Soon after the coupe was in full production it was joined by the convertible Volante version, initially shown with just two seats it was soon developed to carry four people in comfort. Finally, the mighty Vantage was unveiled  in the Autumn of 1992; almost all of the panels were changed to create the most muscular Aston ever. The V8 was developed to produce a almost unbelievable 550 bhp assisted by twin Eaton superchargers. 

Gradually the Virage was phased out and the standard car was restyled with many styling cues from the Vantage and called simply the V8 coupe. Later, the Volante also received the six headlights and 'Jaffa' grapefruit tail lights of the Vantage and had it's wheelbase lengthened to give more space for the rear seat passengers.

Works Service during the 1990's offered optional enhancement packages for the V8's. These have ranged from wide bodies, 6.3 litre engine conversions and on to full shooting brakes and the ultimate 600bhp V600  package for the Vantage. 

The final version of the Virage, the V8 Vantage Le Mans, was made to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the famous Aston Martin victory at Le Mans in 1959. Production was limited to just 40 cars. But even this was not quite the end; just 8 Vantage Volante's, built on the short wheelbase chassis were completed in November 2000. These are now considered the pinnacle of coachbuilt V8 production.

Back on the other side of Tickford Street, Works Service were also busy building cars too in almost total secrecy. Only recently have AM even hinted at such special coachbuilt cars built at huge expense for extremely wealthy Royalty and Heads of State. The full story will be told shortly in a new book, but I can at last reveal the names of the cars and give a general description. Just remember to ask Santa for a copy of Aston Martin: Power, Beauty and Soul for your Christmas stocking.