Interested parties should note that the private plate L50LE is not included in the sale
Highlights
• Rare Works Service “Cosmetic” edition
• Wide OZ split rims
• Wide Extended bodykit
• Great condition throughout
• Wide OZ split rims
• Wide Extended bodykit
• Great condition throughout
The Background
In 1992 Aston Martin introduced its 6.3-litre upgrade "Works Service" package as an option to the Virage, this included a wider bodykit to accommodate the larger OZ wheels and 14-inch disc brakes, additional air vents, deeper sills, and other appearance tweaks. This engine and power increase with body styling update was immediately available on the Coupé as well as the Volante.
Aston Martin soon realised that not everyone would want the 6.3 Litre version, which could be a bit of a brute, but that most quite liked the cosmetic appearance and so they introduced a strictly cosmetic version called the Wide Body featuring all the “show” of the new 6.3 but the relatively tame “go” of the regular 5.3-litre engine. I say tame, the 5.3’s 329 BHP and 350lb ft of torque were still more than capable of ruffling a few feathers.
In truth this model was mainly intended for the United States market as the 6.3 was not certified for sale over there giving all the looks with slightly less thrills to appease the US Government.
In contrast to the Wide Body Volante, the Prince of Wales himself chose to do things differently and equip his 1994 Volante which had standard bodywork with the 456 hp (340 kW; 462 PS) 6.3-litre engine and a manual transmission of the works service package, creating himself some what of a sleeper.
The History
As you would expect for such a car, there is plenty of service history included. Over its twenty-five year life, this Virage Volante has been left wanting for very little if anything at all.
This is proven by the included spreadsheet overview that details every item of work carried out, including invoice totals - over this car’s life, some £21,000 has been spent on its upkeep, which serves to prove this car has never been left wanting. The most recent work, carried out in 2019, was a complete service by classic and specialist vehicle experts, Road Rally Race of Paignton.
This is proven by the included spreadsheet overview that details every item of work carried out, including invoice totals - over this car’s life, some £21,000 has been spent on its upkeep, which serves to prove this car has never been left wanting. The most recent work, carried out in 2019, was a complete service by classic and specialist vehicle experts, Road Rally Race of Paignton.
While at Road Rally Race the Virage received a new fuel tank sender, new injector seals, new plugs, new wiper switch, new gearbox oil and filter, new differential oil, new rear wheel bearings and even a new stereo. This was all on top of what the Aston Martin service schedule required.
Over its life, this Virage has benefitted from a radiator recore, specialist wheel polishing, a new limited-slip differential in 2008, and myriad maintenance works such as new oil seals, a new battery and every service item required.
The level of detail and dedication that has gone into this car’s uptake should be more than enough to inspire confidence. Combine this with the low mileage and you’re left with a car that, while some twenty-five years old, has many, many more years ahead of it.
The Paperwork
The car comes with a stack of receipts and paperwork to accompany the works carried out. All owners of this vehicle have treated it like the very special machine that it is.
The car also comes with the necessary manuals , owners book and V5c.
The Interior
Luxurious cream coloured leather with contrasting blue piping and thick blue carpets make the inside feel just as special as the outside looks.
Being a low mileage vehicle the interior is in fantastic condition with only the most minor of wear on the drivers side bolster which is common for such figure hugging thrones.
There is are no signs of sun damage to the dash which can be the case sometimes with convertibles and the electrically operated roof is without fault showing no rips or damage.
With the roof down and access to all that blue sky above, the roof has a matching leather tonneau cover that clips on when in the stowed position and this cover is also in fine condition.
The Exterior
Externally the Virage has such a wide stance, coupled with those huge OZ Split Rims (which have recently been refurbed), wide body kit and extra air vents and scoops the road presence of this vehicle is immense.
The deep blue paint is in lovely condition for a 26 year old car with only a few minor blemishes to note. There appears to be some corrosion to the wing mirror bases , a small patch around the number plate light mounting area and the odd stonechip.
The passenger side rear arch has a very small scratch. Pictured.
Overall the blue roof over blue paint , with cream interior and the huge shiny OZ wheels turn heads at every opportunity and really do set this car off and make it stand out in a crowd.
The Mechanics
Mechanically the car sounds well and if anything would benefit from being driven more regularly.
The 5.3 V8 makes a wonderful noise from the tailpipes and under the bonnet the engine bay is wonderfully original and very tidy, complete with the engine sound deadening still on the underside of the bonnet.
There are no signs of any issues under the bonnet and the car drives well backing up the history that this car has been treated very well indeed.
The engine itself still wears its charmingly aged build plaque with pride. In the case of this particular 5.3 quad-cam V8, assembly was completed by Ron Russell. The car is fitted with the automatic transmission.
The Appeal
If you are not reaching for your cheque book (are they still a thing? Other payment methods are available of course) by now then I’m not sure what your waiting for.
Let’s list the facts once more so its an easy summary,
Rare special edition wide bodied Aston Martin Virage Volante. 5.3 Litre V8 329BHP. Wide OZ deep dish split rims. Impeccable cream leather interior.
It has the looks and the power to turn the most fanatical of petrol head weak at the knees and then there’s its overall clean condition and low mileage which surely only adds to its appeal.
This car being how special it is, would suit a collection, for sure, but on the flip side it would be wonderful to see this beast unleashed and out there on British roads putting a massive smile on the new owners face and most definitely a smile on the face of anyone it passes as they watch is pass by.
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