Aston Martin V8 Volante LWB (1997-1999 )

The long chassis V8 Volante is perhaps the most elegant Aston Martin V8 ever. It is also the longest production Aston until the introduction of the Rapide in 2010 but is without doubt, the heaviest. It was unveiled at the 1997 London Motor Show and has a unique wheelbase not shared with any other model. It was also the last production Volante ever made at Newport Pagnell. The V8 Volante shares it's styling and mechanicals with the V8 Coupe which was introduced the previous year. It was a little late in appearing as the car it replaced, the Virage Volante, was a little slow at selling through at the dealers.

A long chassis version of the Volante had been considered at the factory as far back as 1992. On a visit to the Aston Martin Heritage Trust archive, I discovered a drawing of a long chassis Virage Volante that was considered but never produced
Although a heavy car, tipping the scales at 2050kg empty, the car is capable of a maximum speed in excess of 150mph, with 60mph coming from rest in 6.5 seconds. Power is provided by a 354bhp V8 engine, still displacing 5340cc and virtually identical to that used in the V8 Coupe. It was only ever available with automatic transmission, a four speed version of the classic Chrysler Torqueflite with a lock-up torque converter and switchable sport mode.

The elegant Volante is far roomier for rear seat passengers with an additional 200mm of leg room over the Virage Volante 2+2. This makes it an ideal Aston for families as average sized people can be very comfortable in the back. The extra lag room and additional luggage capacity has been achieved by increasing the wheelbase by 200mm. The interior of this most elegant of coachbuilt Astons, as ever, is a symphony of Connolly leather, walnut veneer, wall to wall Wilton and cold chrome. Thinking about it, the long chassis is the last Aston ever to feature masses of polished walnut veneer. The shape of the instrument panel became more rounded over the centre console; it was similar to the Vantage in overall shape, but with the incidental dials arraigned in a 2 + 2 fashion. Also two DIN slots were provided for a tape player linked to a CD multi-changer hidden in the dashboard and also an optional sat-nav system with flip out screen

The double lined roof is of course fully electric and operates completely automatically with no levers or catches to unfasten. When folded, it stands quite proud of the boot lid and can be covered by a leather tonneau cover. The UK list price without extras but including VAT was a huge £169,500. With such a high price it's not surprising that a mere 63 examples were constructed, most were sold outside of the UK. Cars such as the long chassis Volante will never be built again by Aston Martin; a very rare car and desirable future classic without doubt.

Volante AMOC Diamond Jubilee

Vantage Prototype DP2055