To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Milan event, 22 May 2025.

• The rarest series production Aston Martin convertible ever made and the first to wear the vaunted Volante badge
• One of only 37 examples of the coveted, interim Short-Chassis Volante
• Retains its matching-numbers all-alloy, twin-cam straight-six
• Sold new in London, subsequently converted to left-hand drive
• A promising concours contender once recommissioned

The arrival of the DB6 in 1965 left Aston Martin with a surplus of DB5 chassis built to the shorter wheelbase of the outgoing model. Rather than simply putting those spares to one side, the Newport Pagnell factory conceived an interim convertible that combined the DB5’s sporting proportions with the latest styling flourishes adorning the DB6, including split bumpers and special chrome finishers for the taillights. These models retained Touring’s patented Superleggera construction, which wrapped handcrafted alloy panels around a lattice of small-diameter steel tubing to create light-but-rigid coachwork.

Just 37 of these so-called DB Short-Chassis cars would be built, making it the rarest-ever series production Aston Martin droptop. New lettering on the boot lid also signified the automaker’s first use of the “Volante”—Italian for “flying”—nomenclature that remains a fixture six decades later.

The example offered here was sold new to a Joseph S Bath of London, its guarantee first issued on 2 December 1965, according to a copy of its build sheet (available to view on file). Originally finished in Platinum over Blue Connolly Vaumol leather, it came equipped with from the factory with optional chrome wheels, a Motorola radio with power-operated aerial, three-ear hubcaps, exhibition plates lettered “Volante,” and seven pints of antifreeze.

Accompanying the build sheet is a detailed log of service work performed by Aston Martin from late December 1965 to April 1974, which included carrying out repairs to accident damage in June 1967. Prior to the Volante being imported to Kuwait, a previous owner had it refinished in dark green over beige leather and converted the car from right-hand to left-hand drive, a process that it is possible to reverse. Importantly, the build sheet confirms that the car retains its matching-numbers all-alloy, twin-cam, straight-six engine.

As one of only 37 examples ever produced, this rarest of Aston Martin convertibles is highly prized among enthusiasts of the brand. With recommissioning, it will undoubtedly make for a wonderful and welcome show piece at concours events.

Please note this lot has entered the EU on a temporary import bond, which must be cancelled either by exporting the lot outside of the EU on an approved Bill of Lading with supporting customs documentation or by paying the applicable VAT and import duties to have the lot remain in the EU.

To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/ml25/.