1995 Aston Martin Virage Volante 'Wide Body'

One of less than fifty works-built 5.3-litre cars with the 6.3 'Widebody' cosmetics Sophisticated colour combination of Midnight Blue with Parchment hide piped Dark Blue Only 28,900 miles and in truly excellent condition. OZ split-rims recently refurbished Recent service and MoT. New radiator, discs and pads. Hydraulic roof serviced The Volante (convertible) 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 CoupÚ'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 coupÚ, 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 Automatic transmission was standard on the Volante, the original three-speeder being superseded in 1993 by a new four-speed dual-mode (normal/sport) unit as featured on this particular car. The Virage Volante offered here features the popular 'wide body' specification that originated on the 6.3-litre version of the Virage, which was announced by Aston Martin as an interim model ahead of the company's forthcoming twin-supercharged Vantage. Offered by Aston Martin's Service Department as a conversion for the existing 5,340cc V8-engined Virage, this package was introduced in January 1992. The '6.3' conversion increased power by around 40 per cent while incorporating improvements to both suspension and brakes - now featuring ABS for the first time - and could be ordered new or retrofitted to customers' existing cars. These 6.3-litre cars were readily distinguishable by their flared wheel arches, necessary to accommodate the package's wider wheels and tyres, a feature that gave rise to the term 'wide body'. However, customers with no need for the 6.3's improved performance but who, nevertheless, appreciated the aggressive looks of the 'wide body', could order the package's cosmetic items in isolation. Aston Martin themselves recognised this demand, building several Volantes to 'cosmetic wide body' specification, the car offered here being one such. First registered in 1995, this rare Wide Body Volante is in excellent condition throughout, and the Midnight Blue coachwork is beautifully complemented by the Parchment hide upholstery with dark blue piping and new Dark Blue carpets. It is evident that much care and attention has been lavished upon this magnificent car. Our vendor, a discerning collector, has recently commissioned various remedial works, including new brake discs and pads, a new radiator, the huge OZ split-rim wheels have been professionally refurbished and polished, and the powered roof has been serviced and set up, Prior to the sale it has benefitted from an oil service and fresh MoT. There are receipts for all of this work, along with the car's service history, in the extensive owner's file. This is a truly elegant Volante with the 'widebody' additions giving it a more purposeful stance. Produced in tiny numbers, its rarity and desirability will ensure that it remains collectable and sought-after for years to come.