1965 Aston Martin DB Short-Chassis Volante

The term “Volante,” meaning “flying” in Italian, evokes freedom, elegance, and the unique sense of exhilaration that only an open-top grand tourer can provide. For Aston Martin enthusiasts, it carries an extra weight of history and prestige. The very first car to bear the “Volante” name was the 1965 Aston Martin DB Short-Chassis Volante, a limited-production convertible that set the stage for a legendary lineage of Aston Martin models.

The DB Short-Chassis Volante is an extraordinary blend of Aston Martin’s DB5 and DB6 models. Aston Martin found itself with a surplus of DB5 chassis when it began transitioning to the longer-wheelbase DB6. Rather than discard these frames, the company saw an opportunity. They combined the DB5’s nimble proportions with the evolving design of the DB6 to create something entirely new yet quintessentially Aston Martin.

This unique hybrid used the 98-inch wheelbase of the DB5 but incorporated some of the design cues from the DB6, including the split front bumpers and the distinct church-style tail lamps. In terms of size, calling it a “Short-Chassis” Volante is somewhat misleading, as it was not shorter than the DB5 but rather retained its compact dimensions. The “short” descriptor comes from a comparison with the DB6, which had a longer 101.5-inch wheelbase.

Under the bonnet, the DB Short-Chassis Volante featured Aston Martin’s venerable 4.0-liter straight-six engine, capable of producing around 282 horsepower. This was coupled with a five-speed ZF gearbox, giving the Volante robust performance in keeping with its GT heritage. The car’s ride and handling were exceptional, featuring a blend of agility and comfort that defined Aston Martin’s cars of this era.

It’s not all about performance though. The Volante’s interior was draped in fine leather and crafted with attention to detail, ensuring that occupants felt surrounded by luxury as they carved through mountain passes or cruised along the Mediterranean coastline.

Only 37 units of the DB Short-Chassis Volante were ever built between 1965 and 1966, making it one of the rarest Aston Martins ever produced. This extreme rarity, combined with its position as the first model to wear the “Volante” name, makes it one of the most desirable cars for collectors. Each of these 37 cars tells a story of transition in Aston Martin’s history, marking the shift from one of the most iconic models ever produced, the DB5, to the refined and elegant DB6.

The exclusivity of the Short-Chassis Volante has only enhanced its desirability over the years. When it appears at auctions or in private sales, it fetches millions,an acknowledgment of its historical significance, unparalleled craftsmanship, and stunning design.

The DB Short-Chassis Volante set the tone for future Aston Martin convertibles, ensuring that the “Volante” name would become synonymous with open-top motoring luxury and the ultimate grand tourer experience. The car’s blend of old-school charm with modern refinements continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike. The Volante name would go on to adorn many more Aston Martins, but it all started here, with this remarkable, rare hybrid between the DB5 and DB6.

To drive or even witness one of the 37 examples of the 1965 Aston Martin DB Short-Chassis Volante is to experience a piece of automotive history,one that still captures the spirit of “flying” that inspired its name.