On 25 May 1935, Mortimer ‘Mort’ Morris-Goodall called the first meeting of the Aston Martin Owners Club. Sixty years later, on the Diamond Jubilee of that inaugural meeting, the marque teamed with famed jewellers Cartier to produce this one-of-a-kind Diamond Jubilee Virage Volante—offered for sale with jewels in excess of $1 million!
The Virage was the last of the handmade Aston Martins built before Ford’s ownership meant making significant changes to the production process. First offered in coupe form upon its debut in 1988, the new Virage was much more graceful and streamlined than its V8 predecessors. Remarkably modern-looking, the lines of the Virage were low and clean, and featured an all-aluminium hand-formed body. Despite being a large and heavy car, outfitted with Connolly leather, Wilton wool carpets, and wood trim, the 5.3-litre V-8 engine was equipped with Weber-Marelli fuel injection and a new cylinder head engineered by Callaway in Connecticut. With an output of 330 horsepower and 364 foot-pounds of torque, the Virage was much more than just a powerful gentleman’s express.
In 1992 Aston Martin updated the Virage by offering the open-topped Volante and the option of a 6.3-litre engine conversion, which included several body modifications. Many of the owners wished to receive the body upgrades but retain the 5.3-litre engine—chassis 60200, offered here, is one of these special ‘Cosmetic’ or ‘Wide Body’ Volantes. Visible are the enlarged wheel arches to hold the larger split-rim wheels, the larger front air dam, and revised sill covers. Chassis 60200, of course, also has the addition of the “Diamond Jubilee” badge displayed proudly on the boot—a reminder that this Virage is one of a kind.
Offered today from its first and only owner, still finished in its original colours of silver over black leather, and showing just under 3,500 miles from new, this is certainly the ultimate Virage for any dedicated Aston Martin Owners Club enthusiast.