Recalling the early '90s Virage, my V8 Vantage hatchback is a slightly glam edition of a modern classic.
"Fill 'er Up" takes on all new meaning when your DBS Longroof opens its rear hatch and tailgate.
C H O P S — Keeping with the recent Aston Martin posts, I thought I'd post a couple of Aston chops, one new and one from the Artandcolour archives.
The V8 Vantage Virage edition, top, debuts the fastback hatchback bodystyle for AM. I've added a slight amount of bright trim to the sides and taillamps, and blacked out the roof, in addition to the extended greenhouse. The Virage was Aston's performance coupe in the early 1990s, and kept AM's name alive during some very lean years. This special edition pays homage to that history.
The Balmoral Green Shooting Brake Longroof example in the lower photo would give Aston a factory competitor in a tiny niche segment in which bespoke car companies have long held court. Aston Martins have been made into sporting wagons for decades, some very good looking, others not quite so successful at blending high-performance with extra luggage capability. My Longroof DBS would open up the luggage area making it easier to carry the fitted polished carbon-fiber luggage that would be standard on this über wagonette. With careful aero-tuning, the Longroof just might be more aerodynamic than the coupe, wagons being inherently better at keeping the airflow attached, resulting in an even higher top speed. When "M" is calling and you're a couple of countries away from London entertaining your latest shagalicious conquest, more top speed is just what "Q" ordered.
I think perhaps a proper Rapide 4 door wagon might be needed next.
The Shooting Breaks were rare and mostly for equestrian folks who were to lazy to take the Bentley out on a Sunday morning. The DBS version does looks very classy. The only car within reach for most and in current production is the Volvo C30. The updated one is even more remarkable.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, here is a cool pic of a fake AM Shooting Break I googled on line. http://www.iggyswebsite.com/
GOOD MORNING, SUN SHINNINGAND THE SOUND OF A TRAIN WHISTLE OFF IN THE DISTANCE. I LOVE THAT SOUND. CAR HORNS, NOT SO MUCH. IT TELLS ME THAT THE PERSON IS IN A BIG HURRY. I DON'T HURRY FOR ANYTHING ANYMORE. I'VE LEARNED TO STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES. NOW I CAN JUST TURN ON THE COMPUTER AND WAIT FOR CASEY TO POST THEM HERE. ALL I HAVE TO DO IS SPRAY PERFUME IN THE AIR AND I CAN PRETEND I'M WALKING IN HIS FLOWER GARDEN. DO YOU WANT TO COME ALONG? AGAIN I DON'T HAVE ANY CAR COMMENT ECEPT THAT I LIKE THE PICTURES OF THE CARS.
ReplyDeleteGRANNY
I love the Longroof, Casey. I can just see Daniel Craig blasting across the Continent and rolling onto the vehicle transporter for the trip under the Channel.
ReplyDeleteMusn't keep Judi Dench waiting.
Good Morning All. It's overcast today, maybe some rain on the way? I'm curling up on the couch with my Gold Plated Porsche...
ReplyDeleteOH MY GOSH!! The red car is DIVINE!!!
ReplyDeletemare
Wow!
ReplyDeleteAll these Aston Martin things are overwhelming!!
The Longroof is spectacular! I recall a DB6 I think that was made into a shooting break (so-called because you could climb into it and take a break while you were out shooting -- in the Dalton-Watson volume Royal Daimler there is a picture of a Daimlar shooting break belonging to King George VI.
The DB6 version was very well done. I also recall a later version built from a Virage that was not as successful.
I think A-M is really on a roll these days -- the Rapide is pretty stunning as are the convertibles. There's a current model convertible I see in the Times Square area and it always gets my attention -- there's just something about them.
You are very lucky to have met a A-M salesman who was so generous with his materials. I'm jealous!!!
Paul, New York City
I don't think I've ever seen an actual AM! I have seen Rolls Royces and at least one of most other cars, I think. I know I will never ride in either. I'm lucky to have the Beemer I have, and it's 16 years old now. LOL Wish me luck still being able to get in and out of it when I'm 80! I don't want another car! LOL
ReplyDeleteCasey, I think you did an outstanding job on both of these cars ! As much as I have always loved the "Shooting brake" bodystyle, and your Longroof in particular, I'm drawn to the hatchback - and I HATE red cars ! You REALLY nailed this one !
ReplyDeleteA proper Rapide wagon would be very nice, but I think you're needed for the Aston Cygnet project. Even if it's just to say "No way."
ReplyDeleteoh, I think the Cygnet is cute! just think of it as the little tender bringing you to your yacht! you could take your DB9 to Monaco, leave the big car in your heated garage next to the Mediterranean, and then take the Cygnet into the city for a night at the casino... and if you lose the keys to your car in a game of baccarat, you haven't lost that much! : )
ReplyDeletegives me an idea for a chop though. ideas are building up in my queu!
Sweet cars, both of them. What's wrong with having some luggage space for the weekend with your significant other?
ReplyDeleteI just realize I never did that Rapide wagon.... my list grows longer as my time grows shorter, lol.
ReplyDelete