Lot 207: Aston Martin DB7 Coupe

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. 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. This automatic transmission DB7 Coupé was originally supplied by Stratstone Mayfair, as verified by the Vehicle Build Record. Serviced mainly by Grange Aston of Welwyn Garden City, the car comes with full Aston Martin service history and a file containing details of the three previous owners plus a quantity of service bills and expired MoT certificates. The service record confirms the low mileage of only 56,500. In 2003 the cherished registration number 'R60 AML' was obtained and the car also benefits from the fitting of Vantage 18" alloy wheels, RAC Trackstar tracker, Alpine radio/CD changer, a smaller Aston Martin wheel and a stainless steel Vantage grille (the original steering wheel comes with the car). In April 2005 'R60 AML' took part in the parade that drove past HM The Queen on The Royal Windsor St George's Day Festival of Aston Martin. Finished in Mendip Blue with blue-piped magnolia leather upholstery and blue carpets, the car is described as in generally excellent condition and offered with the aforementioned service history, a full set of workshop manuals, current road fund licence, MoT to January 2013 and Swansea V5 registration document.