1994 Aston Martin Virage Volante Convertible
Registration no. J900 AML
Chassis no. to be advised
Engine no. 89/60135A

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 Automatic transmission was standard on the Volante, the original three-speeder being superseded in 1993 by a new four-speed dual-mode (normal/sport) unit.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 with showings at all their major shows that year. 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. The service booklet has been stamped nine times by Aston Martin Works Service and the current odometer reading is only 26,000 miles. The last 3 years of servicing have been carried out by Goldsmith & Young and AML Ltd. The Edinburgh Silver paintwork, Navy Blue leather upholstery and matching mohair convertible hood are all described as in good excellent condition, and there can be few better Virage Volantes currently available than this well cared for and sparingly used example. Sold with the valuable registration 'J900 AML', this increasingly collectible classic is offered with the aforementioned service history, sundry bills, old-style logbook, V5 registration document and fresh MoT. The only notified departure from factory specification concerns the exhaust system, which was upgraded recently by AML Ltd. with consequent power increase.