completing the rebuild in February 1993 was a new Virage engine.

Racer/journalist Tony Dron for Thoroughbred & Classic Cars magazine tested the DP2034 the same year and this is what he had to say:

"This is a magnificent machine, which rides well at low speed but which handles faultlessly when driven fast… it has that thoroughbred feel, which inspires faith and confidence."

"This prototype is particularly significant as it forms the link between Lagonda and Virage and was then the only two-door Lagonda to have been built," said Kingsley Riding-Felce, head of Aston Martin Works Service.

The 1986 Aston Martin Virage Coupe Prototype has found a new owner, who dished £287,500 (or around $356,097 in the current exchange rates) to win the bid. It came with documentation such as early service history and Aston Martin Works' photographic record of the rebuild.

Aston Martin Virage Coupe Is The Only One Existing On The Planet

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Aston Martin Virage Coupe Is The Only One Existing On The Planet

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