EBay exotic: 1991 Aston Martin Virage

Here we have what could best be described as a transitional model for Aston Martin. The Virage in 1989 replaced Newport-Pagnell's ancient Aston Martin V8 models, which themselves were replacements for the ancient DB series.

However, it's still a hand-built Aston much in the mold of earlier models. In other words, the Virage doesn't benefit--or suffer, depending upon your perspective--from the Ford ownership influence that arrived in DB-series cars in the mid-1990s. That makes it a particularly interesting blend of old and new Aston Martin and arguably the last of the traditional Aston line.

Reportedly, only 54 examples of this series Virage made it to the United States, making this car a pretty rare chunk of hand-formed aluminum. Then there's the quad-cam V8 under the bonnet--certainly no slouch. But whether the Virage will ever appreciate to the point of earlier Aston models is still up for debate.

The Buy It Now price is just $36,990 through Schmitt Motorcars in St. Louis. That's less than a new Aston Martin Cygnet will run you, and wise investment or not, it sure looks like fun.

You can view the eBay listing here.

By Andrew Stoy