• Rare dealer option number plates (AML)
• One of 233 built between 92 and 96
• Comprehensive engine re-build.

The convertible version of the Virage called the Virage Volante hit show rooms in 1992 having been debuted at various motor shows the 3 previous years.

The Virage Volante had the improved four-speed and overdrive Torqueflite automatic and a power output of 359 PS (264 kW; 354 hp), which is not to be sniffed at.

Later they brought out a “works service” version with a wider bodykit and uprated engine producing 456 BHP.

Aston Martin Enthusiast Prince Charles chose to go with the understated body kit option but the bigger engine in his specced Virage.

This particular car was sold to its first owner in 1993 for £142,000! – there is a copy of the original sales invoice stapled to the inside front page of the owner’s handbook supplied with the car. It was specified with the very rare dealer option of AML registration plates which is a nice touch.

The car has had 4 owners in total in its 28 years and has been well cared for. This is backed up by the extensive invoices present in the history file. 

The current owner purchased the car in February 2013 and although he has enjoyed it very much he's now finding that other commitments are taking up his time meaning the the Aston is simply not seeing the use it deserves hence its sale.

Present with the vehicle are the V5C, the original bill of sale and a number of invoices receipts for all works carried out throughout its life, always at Aston Martin Specialists or dealerships.

There are also detailed step by step pics of the engine rebuild and other parts of restoration by previous owners.

Also included are the owners handbook and manuals.

The tan interior with matching green carpets and virtually unmarked wood is a lovely contrast to the classic Aston Racing Green of the exterior and it compliments it perfectly.

The interior on a whole is a lovely place to be and is in fantastic condition for its age, with the majority of electrical equipment working as it should do. The driver's seat has minimal wear to the bolster.

The areas that still require attention are:

- Speedometer which operates but has stopped recording mileage in the past year

- N/S/R window which is inoperative, however the motor still works and the hood operates as it should do

- Both front windows are slow in operation and will require new window rubbers to rectify this

- In addition, the passenger door rubber will require replacement due to it degrading overtime (common issue with this era of Aston Martin)

In the boot, a pleasant surprise, and what every classic car enthusiast likes to find there: the complete original toolkit. Along with a first aid box.

Moving on to the bodywork, the car is finished in Aston Racing Green which still has a deep lustre to it despite having been resprayed some years ago in 2003.

There are a couple of minor scuff marks as to be expected with car of this age: there is a localised section of corrosion to the bottom of the N/S/F wing, one small dent on the N/S/R wing (just above the wheel arch), some laquer damage to the rear passenger side bumper corner and a number of stonechips present across the car.

All four wheels are in good condition and sit on near new tyres that have only covered around 1500/2000 miles. 

As can be seen in one of the photos the hood has suffered a small hole (the size of a 20p coin) on the O/S.

The seller tells us the bodywork is in really good condition for its age, but would benefit from a good detail. He wanted to do it, but just like he wanted to enjoy driving it, he just hasn't had the time.

Mechanically the car drives really well and has benefited greatly from the work carried out over the past 8 years. The engine has plenty of torque, and equally the brakes pull the car to a stop in straight line with minimal effort. 

Prior to the first lockdown the seller used the car to do 300 miles in one week and it performed faultlessly, the true nature of a grand tourer. 

Under a previous owner the car saw regular work being undertaken at Newport Pagnell, a full respray being carried out in 2003 by Aston Martin and this is all strengthened by a full Aston Martin service History – either main dealer or specialist. 

Prior to the current owners purchase in 2013, the car underwent a £24,000 engine rebuild by Oselli, Since then, the car has only travelled approximately 1000 miles.

In addition to the engine rebuild, since 2013 the current owner has had additional engineering work carried out. All of which has been undertaken by an ex-Aston Martin mechanic – Classic and Iconic Limited. An overview of the main work is as follows:

- Replacement gearbox intercooler and pipework.

- Professionally re-cored radiator and replacement thermostatic fan switches. 

- Brand new OEM fuel pump with the additional work of cleaning the fuel tank, swirl pots and all other associated pipework.

- Full brake overhaul with discs and pads fully refurbished and all brake fluid replaced (2013 and 2020).

- Front floor pans welded and new sound deadening/insulation fitted.

- Catalytic converter replaced and supporting cage repaired due to previous damage.

- General servicing 

Since when does any Aston Martin not appeal ? ok maybe the 1980s Lagonda was a bit of a detachment from an otherwise stunning line up but the Virage Volante before you here is much prettier than that.

It has presence, it has a stance about it that even for a convertible shows intent. Its wide , its luxurious , it sounds wonderful and it will just as easily have you sawing away at the wheel in the twisties as it would wafting you across Europe in a GT Dash.

This particular model is no concourse show queen, it has been used and enjoyed, just as a car like this should be. Sure there are a few blemishes here and there that may need attention but it's far away from patina and let's face it, we all have a few blemishes don’t we?

It’s a hell of a lot of car and if you fancy owning something which is quite unique on today's roads it could well be the one for you.