2013 Aston Martin Virage Volante

In terms of automotive provenances, they don’t get much better than the one possessed by this fine Virage Volante. The Virage was sold to its first keeper, Mark, in May 2013 being registered for the first time at this point. The Volante was supplied by Stratstone Aston Martin of Derby and has, subsequently, only been maintained by Aston Martin dealers and remains in Mark’s ownership. To date this sublime Volante has covered just 27,605 miles.

As already mentioned, this Volante is drawn from just 81 British market specification Virage Volantes built. A remarkable figure…..but it gets better. Imagine a funnel containing those 81 Virage Volantes. Selecting those finished in Quantum Silver, as this one is, would cause 41 cars to drop through. Then select this car’s all-Obsidian Black interior with Galena Silver welt and 21 of that 41 would proceed. Then select this car’s combination of silver contrast thread, black hood and Tailors Grey Rokona headlining and you would be left with just two cars. One of which is this one.

A true, one owner, 27,605 mile Virage Volante in a specification shared with just one other car. Now that is rare!

When the 2008, the 22nd Bond film was released – The Quantum of Solace – the Aston Martin DBS featured was finished in a “Prototype – Bond 22” livery. Subsequent to the film’s release the colour was christened “Quantum Silver” in tribute to it. This Virage Volante is finished in gleaming Quantum Silver and showcases the shade’s iridescent qualities very well, particularly around those muscular rear haunches.

It's a compelling looking car, sinuous and brutish, but at the same time sophisticated and politely understated. It could almost be an automotive representation of the sixth actor to officially play Bond – Mr Daniel Craig. The black hood works especially well in subtle contrast to the bodywork and complete, we must assume, with its layer of inner Thinsulate material which was added specifically for the Virage Volante.

Given this Volante’s charmed life to date with its low mileage and diligent ownership, it’s a case of “nothing to see here” in terms of faults or imperfections. Both that beguiling paintwork and the exquisite, extruded aluminium, composite and magnesium alloy bodywork serve to underscore the remarkable condition of what is now a 12 year old car.

This Virage is hunkered down on forged aluminium 10 spoke wheels which are diamond turned with an accompanying graphite painted finish. These are 8.5J x 20 inch items to the front and 11J x 20 inch at the rear. These immaculately presented wheels are shod in factory specified Pirelli P-Zero tyres in a 295/30 configuration at the rear and 245/35 configuration at the front.

The architecture of the wheels allows a glimpse of the red, enamelled callipers and military-grade drilled and vented discs. It has been confirmed that the wheels will be fully refurbished before sale.

Our car’s cabin is sumptuously finished in semi aniline leather in Obsidian Black. Belying the car’s age and much like the exterior treatment of the car, everything in here seems surprisingly contemporary. Of course, pristine but also luxurious yet sporting in equal measure.

The high-backed sports seats feature embroidered Aston Martin motifs, and a stitched “hourglass” design adds interest and contrast. As you would expect from such a premium offering the seats are 10 way electrically adjusted and feature a three-position memory function and multi-stage heating. All Virages were produced in a 2+2 configuration with the rear seats present, but best reserved for toddlers, canine friends or luggage overspill.

The ZF produced “Touchtronic 2” semi-automatic transmission is operated by a series of buttons mounted on the centre console. The etched glass “ECU” (Emotional Control Unit – Aston’s slightly Roger Moore-esque acronym) sits at the centre of this array. Magnesium steering wheel mounted gear change paddles provide manual control of the six-speed transmission if and when required. Another key feature is the Bang & Olufsen Beo Sound audio system with a whopping 974W power output. Practical features include satellite navigation, cruise control and a heated front screen.

A decently sized and shaped boot – for a supercar – is present and is nicely fitted with obligatory warning triangle and large, stowed, umbrella.

Our Virage is fitted with the muscular 5.9 litre, AM11, V12 engine - a fourth-generation iteration of the Vanquish engine and originally rated at 490 bhp in this configuration. Perhaps more significant was the 420 lb-ft of torque with over 80% of it available from just a leisurely 1,500 rpm. This output served to give the Virage close to a 300 bhp/tonne power to weight ratio, good for a 0-60 mph time in the high fours and a 180+ mph top speed. The power is delivered to the rear wheels via a six-speed ZF 6HP26 automatic gearbox which is engaged via dash buttons but can be manually overridden if required via steering wheel mounted paddles.

From a mechanical perspective, of course, this car is essentially a nicely run-in example and so should be considered in prime mechanical condition throughout. The car has enjoyed a regular and diligent dealer based service history regardless of its modest use.

Lifting the lightweight bonnet reveals a surprisingly well organised and aesthetically pleasing sight. A fair proportion of the engine is covered up, but even these covers seem designed to convey the muscularity of what lies beneath them. The underside of the Virage is mostly obscured by covers, fairings and acoustic matting. What can be seen appears totally commensurate with this car’s extremely moderate use.

The Aston Martin’s V5 Registration Document is on hand confirming Mark as the first and only keeper to date. A valid, advisory free MoT is in place until May 2025.

The impressively leather bound, and padded owner’s manual is present in its signature long and thin landscape orientation. This also contains the car’s impressive service record. This consists of service stamps from Aston Martin dealers only and covers mileages from 4,496 to 27,440 – the latter a mere 165 miles ago.

It is noted that an Aston Martin car cover and trickle charger are also included in the sale.

The idea of the re-emergence of the Virage was a sound one. The only problem was that it was so good, so powerful, so comfortable that it rendered its stable mates as somewhat irrelevant. The price difference, in Aston Martin terms, was negligible and so it was perhaps no surprise when the Virage was adopted as a better DB9. It’s the rarity factor, of course, that does really set these cars apart, of course.

In terms of this car’s rarity quotient, there can’t be many 2013 cars that can match it at any price. It’s not just that confirmed “one of two” specification that makes it so special. Once you add in the single ownership to date, the trifling mileage and the full Aston Martin service history, you have got a very special Aston Martin indeed.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £55,000 - £65,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.