2011 Aston Martin DBS Volante 'Carbon Black Edition'

• 1 of only 31 RHD/UK-supplied DBS ‘Carbon Black Edition’ Volante examples and features some discerning additions
• Full Aston Martin servicing from new, the last just 300 miles ago; just 54,000 miles covered
• Being sold from a small collection of cars; always garaged in a fully dehumidified facility
• Aluminium chassis and a formidable 5.9-litre 48-valve V12 engine
• The DBS Volante has now established itself as one of the most highly regarded models of the Gaydon production era

Introduced at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance as Aston Martin’s new flagship in 2007, the DBS retained similar looks to the DB9 yet was visibly more masculine and muscular in form, hinting at its increased power under the bonnet. A direct, yet more gentlemanly, competitor to Ferrari’s 599 GTB, the DBS pulled at enthusiasts’ heartstrings from the moment it was announced, and it was arguably one of the most desirable cars that money could buy when it was new. Featuring on the silver screen as James Bond’s car of choice in both Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace, the DBS’ place was cemented in Aston Martin and movie history, becoming a must have for any Aston Martin collector and a dream car for James Bond fans around the world.

Two years after production began on the coupé, the drop-top DBS Volante was introduced in 2009, adding to the car’s overall desirability. Other than the addition of its convertible top, the DBS Volante remains highly similar to its closed sibling, still boasting Aston Martin’s lauded 6.0-litre V-12 engine, rated at 510 brake horsepower, and breath-taking lightweight bodywork. Rather than fit a folding hardtop, Aston Martin decided to go for a soft-top convertible in order to add as little weight as possible and preserve trunk space. Furthermore, the roof can be raised or lowered in just 14 seconds, even while at speeds of up to 30 mph!

The DBS Volante has now established itself as one of the most highly regarded models of the Gaydon production era and remains one of their most coveted modern-era models. Produced for just three years, a total of just 846 examples were built, for global consumption.

Four years after the DBS’ starring role, James Bond’s company car was finally been given a sharp black suit to match its suave owner’s! The DBS ‘Carbon Black Edition’ Volante – a special edition of Aston’s flagship car. Dressed head-to-toe in black, inside and out, the DBS’ stealth-like styling has never looked better. The fearsome V12 is untouched but feels as potent as ever, while the Touchtronic gearbox and ceramic brakes make the most of the DBS’ dynamic abilities

Unique to the Carbon Black Edition model is bespoke Carbon Black metallic paintwork, especially formulated with a subtle metallic twist to create a deep, rich patina, and which requires 50 man-hours of hand-painting to apply, according to Aston Martin. The bodywork paint combines perfectly with the black gloss finish on the inner edges of the 20-inch alloys. Contrasting this is a Magnum silver mesh covering the bonnet vents and diamond-turned surfaces of the wheels. The mean-and-moody theme continues inside with swathes of Obsidian black leather, including the seats with silver stitching done by hand. There is a Piano Black fascia trim that is also used for the centre stack and centre console, along with anodised black tread plates and unique carbon fibre sill plaques with the DBS Carbon Black logo that greet you as you swing the door open and sink into the padded sports seats.

Mechanically, the Carbon Black Edition is identical to the standard DBS, but that’s not such an issue when you have a mighty 510bhp 6.0-litre V12 to begin with. The superb paddle-shift Touchtronic gearbox comes as standard, as do carbon-ceramic brakes, which are the size of dinner plates!

With the nature of this engine, there is something deeply satisfying about the way the DBS gathers pace; once it’s gained momentum, the unit fires the DBS towards the horizon, leaving a deep-chested growl from the exhausts in its wake. Press the ‘Sport’ button and select the firmer damper setting, and the car can be threaded through corners at quite a pace.

On paper, when new, the Carbon Black Edition’s asking price seemed steep, but as always with an Aston, it feels more exceptional than simply the sum of its parts. This is one special edition that lives up to its name.

The car presented here is 1 of 31 RHD/UK-supplied 2011 Aston Martin DBS ‘Carbon Black Edition’ Volante examples. A DBS is a hugely stylish car which seems to emanate that timeless yet still up-to-date aesthetic balance that Aston Martin have got down to a fine art.

Coming from a small discerning private collection of cars, our vendor bought it from Aston Martin of Hatfield in April 2020, having only driven it on a few dry days to motoring events. With a full Aston Martin service history from new, the last just 300 miles ago, and now with just 54,000 miles covered in total - these Astons actually prefer to be used as intended - this impressive vehicle, able to be a sports car, GT, or everyday luxury conveyance, is in enviable condition and belies its mileage.

The overall result is a subtly superior DBS with added cache, offering amazing value at this guide price.