The Volante had been the big seller of the previous generation of AM V8s, so the only surprise was that it took Aston Martin more than two years from the Virage Coupé's introduction to come up with a soft top sister.

The production Virage Volante debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1991, a prototype having been displayed at Birmingham's NEC the previous October.

Weighing in at over two tons, the open Volante was even heavier than the closed coupé, itself no lightweight.

This increase in weight is accounted for by considerable body strengthening to compensate for the absent roof, plus the extra complication of the power-operated convertible hood.

Electrically powered, the latter was beautifully made and incorporated a glass rear window, complete with heated de-misting elements.

Mechanically, the Volante remained much the same as its closed cousin, though with a slightly lower final drive.

Top speed was slightly reduced also, to a still outstanding 150mph.

Automatic transmi...