ASTON MARTIN DBS VOLANTE DRIVER: THE SUBURBAN MAN OF MYSTERY
When you’re equally concerned with how you arrive (in this case, like a debonair international spy) and how swiftly you get there, the V12 DBS Volante droptop (starting at $300,000) has you (un)covered. Featured in the latest movies of the Bond franchise, this bespoke ride is fully loaded and customizable. The beefy 520hp engine will have you roaring out to Newport for the weekend in pure Ian Fleming style. You’ll cruise on seats crafted with nine interwoven hides of grade-A leather and with wood-trim options specified to your taste, earning nods of approval from car enthusiasts as you zoom past. Machine guns and espionage not included. Aston Martin of New England, 85 Linden St., Waltham; astonmartin-lotus.com
BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE DRIVER: THE SINGLE GUY
Say you’re young, flush with cash and have a tendency to go wherever you please. Sometimes you just want a zippy two-door to get you from point A (the office) to point B (the beach and babes). Enter the 2011 M3 Convertible (starting at $61,685), the young professional’s choice for a retractable hardtop when tossing the briefcase into the backseat in favor of a weekend sojourn. You’ll get there with a little moxie as well, thanks to the 414hp, V8 engine and sleek, aerodynamic design. Note that the M3 model is also used as BMW’s racecar (hence the pep), and its Novillo leather upholstery is constructed with a sun-reflective technology—unlike your skin, which might not take as kindly to lengthy drives along the coast. Herb Chambers BMW of Sudbury, 128 Boston Post Road, Sudbury; bmwofsudbury.com
MERCEDES-BENZ E-350 CONVERTIBLE CABRIOLET DRIVER: THE EXECUTIVE ROAD WARRIOR For anyone who needs to have a conversation or conference call while at top speed, a drop-top can be a wasted commodity. Here to solve the problem is the 2011 E-350 Cabriolet (starting at $55,000). Bigger than the C-Class, this redesigned four-seater boasts a 268hp, V6 engine and comes equipped with a new wind-deflecting device called the AirCap. It works with the rear headrests—and against the punishing wind—to create a quiet atmosphere in the cabin while the top is down, even at speeds of up to 100 mph. We’re guessing the German Autobahn may have been an inspiration. Flagship Motorcars of Lynnfield, 385 Broadway; herbchambersmercedesbenz.com
