Highlights
- One of just 26 right-hand drive 5.3-litre ‘Widebody’ Virage Volantes ever made
- 64,926 warranted miles
- Accompanied by a substantial history file including the original service book
- Brimming with project potential as a rare variant of the last truly hand-built Aston Martins
The Appeal
The hand-built Virage served as Aston Martin’s flagship for eleven years, showcasing the very best of Newport Pagnell’s craftsmanship. A convertible ‘Volante’ was also offered from 1992 until 1996, of which a select few were equipped with widened bodywork and a taller front air dam for a more purposeful stance. Just 26 right-hand drive, 5.3-litre ‘Widebody’ Virage Volantes were ever made and we’re delighted to offer this low mileage 1993 example.
With just 64,926 warranted miles and a substantial history, the vendor identified this example as a worthy candidate for recommissioning when they acquired it at auction. However, the project has since lost impetus, leaving it up to a new custodian to return this 5.3-litre British bruiser to the road. For those seeking this exceedingly rare car, this opportunity is not to be missed.
The History and Paperwork
- Original service book present
- Regular service stamps from 1994 to 2009
- Several old MOT certificates present along with the V5C
- Last MOT tested in 2013
- Substantial collection of invoices
- Five former keepers
- 64,926 warranted miles
After acquiring the car at auction as a project in need of some recommissioning, the vendor drove it the seventy miles home and booked it into Aston Workshop for total overview and replacement fuel pump which came to approximately £4,800. For further work, it was sent to another specialist where the car unfortunately suffered somewhat from standing outside for over a year. During this time, some rain entered through the quarter lights which don’t return after the roof is raised. It now requires recommissioning and would benefit from restoration work, which it undeniably deserves, being such a rare example of a truly magnificent car.
The Condition
- Rare and desirable ‘Widebody’ variant
- Factory-fitted OZ split-rim wheels in good order for tier age
- Red paintwork over Magnolia leather
- Straight original bodywork and underside
- Some bubbles and other signs of corrosion showing through the otherwise glossy red paint
- The roof looks in good order overall
- The rear quarter lights are currently lowered permanently
- The interior remains well preserved and devoid of heavy wear commensurate with the low mileage
- Some of the carpeting is mouldy and torn although much of it is salvageable
- Complete with the hood cover, scissor jack and a space-saver spare wheel
While it would benefit from some restoration this is a complete and sound example which has been cherished in the past. The bodywork and underside remain very straight and it’s clear from the glossy paint that it has been a pampered car over the years prior to its spell sat outside. There’s evidence of corrosion in various places, although nothing which appears excessive. We note that the underside still looks remarkably clean overall, with no obvious cause for concern upon initial inspection.
The same goes for the interior which will look much better for a clean and light recommissioning. Having covered so few miles, there’s no heavy wear to the controls or upholstery. Only the carpets seem to have suffered over time with the seats and woodwork still looking quite smart.
The Mechanics
- 5.3-litre V8 petrol engine with fuel injection
- Four-speed Tourqueflite automatic gearbox
- The vendor recommends that the petrol tank should be drained of any fuel and potential water condensation before an attempt is made to drive the car
- The engine ran well when the vendor purchased the car and a replacement fuel pump was fitted shortly afterwards at a cost of approximately £4,800
Contemporary reviewers were smitten with the Virage’s performance with Sports Car International stating that “Acceleration just never seems to run out” from its immensely powerful 5.3-litre V8.
This Volante was running and driving quite well when the vendor acquired it and since some mechanical recommissioning including the fittent of s new fuel pump was carried out. Having sat for some time outdoors, the vendor recommends that the petrol tank should be drained of any fuel and potential water condensation before an attempt is made to drive the car. All looks very well inside the engine compartment and the vendor believes little is needed mechanically before this Aston will be able to drive again.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
