1997 Aston Martin Virage 6.3 Volante Wide Body

Chassis No. SCFDAM2C4RBL60131

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 was now enhanced with Callaway-designed cylinder heads and Weber-Marelli fuel injection to produce 335 PS. In their initial test of the Virage, Sports Car International aptly described the engine as “eager and high-revving,” further remarking that “acceleration never seems to run out.” For customers who still demanded more, Aston Martin's Works Service division answered the call in January 1992 with an extraordinary factory-developed upgrade program. This suite of enhancements was headlined by an enlarged 6.3-liter engine, derived from the AMR1 Group C racing car, that delivered a monumental power increase to 465 PS and transformed the already capable Virage into one of the fastest hand-built grand tourers of its era.

To handle this monstrous power increase, Aston fitted the 6.3 Virage with wider bodywork and a revised suspension. Larger 18-inch OZ wheels housed 14-inch ventilated AP Racing disc brakes-the largest on a production car until the arrival of the Bentley Continental GT in 2003. During the bespoke conversion process, the customer could also request a new exterior finish for their Virage. With a cost over £50,000 (more than €100.000 with today's exchange rates), the 6.3-liter conversion is exceptionally rare with just 24 Virage Volantes receiving both the engine upgrade and wide body kit.

According to its Aston Martin Lagonda Technical Specification/Data Sheet, this Virage Volante was originally built as a left-hand drive example in January 1994 and delivered locally in Long Stratton, England. In 1997 the Virage returned to Aston Martin Works Service for its 6.3-liter conversion and wide body installation. Invoices from Stratton Motor Company-the dealership of origin and one of the oldest Aston Martin dealers in the world-meticulously detail the work performed, which also included a re-spray in Porsche Midnight Blue combined with a Dark Blue Mohair soft top. This was married to Parchment leather upholstery and Alcantara headlining, along with Dark Blue carpeting. Furthermore, given the owner was living in Bad Homburg at that time, the car was reconfigured to German market specification. Research suggests that this example is the only left-hand drive Virage 6.3 Volante Wide Body equipped with a manual transmission-a notable distinction that elevates it from an already exclusive Aston Martin to a truly one-of-one specification.

Multiple services are recorded in its stamped maintenance book and in invoices through 2015, when the car was located in Belgium and serviced by Aston Martin heritage dealer Noble House Classics in the Netherlands. The Virage was sold to a Dutch collector in 2022 before it was acquired by the French consignor this past April. It is offered now with its Virage 6.3 Owner's Handbook, stamped service book, and an extensive history file tracing a sizable portion of its ownership trail. Included are original ownership documents such as its Aston Martin Lagonda Warranty Card and certificate of ownership, invoices from Aston Martin Lagonda, and a comprehensive collection of registration records documenting its subsequent ownership and maintenance history.

Boasting a one-of-a-kind specification and exemplary provenance in addition to its coveted factory Works Service enhancements, this 1997 Aston Martin Virage 6.3 Volante Wide Body is worthy of induction into the most extraordinary collections of fine hand-built motorcars from Newport Pagnell and other exclusive British grand tourers.