23 May 05
It's not quite enough, is it? However much something is designed as a fashion statement, if it doesn't fulfil its original purpose it's not worth having. Imagine a Patek Philippe that didn't keep time or a Paul Smith suit that wasn't comfortable to wear. Ultimately there has to be some substance to go with the style.
And with the DB9 Volante, there is. It provides the same 6.0-litre V12 engine, the same 450bhp and the same 186mph top speed boasted by its hard-topped sister and that, I suspect, will be enough to keep most punters happy. Its extruded aluminium monocoque has an inner beauty all of its own while its all-wishbone suspension is as pure and classical a configuration as it is possible have. Were there nothing else to say here, the result would be as thrilling, rewarding and just plain fun to drive as the DB9 coupe. But, as you know already, something's gone missing.
You probably reckon the primary purpose of a car's roof is to keep the rain out. But if you were an automotive engineer, you'd say it was to provide torsional rigidity. This is critical to understanding this car so, before your eyes glaze over, imagine the DB9 was not an exquisite automobile but, instead, a shoe-box. If you left the lid on the box, took each end and tried to twist the box, you'd find it inordinately difficult. Take the lid off, and it's a doddle. The DB9 Volante has had its lid removed and the rigidity enjoyed by the coupe has gone with it.
