1994 Aston Martin Virage Volante
Registration no. VXI 234
Chassis no. 60147
Engine no. 89/60147/A

The Volante convertible had been the big seller of the 'old' V8 line-up, 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 equivalent. 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 being 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 slightly lower final drive gearing to aid acceleration through the gears. Top speed was slightly reduced, 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 Automatic transmission was standard on the Volante, the original three-speeder being superseded in 1993 by a new four-speed dual-mode (normal/sport) unit. The five-speed manual 'box continued to be available as an option.

This automatic transmission Virage Volante Convertible was first registered on 4th May 1994 and is finished in Dark Blue with blue-piped biscuit leather interior. Chassis number '60147' also has the optional front wings incorporating the attractive side vents, an 'extra' reputedly adding £15,000 to the £147,862 list price when new. At time of cataloguing the odometer reading was a genuine 48,108 miles, a total supported by MoTs and mileage readings on invoices. Acquired from J Stuart & Co of Prenton on the Wirral, the Aston has belonged to the present owner since October 1999 having had three former keepers. The recorded mileage at time of acquisition was 38,971.

Whilst in the hands of the present owner - a noted collector, especially of the Aston Martin marque - the Virage has been maintained by his in-house engineers. The car has recently been serviced and fully re-sprayed in its original dark blue. Of the circa 8,000 miles covered in the present owner's hands, the lion's share was undertaken within three years of acquisition, including a memorable trip to the Côte d'Azure. The Virage has covered minimal mileage since but has been maintained to the highest standards. It comes with V5C document, fresh MOT and a good file documenting servicing and other works undertaken by Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd, JCT 600, Aston Engineering and Stratton Motor Company.