How rare? DB9 Volante Manual
Discussion
Hi All
As a bit of an Aston obsessive, I have a dream to own one of my own some day. I'm getting towards the point where the dream becomes attainable, with DB9's within my price range.
But - my perfect spec is a convertible manual. And I just spotted this advert from Chiltern:
https://www.chilternaston.co.uk/car/2006-aston-mar...
Which raises two issues, the individual, and the general.
The individual: That is about twice as much as I can reasonably spend!
The general: The text in that advert: "1 of 36 UK RHD Cars."
Is that accurate? Or is it likely referring to some combination of other spec elements which make it a rare combination?
If there are genuinely only 36 manual Volante's out there, then I think my hopes of them dropping to the £30-£40k price level are slim!
Cheers for any thoughts on the subject.
As a bit of an Aston obsessive, I have a dream to own one of my own some day. I'm getting towards the point where the dream becomes attainable, with DB9's within my price range.
But - my perfect spec is a convertible manual. And I just spotted this advert from Chiltern:
https://www.chilternaston.co.uk/car/2006-aston-mar...
Which raises two issues, the individual, and the general.
The individual: That is about twice as much as I can reasonably spend!
The general: The text in that advert: "1 of 36 UK RHD Cars."
Is that accurate? Or is it likely referring to some combination of other spec elements which make it a rare combination?
If there are genuinely only 36 manual Volante's out there, then I think my hopes of them dropping to the £30-£40k price level are slim!
Cheers for any thoughts on the subject.
There is no doubt it’s a rare car, and it’s a very unusual paint/hood combination too. Who knows if it’s worth the asking price. Personally I think there are better options available for a shade under £70,000, especially as it’s an early car judging by the seats and original dashboard/ski slope etc. But the mileage is very low and it’s clearly been very well looked after. To answer your questions, I think 1/36 is probably right, although I don’t know for sure. There aren’t many RHD manual DB9 period, either Coupé or Volante, and I may be wrong but I think RHD manual DBS Volante is even rarer. Unfortunately I suspect it will be a fair while before these cars get anywhere close to your budget. 
BRM.
BRM.
Chiltern had a Volante manual in the mid 40s just last year I seem to remember, I think this one is just so punchy because of the low miles so it's in the "collector" realm. A lot of the right work had been done on it too so someone probably had a nice buy there.
With patience a more "properly enjoyed" example should come up closer to your budget sooner or later.
With patience a more "properly enjoyed" example should come up closer to your budget sooner or later.
If you're willing to go coupe, you could have this manual for £45k.
https://www.car-iconics.com/product/db9-manual/
https://www.car-iconics.com/product/db9-manual/
Thanks for the replies guys.
Continuing on from a few of the thoughts that have been shared:
Maybe '1 of 36' refers to the combination of manual, convertible, exterior colour, interior colour? That would increase the chances of finding my unicorn!
I was kind of hoping someone had easy access to some kind of resource which says how many were built in the first place, so I'd know more for certain.
I know the price of this one isn't necessarily indicative. But if they're truly that rare, I also doubt they'll drop far enough for me.
I also know that I could make my life much easier by dropping either of the gearbox or body style requirements. But I'm not yet in the market anyway, so no point lowering my target right now - who knows, I might get lucky when the time arrives!
Continuing on from a few of the thoughts that have been shared:
Maybe '1 of 36' refers to the combination of manual, convertible, exterior colour, interior colour? That would increase the chances of finding my unicorn!
I was kind of hoping someone had easy access to some kind of resource which says how many were built in the first place, so I'd know more for certain.
I know the price of this one isn't necessarily indicative. But if they're truly that rare, I also doubt they'll drop far enough for me.
I also know that I could make my life much easier by dropping either of the gearbox or body style requirements. But I'm not yet in the market anyway, so no point lowering my target right now - who knows, I might get lucky when the time arrives!
Oh - that red coupe is a lovely colour too! I've seen some in a Volcano Red which is also amazing. I would ideally like to avoid the 'obvious' and more reserved colours - white, grey, black*. I currently drive a Tenorite Grey C63, having come from an Alfa red 156 GTA, and I do miss the brighter colour of the latter.
- Except I have to admit they look amazing in a gloss black, so I might be convinced otherwise on that!
Minglar said:
I may be wrong but I think RHD manual DBS Volante is even rarer.
8 RHD Manual DBS according to the following https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Wheel Turned Out said:
Chiltern had a Volante manual in the mid 40s just last year I seem to remember,
Correcthttps://dyler.com/cars/aston-martin/db9-for-sale/2...
bazzabear said:
I also know that I could make my life much easier by dropping either of the gearbox or body style requirements. But I'm not yet in the market anyway, so no point lowering my target right now - who knows, I might get lucky when the time arrives!
It's good to start with a high bar - but note that (1) compared to most cars, there aren't many DB9s about to choose from (2) most that are, are monochrome.In 2020 I was looking for a green Volante with a light interior. In autumn 2021 I conceded and bought a green coupe. I've now spent a year or more waiting for a Volante in the spec I'm after. I've even extended it to an early Vanquish 2, but no joy yet. And that's without wanting a manual.
Should that unicorn appear tomorrow, you'll have to be ready to decide and buy fast.
Flappy paddles no good?
Simpo Two said:
Flappy paddles no good?
I have flappy paddles in the C63, and I do miss the extra connection of the manual gearbox - I know it's daft really!A particularly daft and childish element of this - in a manual, dipping the clutch to blip the throttle feels natural. In a flappy paddle, flicking to neutral to do the same seems somehow artificial.
I need to think about this quite a bit, to decide which of the gearbox or body style I am more happy to give up on. It'd be easier if you could get a coupe with a sunroof as a compromise!
alscar said:
I believe the 1 in 36 refers to the fact that it’s “ simply” a manual Volante and nothing to do with exterior or interior colours.
KernowShep said:
Thanks both! It does seem my likelihood of getting hold of one is super slim then!EDIT: Although - that is only for 2004 to 2008? Production continued to 2016, right? So maybe there is slight hope.
Edited by bazzabear on Sunday 30th March 18:58
It did, with some changes from 2009 and then in about 2013 they got pointier headlights and altered 'spoiler'. But the newer they are the more £££ you need... and the earlier cars are more numerous.
FWIW flappy paddles feel completely wrong to me; I only use them very rarely when sudden grunt is needed. And then you have to press D to go back to Auto.
FWIW flappy paddles feel completely wrong to me; I only use them very rarely when sudden grunt is needed. And then you have to press D to go back to Auto.
Simpo Two said:
FWIW flappy paddles feel completely wrong to me; I only use them very rarely when sudden grunt is needed. And then you have to press D to go back to Auto.
I normally drive in D with sport on and IMHO the car drives really well even on spirited drives, the autobox is very good at keeping the power on tap.You need to drive a DB9 with an autobox.
If I was in your shoes I would definitely get a glass key auto DB9, better than a ignition key AM04 DB9.
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