How Does King Charles’ Biofuel Aston Martin DB6 Stack Up To The New Vanquish Volante?

Motoring editor Jeremy Taylor and Jessica Talbot-Ponsonby drive Aston’s modern-day equivalent to a country house fit for a King.

Test Drive: Aston Martin Vanquish Volante

J-TP: The King has been an environmental campaigner since the 1970s – he was way, way ahead of his time! 

JT: Which is probably why his stunning DB6, given as a 21st birthday present in 1969 by his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, was adjusted to run on a diet of cheese and wine a few years back.

Yes, but we are not talking about ramming the best Paxton & Whitfield stilton into the fuel tank!

Indeed not, although that is an enduring image. No, his beautiful blue Volante – which is Aston Marton-speak for convertible – runs on E85 bioethanol, made by a firm called Green Fuels in Gloucestershire. It uses whey, a byproduct of the cheese-making process, and surplus white wine to blend the fuel.

So, can any car be converted to run on E85?

Pretty much. It produces less exhaust emissions and actually increases engine power, which is something Aston’s latest luxury convertible isn’t in need of! The new Vanquish Volante offers 824bhp and is massive in every way.

How so?

This is a very large car, with a whopping front grille, a top speed in excess of 200mph and a fearsome roar from the exhaust pipes. The only thing lacking is luggage space – the boot is tiny.

And it costs a king’s ransom too – £366,000! You can’t deny it is a breathtakingly handsome car, though. There is a little more space behind the two seats to cram some bags in, but not much.

This is a fabulous driver’s car, designed for long-distance, open-top touring. However, Aston has yet to embrace electric propulsion: the Volante is powered by a V12 engine that would leave the King rolling his eyes.

Eek! One needs a rural hideaway to keep a car like that away from the prying paparazzi. A country mansion to rival Highgrove, perhaps?

Well, he’s virtually a neighbour here in the Cotswolds but how about a luxurious, hidden retreat in Somerset – an historic pile equipped with a helicopter landing pad? Seventeenth century Newton Surmaville is now available to rent, with nine bedrooms, five receptions, and even a children’s playroom for an heir and several spares.

Looks amazing. What’s the story?

Set in 62-acres on the outskirts of Yeovil, this Jacobean house was in the same family for almost 400 years. Over the last 18 years the property has been given a major overhaul, creating the ultimate party pad, complete with a cinema, gym and games room.

Looks cosy. 

And before you ask, it has a modern heating system that keeps all corners of the house warm, with lots of open fires, plus woodburners to toast your toes after a post-lunch walk across the countryside.

Of which there are plenty around there, on the Somerset-Dorset border. The Jurassic Coast, Sherborne Abbey and Stonehenge aren’t far away.

Yes, although you may not want to leave the gated grounds. Newton Surmaville’s helpful team can arrange a raft of activities, including clay pigeon shooting, archery and even a falconry display on the lawns.

Highlights?

Afternoon tea in the first-floor study – the perfect place to live out your Bridgerton fantasy. Guests also need to pay attention because it’s terribly easy to become lost on the upper floors!

And room for many Aston Martin’s on the driveway, I assume?

One just has to be careful not to give the accelerator a hefty squeeze and send gravel flying in all directions. The perils of a 5.2-litre supercar.

Possibly a first-world problem…

Find out more about the Aston Martin Vanquish Volante at astonmartin.com