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We shouldn’t even be showing you this top-secret Aston Martin

This Aston Martin Virage Volante is one of only 24 cars with both a works-engine upgrade from 5.3 to 6.3 liter and a wide body kit to handle the massive power increase to 465 PS. Furthermore, research suggests that it is also the only LHD-Virage 6.3 Wide Body equipped with a manual transmission.

When the Aston Martin Virage and its open-top Volante counterpart debuted at the close of the 1980s, they signaled a significant leap in performance over the outgoing V8 models. The secret ingredient was Tadek Marek's robust 5.3-liter V8, which thanks to Callaway-designed cylinder heads and Weber-Marelli fuel injection pumped out 335 PS. For customers who still demanded more, Aston Martin's Works Service division offered an extraordinary factory-developed upgrade program. On top of that was an enlarged 6.3-liter-V8, derived from the Group C racing car, that delivered 465 PS. To handle this monstrous power increase, Aston fitted the car with wider bodywork, a revised suspension, larger 18-inch wheels and ventilated AP Racing disc brakes. This Virage Volante was originally built as a left-hand drive for its then German owner. It got its 6.3-liter-conversion in 1997, accompanied by the wide body installation and a re-spray in Porsche Midnight Blue. A package that elevates this only left-hand drive Virage with a manual transmission from an already exclusive Aston Martin to a truly one-off.

 

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