2014 Aston Martin Vanquish V12 Volante

In 2013, Aston Martin launched a convertible (Volante) version of the second generation Vanquish featuring a carbon fibre-skin and a triple-skin lightweight fabric roof, developed by the talented engineering team at Aston, which offered a 13% increase in torsional stiffness over the outgoing DBS Volante. The new soft-top shared the dramatic One-77 inspired interior with its Coupe sibling and naturally was powered by the same upgraded version of Aston Martin's flagship AM11 5.9-litre, V12 engine mated to the well-proven six speed Touchtronic 2. The numbers were pretty impressive with a power output of 565bhp and a torque figure of 457lb.ft @ 5,500rpm enabling 0-60mph in 4.0seconds on the way to 183mph.

The magnificent Vanquish Volante (#K01720) on offer here dates from early 2014 and was supplied new by Aston Martin Cheltenham on May the 2nd that year. They have continued to service the car since then and it’s supplied with a full Aston Martin Dealer service history with all service invoices and a fully stamped service book. The indicated mileage at the time of photography was 3,204 but will probably be around 3,300 at the time of the sale, the MOT is valid until 3/05/2023 and the Cherished Registration illustrated, V12 CPB, is being retained by our vendor.

However, all that is a bit dry when you consider what this car is really about which is the impressive specification and undoubtedly its head-turningly, bank-robbingly gorgeous looks. Aston’s in-house design department, “Q by Aston Martin” offer a range of bespoke enhancements that have been created to allow owners to personalise their Aston beyond the scope of the core option range and it’s allowed the owner of this Volante to create something really special.

It's finished in 'Rosso Corsa by Q' enhanced by Magnum Silver Mesh grilles, a bright-finish front grille, bright tailpipe finisher, factory Carbon front splitter with lower side-skirts in Carbon, rear splitter in Carbon and wing-mirror stalks in Carbon. The Aston sits on 20-inch, 20-spoke Black DT alloys fronting Metallic Grey Callipers.

The Volante’s interior is a riot of Cream Truffle Caithness Leather, Spicy Red stitching, Walnut veneers, Iridium trim, Obsidian Black carpets and Special Order Black Lambs Wool Over-Mats. It’s optioned with Embossed AM Wing Headrests in Red, One-77 full leather Steering Wheel, Sports Seats, Bluetooth Phone, Bluetooth Music Pairing and Special Order Bang & Olufsen Premium Hi-fi. The soft top is in Black Moiré with an Ivory Rokona lining.

The ‘cherry on the cake’ however may well be Aston’s Sapphire Crystal glass key which pleasingly is still present here along with two conventional ignition keys. To call it an ‘Emotional Control Unit’ as Aston did may be a little over the top but it’s a special touch and very satisfying to use if a little self indulgent. Aston’s V-12 is a thing of aural beauty and the sharp bark on startup and a guttural swell to redline rapidly becomes addictive and best listened to with the top down.

Truly stunning to behold and arguably one of the most compelling Aston Martins built thus far into the 21st century, the 2nd-generation Vanquish Volante is a fabulous motor car in all regards. This particular example in its extrovert hue would be an exciting addition to any collection of modern supercars.