1999 Aston Martin V8 Volante LWB
Chassis no. SCFDAM2C8WBL89031

'Beautiful hand-built craftsmanship abounds in this most aristocratic of convertibles.' - Fast Lane.

Premiered at the London Motor Show in October 1998 was one of the most elegant of modern day Aston Martins: the long-wheelbase Volante convertible. Built on a wheelbase not shared with any other V8 Aston, this longer version of the Volante benefited from a 200mm stretch that increased rear passenger leg room and luggage space, and was built to the improved specification of the V8 Coupe that had replaced the Virage as the 'standard' model.

Introduced at the Geneva Salon in March 1996, the new V8 Coupe adopted all of the high-performance Vantage's muscular styling cues but retained the normally aspirated, 5.3-litre engine. The latter boasted revised cylinder heads, camshafts, pistons and an improved 'Alpha Plus' electronic engine management system, all of which boosted maximum power by 24bhp over the earlier Virage unit.

Short-wheelbase Volante convertibles were built to the V8 Coupe's improved specification prior to the introduction of the long-wheelbase version, which has the distinction of being the last production Volante built at Newport Pagnell. Four-speed automatic transmission (with 'sport' and 'touring' modes), anti-lock brakes and speed-sensitive power assisted steering were standard on the LWB Volante. With a quoted 354bhp on tap, it was one of the world's fastest soft-tops; the factory's claimed performance figures being a 0-100km/h time of 6.4 seconds and a top speed of over 240km/h.

As well as the 200mm of increased legroom, the LWB Volante's rear passengers enjoyed 20mm of extra shoulder width, making the car one of the roomiest in its class and ideal for growing families. Needless to say, the luxurious interior was trimmed in the best traditions of Aston Martin coachbuilding, featuring Connolly leather upholstery, burr walnut veneer, Wilton carpeting, and chromed fittings. There was also a state-of-the-art stereo system and the option of satellite navigation, while air conditioning, air bags, 'memory' seats, and a fully automatic electrically powered hood were all included for the at-launch £169,500 asking price. Given the latter, it is perhaps not surprising that by the time production of Aston Martin's long running V8 finally ceased in 2000, only 64 of these exclusive, last-of-the-line LWB Volantes had been built compared with 101 V8 Coupes.

This left-hand drive, automatic transmission LWB Volante was purchased in Germany by the current vendor from its third owner in 2014. The Aston had first been registered in Spain and the vendor was able to reregister it there with the original registration number. The second owner was from Zurich, so this car has the advantage of being able to be registered free of charge, either in Europe or in Switzerland. Copies of all registration documents are available.

The Volante has seen very little use during its seven years with the vendor, the odometer reading increasing from 32,221 kilometres at time purchase to 35,700 kilometres today. The Aston was transported by truck from Lausanne to Sotogrande, Spain in 2014 and again in June 2021 by truck to Aston Riviera in Lausanne, who have just completed a mechanical overhaul so that it is in full working order. They carried out a comprehensive check-up including the following as confirmed by the director of Aston Riviera in Lausanne just before going to print:
• Removed timing chains cover, renewed timing chain guides, adjusters & tensioners, cleaned and refitted with new bearings and various seals & gaskets. Recharged air conditioning.
• Adjusted potentiometers and renewed various vacuum hoses, coolant hose on expansion tank.
• Renewed battery, trunk lid struts and ball joint dust cover, front suspension drop links and rear bump stops.
• Repaired fuel gauge in tank, left hand rear window and interior courtesy light.

Worthy of the closest inspection, this is a rare modern convertible Aston Martin, ready for immediate summer use and well on the way to collectible classic status.