It was the car that saved Aston Martin. It did it with understated yet immeasurably seductive styling, a supercharged six-cylinder engine and Tom Walkinshaw tuning and handling. Some thirty years later and all those elements are just as potent and relevant as they ever were. 

Only now, we know that they only built 1605 of them. That’s pretty rare by anyone’s standards, and it all adds to the car’s high desirability.

A comprehensive set of notes and invoices accompany the DB7, which the next owner should find very reassuring. As well as a listing of all the service dates (often at some very well-known Aston Martin addresses), there are notes on the work carried out and some weighty invoices. 

The Aston has obviously enjoyed a high level of care from all its keepers, and though it hasn’t needed any major rebuilds, there has been a steady supply of replacement parts to keep it on top form.

Trimmed in Forest Green and Parchment hides, the interior remains that of a prestigious GT. The leather is in very good shape, with only the odd light mark and the gentlest of creasing to the seat cushions – mainly on the driver’s side. Bolsters and cushions remain firm and supportive, while the dark green piping defines the edges well, both in the front and rear. Predictably, the rear seats show almost no wear (it would be a tight squeeze in there).

The green leather on the roll top is also in excellent condition as is that on the steering wheel, gear selector and door handles. None of these often well-handled areas carry any significant marks. The stitching remains tight and the leather has not faded.

The chunky door panels – and their wood inserts – are likewise smooth, retaining all of their shape and colour. Fixtures and fittings are present and correct – and working.

The warmly-figured walnut burr is a great feature of the interior. It shows a nice grain and the lacquer retains a good gloss, largely free of scratches.

On the floors (and door botoms) the green carpets are clean with a good pile, while the mats have neatly trimmed edges. Up above, the Alcantara headlining is new – it was replaced in 2021.

A cabin certainly worthy of an Aston.

Finished in Buckinghamshire Green, this DB7 is quite the period piece, and every inch a British GT. The metallic paint is in excellent condition, showing a good gloss all around the car. It might benefit from a good detailing, but the underlying finish is very sound with no signs of bubbles or significant scratches.

Although at first glance a DB7 appears smooth and unadorned, there are actually quite a number of (usually inset or flush) details. All these remain in place, fitting snugly and following their original contours. All maintain the gorgeous same shade of green as the steel panels and show no areas of accumulated dirt in folds or crevices. Similarly, the black-finish window frames are in good shape, showing no underlying areas of corrosion or discolouration. There are a couple of small areas where a wing mirror mount has faded.

Another quality preserving the seductive charm of the peddle-smooth Helfet/Callum design is the fit of the panels. Edges mate perfectly together and shut lines are narrow and symmetrical. Gazing at a DB7 can be a very satisfying experience.

Nestled in a clean and solid-looking engine bay, Aston’s six-cylinder looks to be in fine fettle – which shouldn’t be too much of a surprise to anyone who has taken a look at the service history. Not a lot can be seen of the engine itself, but all hoses, ducting and cabling leading to it look to be in excellent health. They appear clean, supple and a healthy shade of black. Their fasteners, guides and retainers are likewise good and none are dirty or show any signs of leaks. 

Neither does the motor or its ancillaries. (It’s the details of this car that give you confidence.) The latter show a little oxidation here and there but, like the engine, appear to be in very good condition. Covers – both plastic and steel – and other brackets all look to be strong and in good shape. There are no signs of corrosion save for the odd edge of a bracket. Fans, radiator and oil cooler all appear in top condition, and the under bonnet insulation is particularly tidy. It would appear that paying those main agent service bills pays off.

The boot area is tidy with clean, neat carpets and shows any signs of water ingress, while the undersides of doors are clean. The weather seals of all these areas are good.

The underside of the car looks healthy, showing a general light weathering but with no areas of concern. The rounded undersides of the front and rear valances show surprisingly few scuffs and the exhausts are sound. Suspension parts are very serviceable and the brake discs free of corrosion. Tyres show good tread.

This mid-production example answers all the questions a prospective DB7 owner is likely to ask of it. It is finished in an emblematic Aston (and British) colour, both understated and stylish, and has an elegant – and very tidy – interior to match. And it has been well looked after.

Coupled to that, the DB7 remains a very capable and practical sporting tourer (for two), as enjoyable on country B roads as it is dashing down to the south of France. And while it’s still a gutsy performer, its servicing bills are nowhere near as high as some of its V8 siblings. Tempting.

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*