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1966 Aston Martin Short-Chassis Volante news, pictures, and information | ||
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 |  |  | Convertible |
 |  |  | Convertible Chassis Num: DBVC-2325-R |
| High bid of €675,000 at 2012 RM Auctions. (did not sell) | |||
Although it was introduced alongside the DB6, the Volante would have more in common with the DB5. This was because the two shared the same wheelbase and chassis and used many of the same components including the same rear light cluster. However, the Volante would also share aspects in common with the DB6 as well, and therefore, would present a blending of the two.
Because the car was always considered an 'interim' model, the 'short-chassis' Volante would be produced in relatively few numbers, and therefore, would be amongst the rarest of all Aston Martins. In fact, just 37 Short-Chassis Volantes would be built. And one example of those 37 would be available for purchase at the 2012 RM Auctions held at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco.
Chassis DBVC-2325-R would be one of just 37 that would be dubbed 'Volante', or literally, 'flying' by Kent Monk. That meant this would be one of the first to carry the name that has since become every bit synonymous with Aston Martin.
When it was finished, 2325-R would utilize the all-alloy, twin-cam straight-six engine. Combined with triple SU carburetors, the 4.0-liter engine was capable of producing upwards of 282 bhp. The gearbox also utilized the ZF five-speed manual that had first been introduced halfway through the DB5 production.
The aluminum body on 2325-R would follow the patented 'Superleggera' process first used by Touring of Milan, and therefore, would give the car a light weight but with exceptional rigidity.
Sporting the unique taillights, the handsome car would be finished with a Connolly leather interior and a lined convertible top using the high-quality Everflex material. Finished in California Sage, this particular Volante would leave Aston Martin in early June of 1966. As it left the factory, it would leave with non-standard chrome wire wheels and a power-operated radio antenna. Registered KLE 461 D, the Volante would be delivered via H.R. Owen to Sir John Clark. Sir John Clark happened to be the CEO of The Plessey Co. Ltd. based in Illford, Essex.
The Short-Chassis Volante would remain with Sir John Clark until 1971 when it would pass to P.J. Brookes. A decade would pass and then the car would be sold again to K.K. Kathcart. The car would remain with Kathcart for a shorter period of time, and then, would be sold to a collector in Paris, France. Under this ownership the car would undergo some restoration that would also include refinishing the car in a Dark Metallic Green. Almost immediately after being restored the car would again be sold.
Another short period of time would pass before the car would be sold again and shipped back to England where it would be registered OGC289D, which is the same number it carries to this day. This purchase would take place in 1998 and would see the car take a prominent place in the owner's collection.
At one of just 37 Short-Chassis Volantes ever to be built, this particular chassis is not only exclusive but it is also much more rare than the beloved and iconic DB5. Of course, the Volante would also be a main performer in a James Bond movie, On Her Majesty's Secret Service. And while the movie may not be amongst the most revered of the Bond series there is no doubting the distinguished role of the Short-Chassis Volante in Aston Martin's lineage. And for this reason, and the condition of the car itself, DBVC-2325-R would sell for 675,000EUR.
Sources:
'Lot No. 344: 1966 Aston Martin 'Short-Chassis' Volante', (http://www.rmauctions.com/CarDetails.cfm?SaleCode=MC12&CarID=r374&Currency=EUR). RM Auctions. http://www.rmauctions.com/CarDetails.cfm?SaleCode=MC12&CarID=r374&Currency=EUR. Retrieved 16 May 2012.
'1966 Aston Martin Short-Chassis Volante News, Pictures and Information', (http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z14438/Aston-Martin-Short-Chassis-Volante.aspx). Conceptcarz.com: From Concept to Production. http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z14438/Aston-Martin-Short-Chassis-Volante.aspx. Retrieved 16 May 2012
By Jeremy McMullen
There were only 37 examples of the Short Wheelbase Volantes constructed. The SWB Volante's were introducing the same time as the DB6, which sat on a larger wheelbase. The SWB Volante's used the DB5's chassis and incorporated features from the DB6, such as the bumpers, oil cooler, and leather stitching. So in actuality, they were shorter than the DB6 but the same as the DB5. They were the first Aston Martin to use the 'Volante' name.
The DB5 was introduced in 1963 and produced until 1965 with a total of 1021 examples produced. They continued the tradition of the DB Series which had percolated over the years, beginning when David Brown purchased the company in 1947. The six-cylinder engine was still standard as were the 282 horsepower. The optional 'Vantage' raised the horsepower to 314. Though a legendary car in its purest of forms, its legacy was further increased in the James Bond film 'Gold Finger' where it had a starring role.
The DB6 had a chassis enlarged by 3.75 inches in comparison to the DB5. This gave additional room for the rear occupants and making it a more enjoyable road going car. A rear spoiler replaced the gracefully rounded rear end and under the hood was a four-liter six-cylinder engine producing 325 horsepower. Zero-to-sixty was achieved in just 6.2 seconds while top speed was in the neighborhood of 150 mph. The DB6 was the final phase of the evolution of the DB Series. It is the pinnacle of style and performance and encompasses both form and function. The lightweight body, aggressive stance, potent engine, and perfectly tuned suspension continued the Aston Martin racing heritage without sacrificing care or comfort. It is the ultimate gentleman's sport car.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2012
For more information and related vehicles, click hereThe DB5 was introduced in 1963 and produced until 1965 with a total of 1021 examples produced. They continued the tradition of the DB Series which had percolated over the years, beginning when David Brown purchased the company in 1947. The six-cylinder engine was still standard as were the 282 horsepower. The optional 'Vantage' raised the horsepower to 314. Though a legendary car in its purest of forms, its legacy was further increased in the James Bond film 'Gold Finger' where it had a starring role.
The DB6 had a chassis enlarged by 3.75 inches in comparison to the DB5. This gave additional room for the rear occupants and making it a more enjoyable road going car. A rear spoiler replaced the gracefully rounded rear end and under the hood was a four-liter six-cylinder engine producing 325 horsepower. Zero-to-sixty was achieved in just 6.2 seconds while top speed was in the neighborhood of 150 mph. The DB6 was the final phase of the evolution of the DB Series. It is the pinnacle of style and performance and encompasses both form and function. The lightweight body, aggressive stance, potent engine, and perfectly tuned suspension continued the Aston Martin racing heritage without sacrificing care or comfort. It is the ultimate gentleman's sport car.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2012
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