ASTON MARTIN V8 Vantage Volante LWB 1998-2000 Photos, engines & full specs

The V8 Vantage Volante LWB was the longest and heaviest Aston Martin built to that date, and it was the most practical continental touring car.

Aston Martin introduced the long-wheelbase version of its V8 Vantage convertible at the 1997 London Motor Show. Since it was more expensive than a Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph, there were only 63 customers for it. That made it a scarce vehicle. It was also the last car built at Newport Pagnell, the former home of Aston Martin.

The British carmaker tried to make a vehicle suitable for long trips with four adults onboard by enlarging the standard wheelbase from a V8 Vantage Volante with 200 mm (7.9"). It kept the front fascia with its triple-headlamps under a clear cover and the same silver mesh-grille from its standard wheelbase version. The design team installed an air-vent behind the front fenders, which extracted the air trapped in the wheel-well. Thanks to its longer wheelbase, the carmaker could move the rear seats backward, and thus it added significant legroom for the backseat passengers. In the rear, the carmaker installed round taillights, with big turn-signals on the outer side. The reversing light was installed very low into the skirt. A power-operated double-lined roof ensured a quiet ride and good thermal comfort.

Inside, Aston Martin didn't spare a dime to make one of its most luxurious cabins ever. Wood-trims accompanied the Connely leather-wrapped seats and door panels. The only plastic parts were for the buttons and a few switches.

Under the hood, Aston Martin installed a supercharged V8 paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission provided by Chrysler.