This is the 'year of the specials' according to Aston Martin. Not that band that sang Ghost Town (their year was 1981), but a reference to the load of special edition cars that the company has turned around in 2010.

So to bookend the year of the specials, Aston has put three special edition DB9s on sale, called Carbon Black, Quantum Silver and Morning Frost. The latter is quite apt, though would be more so if it was called the DB9 Massive Chaotic Blizzard. Who wouldn't buy one of those?

They're all available as coupés or convertibles (or Volantes if you prefer) and each feature specific trim, colours and wheels. The Carbon Black and Quantum Silver editions are painted as per their names, get polished glass switches, leather roof lining, sports exhausts and 19-inch alloys.

Morning Frost is even more upmarket, featuring different alloys, piano black trim and metallic bronze leather for the entire interior. The special edition names of each are etched onto a plaque. Power for all comes from a 470bhp V12 engine - nothing new there, then.

The other specials Aston is referring to for 2010 are the V12 Vantage and DBS Carbon Black models, the DBS UB2010 - which derives its name from Aston boss Ulrich Bez - and the Nürburgring inspired V8 Vantage N420.

Prices for the DB9 specials begin at £132,000.