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As sure as night follows day, the Virage coupe was soon followed by a convertible Volante
version.
Unveiled at the British International Motor Show in October 1990, the car was unusual in being only a two
seater, with a luggage shelf behind the occupants. Interestingly, only a
few months later in March 1991, at the Frankfurt Motor show, the revised 2+2
Volante was unveiled although rear accommodation was somewhat cramped.
This rare car (above), the second factory development Virage Volante, DP2054/2,
was on sale at the AM/Bonham's auction in May 2004, although it failed to
reach it's reserve. Since the first prototype DP2054/1 was crash
tested, this makes this car the oldest Virage Volante in existence. This
particular car was used by the AM Engineering Department and became part
of
the development programme. Although initially constricted as a two seater,
this car was comprehensively rebuilt at Works Service, and is now has the
standard 2+2 accommodation. The blueprinted high-performance engine was especially built
by Works Service and is claimed to offer 6.3 performance from 5.3 litres
capacity. In addition,
much of the running gear is similar to that of the 6.3. Like later
Volantes, the car now has front wing vents, later walnut veneer instruments
surround, air-bagged
steering wheel and the larger 17 inch wheels.
I believe that the two seater DP2054/3 (below shown in
1992 press pictures) is still in existence retaining it's
red coachwork and black leather. |
