1994 Aston Martin Virage Volante 5.3-litre Wide-body

The Volante had been the big seller of the previous generation of AM V8s, so the only surprise was that it took Aston Martin more than two years from the Virage Coupé's introduction to come up with a soft-top sister. The production Virage Volante debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1991, a prototype having been displayed at Birmingham's NEC the previous October. Weighing in at over two tons, the open Volante was even heavier than the closed coupé, itself no lightweight. This increase in weight is accounted for by considerable body strengthening to compensate for the absent roof, plus the extra complication of the power-operated convertible hood. Electrically powered, the latter was beautifully made and incorporated a glass rear window, complete with heated de-misting elements. Mechanically the Volante remained much the same as its closed cousin, though with a slightly lower final drive. Top speed was slightly reduced also to, a still outstanding, 150mph. Automatic transmission was standard on the Volante, the original 3-speeder being superseded in 1993 by a new 4-speed dual-mode (normal/sport) unit as featured on this particular car.

For those customers who felt the need for more power, Aston's solution, ahead of the forthcoming twin-supercharged Vantage, was for the Works Service Department to offer 6.3-litre conversions for the existing 5,340cc V8-engined cars. Introduced in January 1992, this package could cost more than £60,000 (depending on options) and offered increased power and a menu of modifications to the bodywork, suspension, and brakes. In addition to the expanded wheel arches necessary to accommodate the wider wheels, the bodywork was a lot more dramatic with air dams, spoilers, splitter, flowing sills etc. a bit more Le Mans than Ledbury. It was a good looking car and inevitably there were customers who admired the 'racy' looks but didn't feel in need of 6.3-litres and focused suspension and brakes, so the factory developed an option, known internally as 'Cosmetic Widebody', which was available on the standard 5.3-litre Virage soft-top. We understand that 26 5.3-litre Virage Volantes were finished by the factory with this bodywork.

Superbly finished in Litchfield Black with Charcoal Hide piped in Mushroom, this particular Virage Volante Widebody has formed part of a private collection in recent years. Meticulously maintained to the very highest of standards, as shown by the accompanying history file, and having covered just 47,000 miles, the overall condition is superb throughout. It is indeed one of those 26 factory-built, UK-supplied, right-hand drive Cosmetic Wide-body cars and consequently this rare Aston is high on the list of desirable and sought after models. Produced to recapture the spirit of the 'golden age' of Grand Touring, an intoxicating Aston that is sure to fulfil the requirements of enthusiasts and collectors alike.