Aston Martin Virage Volante LWB Convertible, 1998
Aston Martin Virage I
Aston Martin Virage I•
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Chassis No.: SCFDAM2C0WBL89024
€78,200 EUR | Sold
- One of only 17 left-hand drive Virage Volante LWB models
- One of the rarest of post-war Aston Martins
- Manual transmission
- Requires recommissioning
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Automatic transmission was standard on the Volante, the original three-speeder being superseded in 1993 by a new four-speed dual-mode (normal/sport) unit.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.
Premiered at the London Motor Show in October 1998, the long-wheelbase Volante convertible is one of the most elegant of modern day Aston Martins. Built on a wheelbase not shared with any other V8 Aston, this longer Volante benefited from a 200mm stretch that increased rear passenger legroom and luggage space. The last production Volantes built at Newport Pagnell, these cars came with a quoted 354bhp on tap; the factory claimed a 0-60mph time of 6.2 seconds and a top speed of over 150mph, making the LWB Volante one of the world's fastest soft-tops.
Given the £169,500 asking price, it is perhaps not surprising that by the time production of Aston Martin's long-running V8 ceased in 2000, only 64 of these exclusive, last-of-the-line Volantes had been built compared with 234 of the standard shorter-wheelbase version. Oy 17 LWB Volantes were left-hand drive.
The current vendor purchased this Volante from Michael Brinkert in September 2007. In the intervening 16 years the car has been kept in dry storage. Copies of the purchase invoice and an old French Carte Grise are on file. Recommissioning will be required before this most aristocratic of convertibles returns to the road.
Please note that if this vehicle remains in Belgium, it will be subject to Import Duty at 10% (+VAT) and 21% Import VAT on the hammer price. Import rates to other EU Country's may vary for VAT rate and an administration fee will be charged to prepare the necessary customs clearances with the Bonhams Customs Agents. Please note that if you purchase as an EU Company, the VAT amount will be calculated based on your registered countries rate. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.
Please note that this vehicle is not offered with any original registration documents, bidders should satisfy themselves as to registration requirements in their own jurisdiction. Please contact the department for further information.
Стоимость
331 578 AED
