Aston Is Open For Business

"It's not on show, it's on sale!" Those were the words of Aston Martin boss Ulrich Bez as he unveiled the drop-top version of the firm's DB9 - and gave us our first look inside.

Auto Express Car Reviews

15th January 2004

Speaking at Detroit, he also confirmed that the car - officially named the DB9 Volante - will cost 8,000 in American showrooms. The UK price is expected to be announced imminently, and will be in the region of ΂£115,000.

The motor show also marked the debut of the DB9 coup΃© in the States, and Bez confirmed that Aston already has more than a year's worth of confirmed sales of both new models - around 2,000 vehicles in total. That's before any potential customer, or even any journalists, have driven either car.

Speaking about the coup΃©, Bez said: "I've done 2,000 miles over Christmas, and I can tell you that you will like it." An Aston spokeswoman added: "We're taking orders on both models, with hard-top delivery due in the spring, and about six months later for the Volante. Journalists will get to try the coup΃© in March, and the convertible later in the year." Prices will start at around ΂£104,000.

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