After a twenty-year hiatus, a DB badge returned to Aston Martin in the 1990’s drawing excitement from large swathes of the motoring community as they prepared to see the return of an icon. The new generation would arrive under the stewardship of the Ford Motor Company that assured the finances for the British marque wouldn’t run dry as they moved forward to a new era making use of composite materials and a new factory. First arriving with a six-cylinder supercharger motor that served until the late 90’s the DB7 entered the new millennium with an astonishing V12 which served the DB7 until the last ones rolled out of the factory gates.
The first Aston Martin to be sculpted by renowned designer Ian Callum appeared in 1993 and was refreshed in the late 90’s to move on from the supercharged straight-six originally slotted ahead of the driver. In came the 6.0 V12, which thundered into action until the last of DB7’s left the production line. The engine was not the only update made though, a bigger front grille was the centrepiece to the new light arrangement in the bumper and new wheels giving the overall appearance a more aggressive and purposeful edge.
Aston Martin’s sporting history has always found its way into the DNA of their cars however the touring capability is never forgotten. The DB7 continued this theme, blending the best attributes of a sports car with the long-legged comfort of a GT, all of this combined makes a DB7 feel engaging whether it is inducing a smile along a back road, or shimmering in the sunlight on a wide-open highway to a destination far, far away.
The current owner got the keys after making a deal with someone interested in another car he owned. Sadly, the pandemic and subsequent lockdown meant that he hasn’t been able to enjoy the vehicle as he would have liked having only clocked up a few thousand miles.
Other priorities mean that it is time to say a fond farewell to W12 MWB with the hope the next owner will be able to extract all the enjoyment that such a vehicle promises. Previous owners have clearly been enthusiasts with a keen interest in driving the car, whilst spending thousands making sure it is maintained to the highest standard. The owner estimates that circa £50,000 has been spent maintaining this stunning example.
It can be cliché to say it has a bootyful of history, but lay out all the invoices in the boot of this Aston Martin and that is exactly what you have. Main agent stamps are on every page of the service book, there were so many that it is now filled to the back page, a continuation of its history is easily followed with the service invoices.
The important initial service that is sometimes overlooked was carried out a month after the first owner took delivery and expensive work has been carried out without hesitation on each invoice giving real peace of mind to how well the car has been treated. The last invoice was 9,000 miles ago in 2018.
The owner was keen to point out that everything they are aware of works including the rear parking sensors that are a great help when trying to park in a tight spot outside a favourite restaurant with the roof up.
Hold the steering wheel in both hands in the ten and two position and a carbon effect connects the two along the top. Both driver’s and passenger seat wore only minor creases, as to be expected with the age and mileage covered, but were without any staining or tears and the rear seats appeared unused.
The roof mechanism operated smoothly and latched securely without problem with the windows all returning into the correct seals. Opening up the boot revealed a dark carpeted area in great condition, ready for a travel bag or just the weekly shop. Underneath the carpet was a CD changer that was not tested but appeared in good condition and the original fire extinguisher complete with Aston Martin logo. The only issue the owner notes was the handbrake light remains on when driving, no other warning lights remain.
The black paintwork and chrome door handles shined at every chance with the sun reflected back to the envious eyes of all the admirers it collected whilst we looked over the vehicle with the owner. All four wheels were in fantastic condition with some light kerb markings on the two nearside alloys that would need mild remedial work to match the overall standard of the car. Two small dents, almost identical in placement were found on both rear quarters, both were minor and the paintwork appeared unblemished.
Walking along the body front to back to admire the lines of the DB7 highlighted just how well kept the vehicle has been over the last 18 years. There were a few stone chips at the front, as to be expected on a black car of this age, they didn’t detract from the overall splendour of the vehicle. The owner advised that the private number plate that is currently displayed will remain on the car. Both headlight lenses have become cloudy with age and would benefit from a polish.
A slight lifting of the front bumper at the top of the nose was pointed out by the owner. A reason for this isn’t immediately clear, although it was theorized that it may just need adjustment due to a broken clip. Since the side of the bumper connects perfectly the owner hasn’t removed the bumper in his ownership so it will need further inspection to find the culprit, again this was not immediately clear but could be seen on close inspection and shows the honesty of both the vehicle’s condition and the meticulous nature of the current owner.
The pure, naturally aspirated 5.9 litre 48 valve V12 was in fine health and fired every time of asking without issue ready for action whilst we were with the car. The owner doesn’t use the car regularly but has covered a few longer trips this year including a 200-mile round trip in which the car behaved excellently, smoothly cruising on the longer open stretches of road with lots of power in reserve for the occasional overtake.
Pull through the gearbox and everything operates effortlessly with the five-speed automatic going through the gears smoothly, including reverse. A fine tune was played by the exhausts as the revs climbed before settling into another gear, and as would be expected by a car with such fine British engineering, it stopped and turned on a penny. The handbrake light remaining illuminated on the dash was the only fault found, however, this did not have any impact on the drive of the vehicle.
Walking past this DB7 and you can’t help but swivel your neck further and further. There’s something about it that holds your attention, whether it be the spy movie connection, racing pedigree of the marque, or the rejuvenation of the brand the DB7 brought. Perhaps it is the black paintwork reflecting all around it and so well-appointed with light leather seats behind the windscreen, whatever it is this car keeps you looking at.
There is purpose and pedigree to the DB7 that is so easily spoiled by a designer if it isn’t executed right. Fortunately, W12 MWB has a winning formula for those that want to enthuse performance and get a smile from those around them at the same time.
The people behind this car knew how to make it special without screaming it at you, a supercar that stands out because it whispers in a world that shouts, that’ll be the smooth lines and beautiful styling of an Aston Martin Volante.
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2003 Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Volante
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