Roger Scoble blogs about the latest gadgets, travel and luxury…
The open-top supercar, customized by Aston Martin’s in-house ‘Q’ service, was inspired by Prince Charles’s classic 1969 DB6 Volante, a car that became world famous when Prince William and Kate Middleton took it for a spin during their royal wedding.
Although the standard Aston Martin Vanquish Volante has already made its European debut, this strictly limited version will be the first example to arrive on US shores and will be the first model offered for sale on the US market.
This bespoke edition costs $344,500 — strictly limited to 10 examples — is finished in a shade of blue that Aston calls Seychelles that was painstakingly color-matched to that of Prince Charles’s classic DB6. It also has subtle flashes of wealth, such as badges that appear to be chromed but are actually silver on the hood and tailgate and special 20″ alloy wheels finished in what the company calls ‘liquid silver’.
Inside, the seats are finished in Obsidian Black leather and the standard Vanquish steering wheel has been replaced for the one that features in the Aston Martin One-77 hypercar. Other notable features include a rather old fashioned walnut veneered fascia which contrasts against the ultramodern satin chrome instrumentation.
Completing the look is a four-piece set of matching bespoke luggage.
Under the hood, however, it’s business as usual. The 6-liter V12 remains untouched, meaning that the car is still capable of going from 0-60mph (100km/h) in a little over 4 seconds and onto a top speed, roof up or down, of 183mph (295km/h).
Julian Jenkins, Regional Director for Aston Martin the Americas said:
“Since first being shown as a coupe, the Vanquish has quickly established its Super GT credentials and a loyal following amongst sports car enthusiasts worldwide. We are therefore delighted to launch the new Vanquish Volante, and in particular this very limited edition here at the Los Angeles Auto Show in conjunction with our dealer partner Galpin Aston Martin.”
“Not only is this an opportunity for customers and enthusiasts to see a truly unique example of the Vanquish Volante but it also serves as a fitting demonstration in the degree of personalisation now possible via Q by Aston Martin.”
The car will be unveiled to the press on November 20 and Aston Martin fans will get their first chance to see it in the flesh on November 22 when the LA Auto Show officially opens to the public.
Roger Scoble blogs about the latest gadgets, travel and luxury news. A graduate of UCLA, Roger loves to travel, drive luxe autos and have amazing adventures.