Convertible GT cars can often fall victim to the loss of structural rigidity brought on by the lack of a fixed roof, and Aston Martin has combatted this by strengthening the chassis structure, but sometimes even a manufacturer’s best efforts aren’t enough. That’s not the case in the DBS Superleggera Volante. The chassis is so rigid you don’t feel any of the flex normally associated with a sporty convertible, just a tight, well-balanced package that entertains and is easy to build rhythm with. The front-mid engine layout with the gearbox positioned behind you also lends the DBS fantastic weight distribution. The nose neatly tucks in to corners, the rears follow faithfully, and even though the chassis feels stiff there’s still enough roll to communicate how much grip you’re using. The steering also has a lovely heft to it. It doesn’t brim with feel or feedback but it loads up nicely as you turn the wheel and allows you to accurately place the car on the road. The carbon ceramic brakes measure 360mm at the rear and a colossal 410mm at the front. At first acquaintance they can feel a little grabby, but they offer huge stopping potential and continue to perform free of fade when you really get stuck in to your driving. The eight-speed automatic gearbox is well measured. It doesn’t shift as quickly as the transmissions you’ll find in purpose-built supercars, but on the other hand, it quietly slips through the cogs when you’re just cruising along.

The Volante really comes in to its own when the weather is fair, the roads are smooth and the journey long. It may not be as luxurious or posses quite the same appetite for long distance traveling as a Bentley Continental GT, but the Aston is still a consummate grand tourer. The seats hug you, the ride is smooth and the overall refinement is excellent. Interference from the wind in the cabin is also low, particularly with the windows ups. The rear seats remind me of those in a Ferrari Portofino. Not really big enough for additional passengers but useful for carry on luggage. The fabric roof does take up a fair amount of boot space when folded away, making the 2+2 configuration somewhat of a life saver. Because no one, wealthy or otherwise, goes cruising across continental Europe without bringing back souvenirs. 

Objectively, the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante is somewhat of a Swiss Army knife. It’s supercar potent but it can be used every single day, it’s GT-car comfortable but is armed with genuine dynamic ability, and because it’s the flagship Aston it carries with it a level of cool that few other cars can match. It makes you look good, if you’re in to that sort of thing. But to view the DBS objectively is missing the point. This is a car with a soul that provokes an emotional reaction. To observe it parked up is an event in itself. Muscular yet elegant, bold but beautiful. It is an achingly gorgeous thing to look at. But to drive it with the roof folded away and that wonderous V12 engine singing ahead of you, offers an experience and feeling that few other cars can replicate.