6 Decades of Volante: Aston Martin Celebrates with 60 Special Anniversary Editions
Since 1965, every Aston Martin convertible has been called Volante, and, now to celebrate the legacy of this svelte name, the British marque has launched 60 special edition units of the DB12.
Sep 15, 2025
Bond never drove a Volante. It was probably the need to be safe from air attack, but one thing’s for sure, the suave 007 and the svelte Volante versions of his Aston Martins better matched in style. But what, pray, is a Volante?
The origin of the word is Italian, referring to the act of flying. The Merriam-Webster lexicon says ‘moving with light rapidity’. Be that as it may, to the lover of this British marque, it has meant a convertible for a full 60 years.
Ever since Aston Martin called its Short Wheelbase or Short Chassis – a convertible derived from a cross between a DB5 and DB6 – the Volante in 1965, the name has stuck. Having used that distinctive name to denote open-top versions of its cars for six decades, Aston has now decided to pay homage to the nomenclature in some style.
So Q, the bespoke branch at Aston that makes a regular Aston even more desirable, has worked its charm on 60 special DB12s and Vanquish editions each. The 120 cars, titled 60 Years of Volante Edition, see the iconic Aston grille re-imagined by Q in anodised bronze, giving it a strikingly different look while retaining the essential Aston face. The bronze theme is carried on to the side strakes, which draw air from the front wheel arches to enhance the car’s aerodynamic efficiency. It also gets exclusive 21-inch wheels from Q, finished in a satin bronze with diamond-turned edges. Then, of course, there is that sinful Aston convertible silhouette that would tempt even the hardest Cromwellian.
Inside, these cars get a triple-tone treatment – tan, ivory, and dark walnut. Bronze touchpoints and 60th Anniversary embroidery elements add just the right touch of class. Showy, but not shouty.
While the 835-horsepower Vanquish comes from a 5.2-litre twin turbo V12, the DB 12 offers 680 horsepower from its 4-litre twin turbo V8 engine. The Vanquish is, as its name suggests, about conquering the space it is put in. Its tarmac shredding 1000Nm of peak torque, combined with that power, means a top speed in excess of 340kmph (214mph) and a 0-100kmph time of less than three and a half seconds.
The 2+2-seat DB12 Volante is more about munching miles effortlessly as it cuts through a sunny Euro landscape in grand touring style. But, mind you, the DB12 is no slouch either, with a top speed of 325kmph (202mph) and is capable of swooshing past 100kmph in 3.6 seconds.
Deliveries are due to start in the final quarter of this year.