Lot 311: 1997 Aston Martin DB7 Volante

‘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 that 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 coupé becoming available in the USA at the same time.
This automatic transmission DB7 Volante was sold new in September 1997 via Stratstones of Mayfair and delivered finished in Buckinghamshire Green with olive/tan interior, green carpets and black hood. The vendor purchased the car from Aston Martin of Park Lane, London on 8th August 2003, it being described as in ‘perfect’ condition and sold with 12 months warranty at that time. Some 17,500-or-so miles had been recorded by time of purchase, to which the vendor has added approximately another 3,000, this limited use reflecting his continuing ill health. Works Service records show that the car was serviced by them in 1999, and the vendor advises us that the vehicle’s complete service history will be available at time of sale. ‘C12 DLE’ boasts the useful addition of a vehicle tracking device and is offered with current MoT and Swansea V5 registration document.