Lot 144: 1997 Aston Martin DB7 Volante Convertible

"The DB7 merges contemporary and classic themes. Style and good taste are intrinsic. It stands out in a crowd without being overstated and benefits from intelligent engineering design. Its aerodynamic shape is both elegant and functional - it could only be an Aston Martin." - Aston Martin. It was the company's 1987 acquisition by Ford which ensured the future of Aston Martin, and the former's takeover of Jaguar two years later which made possible the revival of the DB line, dormant since the end of DB6 production in 1970. Jaguar's axed XJ-S replacement - the XJ41 - was deemed more suitable as an 'entry level' Aston Martin, and work on the project commenced towards the end of 1991, responsibility for the final design being given to Tom Walkinshaw's JaguarSport company. A shortened and modified XJ6 saloon platform formed the basis for the DB7. Brilliantly styled by Ian Callum in a manner reminiscent of the traditional Aston Martin, the body was notable for employing numerous composite-material panels in its construction. The chosen engine was a 3.2-litre version of the twin-cam, four-valves-per-cylinder AJ-6 unit that had replaced the venerable XK in Jaguar's saloon range. This was endowed with a suitable power output courtesy of a water-cooled Eaton supercharger. The result was 335bhp and a top speed of 160mph, a performance that put the DB7 on a par with rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz 500SL and Porsche 928. A little under three years after the DB7's debut at Geneva, the planned Volante convertible was launched simultaneously at the Detroit and Los Angeles auto shows in January 1996, the coupe becoming available in the USA at the same time. "Aston Martin is back with its most promising product since the DB4 35 years ago. It's the best looking British sportscar sinCe the E-Type and an imperious chassis, gutsy engine and sumptuous cabin mean its talents are much more than skin-deep. Classic GTs come no finer this side of a Ferrari 456GT. "Even without the emotional knee-jerk reaction to a car of such beauty, the DB7 is a triumph. In nigh-on every area of engine and chassis performance it has what it takes to hold its own against the opposition and, in many spheres, shows them the way home." - Autocar. This right-hand drive DB7 Volante has covered a mere 44,500 miles from new and is currently owned by an AMOC area representative who advises us that the car has a number of concours awards to its credit. Finished in Highland Blue with blue-piped cream leather interior, this automatic transmission model is presented in excellent condition, having been serviced some 50-or-so miles ago. It is offered complete with full service history with Stratstone’s of Cardiff, current road fund licence, MoT to August 2006 and Swansea V5 registration document. A donation will be made by the vendor to cancer research upon a successful sale.