1994 Aston Martin Virage Volante

• First registered to Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd
• Stunning colour combination and specification
• Present ownership since 2015
• Good service history
• Recently recommissioned

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 Automatic transmission was standard on the Volante, the original three-speeder being superseded in 1993 by a new four-speed dual-mode (normal/sport) unit.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.

An automatic transmission model, this Virage Volante Convertible was first registered on 10th February 1994 to Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd. The Volante originally carried the factory's famous 'AML 1' registration and, presumably, was retained as a demonstrator. It is certainly very well equipped, boasting air conditioning, climate control, cruise control, electric heated leather seats, power-assisted steering, power locks, power seats, tilt steering wheel and radio/CD stereo system.

Our vendor purchased the Volante at Bonhams' sale at Aston Martin Works Service, Newport Pagnell in May 2015. At that time the service booklet had been stamped nine times by Aston Martin Works Service and the odometer reading was only 26,000 miles. The Edinburgh Silver paintwork, Navy Blue leather upholstery and matching mohair convertible hood were all described as in good condition. The only notified departure from factory specification concerned the exhaust system, which had been upgraded by AML Ltd with a consequent power increase.

The car has recently benefited from extensive recommissioning by Richards of England Ltd to include refurbishment of the fuel system, brakes, vacuum and injector hoses, while the usual sticky Virage body decals have been replaced. In addition, four new tyres have been fitted and the car fully serviced and MoT'd (see bills on file totalling just over £14,000). An increasingly collectible classic, this handsome Virage Volante is sold with the valuable registration 'J900 AML'.