This September, Aston Martin turned the lens on its arresting convertibles, unveiling a limited-edition series of the 2+2 seat DB12 Volante, together with the super-exclusive 2+0 seat Vanquish Volante. Only 60 of each model have been produced to mark six decades of the Volante nameplate, with each car receiving Q by Aston Martin’s signature attention to detail and craftsmanship.
The first Volante was an interim model that bridged the gap between the DB5 convertible and the DB6 Volante that followed in 1966. When it launched, the car was simply known as the ‘Aston Martin Volante’, though it soon became more commonly referred to as the ‘DB6 short chassis Volante’. Only 37 were ever built.
“We are the only car manufacturers in the world that use the name Volante to identify these open-top cars,” says Vittorio Gabba, Commercial Head of Q Operations at Aston Martin. “That is why we wanted to celebrate this anniversary with a very limited and uniquely configured edition.”
Both anniversary editions have been created as fixed specifications, undiluted versions of a particular Aston Martin, with inspiration linked directly to the model’s heritage – cars that in a decade or more, will look just as classic and timeless as they do now.
This was also an opportunity to showcase the skill and expertise of the Q by Aston Martin team that Gabba leads. The goal was to create synergies between interiors and exteriors and distil some of the most iconic and timeless attributes of the Volante nameplate.
First impressions always count. Together with the enamelled Q by Aston Martin emblem, positioned just beneath the side strake and reserved only for the most prestigious commissions, carefully chosen colours also serve as additional badges of honour.
Q Pentland Green complemented by the Q Westminster Green hood, commands attention and conveys, he says, a certain “Britishness” – something that is “greatly appreciated by our customers”. Next, he turns his gaze to the provenance of these colours. Q Westminster Green featured first in the Volantes of the 1960s. Unique to these models and reintroduced after a hiatus, he adds that, following the launch, the colour will likely become incorporated into the Q by Aston Martin offering. “It links directly to our heritage and blends perfectly with the [more widely available] Q Pentland Green.” As for the Q Pentland Green, this was introduced in 1995 on the DB7, the first of the modern Aston Martins.
Drawing air from the front wheel arches to reduce lift and enhance high-speed stability, the side strake is another iconic Aston Martin design element. Here, it is precision-milled from solid billet aluminium and anodised in bronze. Then, there’s the exclusive 21” Q wheels finished in satin bronze with diamond-turned edges. “Both the bronze side strake and the diamond finish bronze wheels are details that have been created specifically for these cars,” he continues. “The bronze wheels are not a new design, but the diamond finish is certainly unique to this car.” This brings us inside to the cabin – after all, let’s not forget, Volante means “flying” in Italian. Illustrating how thoughtful design choices have led to synergies both inside and out, he notes that the gear selector and drive mode rotary echoes exteriors with their anodised bronze finish.
Seating in the DB12 and the Vanquish Volante is super luxurious and showcases leathers of the finest quality sourced from Aston Martin’s high luxury Scottish specialist. “The main interior colour of the car is black leather. Then, as a contrast, there is Ivory and Centenary Saddle Tan, which comes in a deep, tan colour,” he explains. “On the seat bolsters and the door card, we added woven leather that combines Centenary Saddle Tan and Black Leather with black stitching, which adds dimensionality and depth to the interior.”
It turns out that woven leathers were first introduced 15 years ago with the Aston Martin One-77. “It is part of heritage and always linked to special cars. We consider it a special material that enhances a car’s aesthetic and is tactile, which is why we included it here.”
The seatback also deserves attention. It features a rich Dark Walnut Open Pore veneer, which has, in turn, become a canvas for bespoke artistry. The Aston Martin name is etched, infilled and highlighted in silver. As for headrests, these are embroidered with the number 60 featured in a tone-on-tone stitch that lends an elevated appearance. “It’s classic, with very little contrast,” he explains, adding that it only becomes visible when inspected up close.
Throughout the meticulous process, Gabba considers that Q by Aston Martin’s guiding principle was one of “quiet luxury”. He interprets this as not being too disruptive, not relying on extreme details or drawing attention through design tricks, but innovating by being true to the original Volante aesthetic. The result is a standout car that is authentic, contemporary and timeless. “What we aim to achieve is a perfect presentation of the brand.”
