The David Brown era is widely recognised as the golden age of Aston Martin. From the time of his purchase of the company in 1947 through to his departure in 1972, he oversaw the production of the very finest cars to leave the Newport Pagnell production line. Some of the most celebrated DB cars are the DB4, DB5 and DB6, combining advanced technology developed alongside Aston Martin’s successful racing programme.

By mid-1965 production of the DB5 was drawing to a close and Aston Martin were developing their new DB6 model. In the interim period, the company decided to develop a soft-top convertible that combined the sportier short chassis of the DB5 along with the refined styling of the incoming DB6.

These cars were known as the Short Chassis Volantes and only 37 were ever produced, making them the rarest and most desirable Aston Martin Drophead ever produced. The model was also the very first Aston Martin to feature the revered ‘Volante’ moniker, with ‘Volante’ meaning ‘flying’ in Italian.

Chassis 2319/R is one of the 37 Short Chassis Volantes and it was finished new in the attractive colour combination of Dubonnet over a Black Connolly leather interior. It was also specified with the non-standard equipment of chrome wheels, 3-ear hub caps, a power operated aerial and seven pints of antifreeze. The Aston Martin guarantee was issued on the 31st December 1966 and it was destined for its first owner, Mr Harold Despointes of Guernsey.

It benefits from only four owners from new, including 20 years with its first owner and just under 30 with its most recent, something that is very rarely seen on a car of this age. In addition to its impressive ownership history, it is accompanied by two well-documented history files and boasts comprehensive service records that show the care and attention that have been afforded to it over the years.

The car presents exceptionally well throughout and it is ready to be used and enjoyed by its next custodian. It is a car for the true connoisseur.