Description
UTAC | Millbrook, Bedford
Viewing: Tues 24th June from 12pm
Auction: Wed 25th June from 9am
Location: Millbrook Proving Ground, Station Lane, Bedford MK45 2JQ
1997 Aston Martin Virage Volante 'Wide-Body'
Just 25, 000 miles from new
Estimate
£58, 000 - £64, 000
Registration No: P521 JNN
Chassis No: SCFDAM2C8TBR69228
MOT: February 2026
1 of only 26 right-hand drive 5. 3-litre Virage Volantes built by the factory with the optional wide bodywork
Warranted just 25, 000 miles from new
Lavished with over £21, 000 of recommissioning by R. S. Williams in January 2022
High specification for a car of this age with heated electric seats, fully adjustable steering column, electric mirrors and an Alpine Hifi system with CD facility
Offered with a large history file including comprehensive service history in the stamped service book, illustrating servicing from Aston Martin agents
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 Automatic transmission was standard on the Volante, the original 3-speeder being superseded in 1993 by a new 4-speed dual-mode (normal/ sport) unit as featured on this particular car.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, focused suspension and brakes, so the factory developed an option, known internally as 'Cosmetic Wide-body', 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.
More information following shortly.
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Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
