Lot 25: Aston Martin DB7

Designed as the replacement for the Aston Martin V8, which had enjoyed an illustrious twenty-one year production run, the DB7 debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1993 and was available from September the following year. Powered by a 3.2-litre supercharged straight six engine producing 335bhp, the DB7 was capable of some 165mph. The convertible Volante model was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show two years later and 1999 was to see the appearance of the DB7 V12 Vantage with a 6-litre engine producing 420bhp. The delectable styling was by Ian Calham, the bodywork construction utilising numerous composite material panels. The motoring press were most enthusiastic, with Autocar proclaiming &..Aston Martin is back with its most promising product since the DB4 thirty-five years ago. It is the best looking British sports car since the E-Type and an imperious chassis, gutsy engine and sumptuous cabin mean its talents are much more than skin deep&&.. Proving extremely popular in mainland Europe, the USA and Middle East, as well as in its native land, production was to total more than 7000 by the time the model was superseded by the DB9 in 2004. A rare manual example, this DB7 is finished in Beacon Black with Ox Blood and Cream upholstery and dates from 1995. Comprehensive service history is provided from Aston Martin specialists and it is clearly apparent that the motor car has been carefully maintained. The specification includes sports wheels and special sports exhaust system, mesh grille, ten-stack CD system and all the usual Aston Martin refinements, with the air-conditioning unit having been recently renewed. The private registration number, A10 DYW, is also included. In the care of the present owner for the past six years, the car is now offered for sale due to an imminent move to Spain. The vendor informs us that whilst in his care the car has not been expensive to run, returning up to 30mpg on a long journey and requiring an annual service at around �650, with comprehensive insurance, we are informed, coming out at �500. In addition to the service history, there is a V5C registration document together with a current MOT certificate, this being valid until February 2009.