Aston Martin DB7

In 1993 Sir David Brown became life president of Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd and provided the perfect opportunity to revive the DB prefix. The DB7 was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1993, it was some 27 years for the DB prefix to re-appear since the DBS.

Victor Gauntlet first suggested a new smaller Aston Martin in 1990.  The production had the financial backing of the Ford Motor Company, owner of Aston Martin since 1988 and the input of the dynamic Walter Hayes. Rod Mansfield, Engineering Director, was charged with the development of the new car and a new factory was acquired at Bloxham, near Bambury where every DB7 would be built throughout its production run, Chassis number sequence begins at: 100,001.  Aston Martin Oxford Ltd was born.

Known internally as the NPX project, the new design was subjected to far more development testing that any previous Aston Martin. Full use was made of Ford’s own test facilities.  In addition c30 prototypes were driven in some of the most diverse areas in the world.
Penned by Scottish designer Ian Callum the DB7 captures the very essence of ‘Aston Martin’. The result is elegant, sharp edges of previous Aston Martin cars have been replaced by curves including the radiator opening and the compound curves of the front of the bonnet, the sculpted interior with it’s predominate curved lines.  It is trimmed in Connolly hide with matching piping, further complimented by burr walnut-trimmed cockpit panels. With the exception of the clock, which has a digital display, the instrument panel has round, analogue gauges. The front seats are electrically operated and have been designed to hold the body in place while making the most of cornering capability. Air conditioning is fitted, as is cruise control. The body is a semi-monocoque shell with composite materials used for some of the outer panels.

Following the introduction of the coupe in 1994, the eagerly awaited ‘VOLANTE’ finally went into production with the first cars appearing in January 1996, debuting at both the Detroit and Los Angeles Motor Shows with the European launch following in the spring at Geneva. As a Joint production venture between Bloxham and Newport Pagnell, the drophead was essentially the same from the doors forward, with modified rear panels and boot lid to accommodate the electrically operated hood mechanism and a storage compartment. Additional strengthening was engineered into the chassis to reduce flex with the windscreen undergoing similar treatment for safety in the event of a roll. Autocar road tested a ‘VOLANTE’ for the November 1996 issue (4212) achieving 6.5 seconds 0-60 and a maximum speed of 152 mph.

After the DB7 had been in production for some four years, demand for more performance prompted a joint engineering programme between Fords advanced vehicle technology department and Cosworth engineering. The DB7 Vantage coupe and Volante was introduced at The Geneva Salon on the 9th March 1999 and marked the production of the first 12-cylinder Aston Martin. The engine is an all alloy multi valve 6.0 Litre V12 producing 420 horsepower with a top speed of 180 M.P.H. and able to accelerate to 60 M.P.H. in 5.0 seconds.

Controlled by a sophisticated Visteon electronic engine management system offering monitoring and coordination of many parameters such as ignition strategy, traction control, exhaust emission and diagnostics, this engine employs the most advanced manufacturing techniques and use of composites. Both 6-Speed close ratio manual and a ZF 5-speed automatic transmission option was available, a semi automatic ‘Touchtronic’ gearbox followed later.

To cope with the extra performance, the chassis and drive train underwent some changes to improve tensional rigidity. Suspension improvements included new upper and lower wishbones and rear vertical links, revised damping ratings and new more ridged Bilstein shock absorbers. Brakes linked to the Teves 4 channel electronic anti-lock control systems, Brembo callipers bite on 355 mm cross-drilled disk to the front, 330 mm to the rear. The Vantage was equipped with specially designed 15" diameter road wheels, shod with ZR rated Bridgestone SO2 tyres special to the Aston Martin requirements.

Bodyworks enhancements were limited to slightly flared sills and a larger opening front air intake finished with a new bright work slated grille. Front and rear bumpers were improved in impact absorption, the rear under bumper section redesigned to accommodate the larger bore exhaust tailpipes. New front driving lights and indicators were featured as an integral part of the deeper more aerodynamic front air dam and a high-level third brake light to meet current legislation. 

Cockpit changes were limited to improved instrumentation, more comfortable and supportive multifunctional heated sports seating for driver and passenger, the engine now being fired by way of a red starter button positioned in the centre consol below a more traditional analogue clock. As with exterior coachwork, customers were now able to choose from virtually any interior leather and finishing combination along with a selection of veneer and inlays of alternative materials such as Aluminium and Carbon Fibre. An extensive range of factory and dealer supplied options were available, such as satellite navigation, premium sound systems and tailored luggage. It was even possible to order a DB7 with a carrier area in lieu of rear seats for transporting the family pet.

DB7 marked the beginning of a new era for this famous manufacturer. In its earlier 6- cylinder form, the DB7 was a capable and beautiful GT that could be used for both intercontinental touring and daily commuting. As with previous Vantage derivatives, the engine and chassis revision compounded its capabilities, making countries merge and regular journeys, a driving experience to contemplate.

History

Supplied new to the first and only owner by AM franchised dealer, Lancaster Aston Martin of Sevenoaks. The service history records verify that this example has enjoyed a full service history from the supplying dealer up to November 2004 and since then, the car has been used sparingly, forming part of a collection of cars in professionally storage. Present in the service history file, is all invoices, MOT’s and expired tax discs and proof that regardless of use, an annual fluid change has been carried out, with a full service undertaken 200 miles ago by the owners private technician, a fully trained and experienced Aston Martin technician. Finished in this rare and understated livery, our photographs barely do it justice!

 

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