1993 Aston Martin Virage Convertible

At the Birmingham Motor Show in 1988, Aston Martin introduced the replacement for the long-running V-8 models, and the Vantage V-8 in particular. It was called the Virage and its body was hand-formed in aluminum. It was graceful and less angular than the prior design of its predecessors and thoroughly modern. It was more powerful, with 330 horsepower from the 5.3-liter engine which was now equipped with Weber-Marelli fuel injection and a new head featuring four valves per cylinder engineered by performance specialists Callaway in Connecticut.

The Virages first appeared in the United States in the summer of 1990. Two years later, they were joined by the cabriolet Volante versions which was soon followed by a Vantage edition. The Aston Martin Virage Volante gave its customers the option of a 6.3-liter engine, available for both the Virage coupe and Volante.

The Volante was mechanically similar to its closed cousin, though with slightly lower final drive gearing to aid acceleration through the gears. An automatic transmission was standard on the Volante. The original three-speed unit was superseded in 1993 by a new four-speed dual-model (normal/sport) unit. A five-speed manual gearbox was available as optional equipment.

Aston Martin offered their existing customers the 6.3-liter conversion for the 5,340cc V8-engined Virage and Virage Volante that had been developed by RS Williams. This work included enlarged wheel arches, bigger air dam, and revised sill covers. This wide body design was produced by the factory itself during production, which allowed customers a chance to retain their original 5.3-liter engine but modify the body of their Virage to appear as the 6.3.

When the '6.3' was first released, it offered 456 horsepower and 460 foot-lbs of torque. Zero-to-sixty mph was achieved in 5.5 seconds and had a top speed of 174 mph - depending on the axle ratio. This boost in power required serious chassis modifications along with other improvements. The 6.3 was given a sports suspension, 18-inch diameter alloy wheels shod with Goodyear 285/45ZR18 tyres, and double vented and cross-drilled 14-inch front disc brakes.

These were exclusive automobiles due to the low production numbers and steep price tags. The Virage was the most luxurious Aston Martin produced to date, highlighted by the hand-stitched leather cosseting in the interior. There was mirrored walnut veneers, suede sun visors, and a pleated suede headliner. Other luxury amenities included the onboard computer, power memory seats, and passive restraint.

This particular Aston Martin Virage Volante 'Wide-Body' example is a very rare sight, as it may have been the only one '6.3' sold to North America. Its construction was completed in March of 1993 and was subsequently titled in Florida in March of 1993. It is one of only 20 Virage Volantes built to U.S. specification. It is finished in its original colors of Winchester Blue paint over blue leather, with a dark blue soft fabric hood. Currently, it has just 7,160 miles on its odometer.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2018