ASTON MARTIN Vanquish Volante 2013-2018 Photos, engines & full specs

Aston Martin launched the second generation of the Vanquish in 2012, starting with the coupe, and waited until 2013 to reveal Volante's open-top version at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

Unlike its coupe sibling, the Volante version of the Vanquish was not available in the previous generation. That proves that the British carmaker listened to its customers who demanded an open-top grand tourer from Aston Martin. With its swept-back headlights that incorporated the DRLs and the aggressive carbon-fiber apron at the front, it was hardly just a regular GT vehicle. Moreover, on the sides, the vents on the front fenders and the sculptured doors emphasized the car's sporty character. In addition, the soft-top completely retracted under a lid behind the cockpit and featured a pair of bubble-tops. Last but not least, at the back, Aston Martin installed a small fixed-wing on top of the trunk lid.

Even though the Vanquish Volante was offered four seats, there was no room for anyone to sit in the back. On the other hand, the front bucket seats sported high-bolstered areas and, as an option, the carmaker offered sport seats. There was no gear selector. Instead, the driver had to rely on a set of buttons placed on the center stack and the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.

Although Aston Martin has used the platform since 2004, the 2013 Vanquish Volante didn't lose its edge, mainly due to the V12 engine under the hood. And, even though it used more carbon fiber than in any other open-top GT it had built, Aston Martin couldn't make the drop-top light. Instead, it was heavy, but a proper British Grand Tourer vehicle, nevertheless.