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- 1993 Virage Shooting Brake
Aston Martin1993 Aston Martin Virage Shooting Brake Dimensions, Size & Specs| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1993 |
| Production Years: | 1993 - 1995 discontinued in 1995 |
The Aston Martin Virage Shooting Brake, produced between 1993 and 1995, offers a unique take on the traditionally sporty Aston Martin lineup by combining grand tourer elegance with a practical station wagon body style. This rare and exclusive model was handcrafted by British coachbuilder Williams & Pritchard, transforming the classic Virage coupe into a limited-production shooting brake, which was highly distinctive for its era. While the Virage platform itself was known for its powerful 5.3-liter V8 engine and luxurious appointments, the Shooting Brake variant added versatility with increased cargo space and a more spacious rear compartment, catering to enthusiasts who needed additional practicality without compromising on style or performance.
Dimensional specifics for the Aston Martin Virage Shooting Brake are closely aligned with the original Virage coupe, featuring a length around 4,645 mm (183 inches), a width near 1,800 mm (70.9 inches), and a height that slightly varies but typically measures about 1,320 mm (52 inches). This preserved the sleek, low-slung profile Aston Martin is celebrated for, with modifications to the rear section allowing for the extended roofline and expanded cargo area. The chassis and suspension were tuned to maintain the car's dynamic driving character despite the body changes.
The Virage Shooting Brake remains a coveted collector's piece due to its rarity—with under a dozen examples built—its blend of classic British luxury, performance, and shooting brake utility. It stands as a fascinating example of how traditional luxury sports cars can be adapted into versatile estate versions without losing their essence. This combination of exclusivity, distinctive design, and practical luxury places the Aston Martin Virage Shooting Brake in a niche segment highly appreciated by classic car enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Discover the standout features that make the 1993 Aston Martin Virage Shooting Brake a leader in its class
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The Aston Martin Virage Shooting Brake, produced between 1993 and 1995, has unique dimensions for a luxury station wagon. Its length is approximately 4,660 mm (183.5 inches), width around 1,817 mm (71.5 inches), and height about 1,375 mm (54.1 inches). These dimensions provide a distinctive profile combining sporty elegance with added utility compared to typical coupé designs.
The Aston Martin Virage Shooting Brake weighs approximately 1,800 kg (3,968 lbs) curb weight. This relatively moderate weight for a luxury grand tourer station wagon helps maintain the car's agile handling and strong performance characteristics. It balances the added convenience of the shooting brake body style without significantly compromising speed or responsiveness.
The Aston Martin Virage Shooting Brake offers a practical cargo space more generous than typical grand tourers due to its shooting brake design. While exact figures vary, the rear cargo volume is substantially larger than the Virage coupé, providing better utility. This makes it competitive against other luxury wagons of its era, combining Aston Martin's sporty appeal with improved luggage space.
The Virage Shooting Brake shares the same wheelbase as the standard Virage coupé, measuring approximately 2,540 mm (100 inches). This wheelbase length strikes a balance between ride comfort and sharp handling. It ensures stability on highways while maintaining agility through corners, essential for a grand tourer with sporty ambitions.
The ground clearance of the Aston Martin Virage Shooting Brake is around 135 mm (5.3 inches), typical for a luxury sports-oriented wagon, offering a low center of gravity beneficial for handling. The front and rear track widths are about 1,500 mm (59.1 inches), providing a stable stance. These dimensions contribute to the car's excellent road grip and sporty driving dynamics.
Yes, the Aston Martin Virage Shooting Brake generally fits comfortably within a standard home garage. With a length of approximately 4,660 mm (183.5 inches) and width of about 1,817 mm (71.5 inches), it fits within the typical garage dimensions of around 6,000 mm (236 inches) length and 3,000 mm (118 inches) width. However, owners should consider extra space for opening doors and maneuvering.
The Virage Shooting Brake is a unique derivative rather than a direct predecessor-successor relationship, as the shooting brake body style was a bespoke one-off design based on the Virage platform. Compared to the standard Virage coupé, the Shooting Brake is longer in height due to its wagon roofline, offering more cargo space whilst retaining the same wheelbase and width. Stylistically, its extended roof and rear hatch diverge from traditional coupé proportions, emphasizing practicality without sacrificing Aston Martin’s luxury and elegance.
Compared to other luxury wagons from the early 1990s, such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate (W124) or the Audi 100 Avant, the Virage Shooting Brake is more compact in length yet similarly wide, reflecting its grand tourer roots. While the aforementioned estates might prioritize maximum cargo space and passenger volume, the Virage Shooting Brake balances sporty proportions with utility, delivering a unique blend of performance and practicality uncommon in the segment.
The Aston Martin Virage Shooting Brake utilizes the same drivetrain as the Virage coupé; it is powered by a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. It features a 5.3-liter V8 engine, generating around 330 horsepower, delivering strong performance coupled with the smooth luxury expected from Aston Martin. The robust engine combined with rear-wheel drive enhances driving dynamics and engaging handling characteristics typical of the Virage lineup.
The Virage Shooting Brake seats four passengers comfortably, mirroring the standard Virage coupé's seating arrangement with two front seats and two rear seats. The interior blends high-quality leather upholstery, wood trim, and bespoke craftsmanship typical of Aston Martin vehicles of the era. Additionally, the shooting brake's increased rear cargo area provides extra practicality, making it suitable for longer trips without compromising on luxury comfort.
