Highlights
- A genuine modern classic
- Sold new in USA
- 5.9-litre V12 engine
The Appeal
The DB7 made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in 1993, to an overwhelmingly positive response. Designed by Ian Callum and Keith Helfet in both coupé and convertible styles, it became the best-selling Aston at the time, with more than 7000 examples rolling out of the purpose-built factory in Bloxham, Oxfordshire before the DB9 superseded it in 2004.
In 1999 the more powerful DB7 Vantage was launched, with a 5.9-litre, 48-valve Aston Martin V12 engine and some cosmetic changes; soon sales of the base straight-six engine model reduced, leading Aston to end production of that iteration the same year.
With stunning looks and performance to match, the DB7 Vantage is a modern classic and a desirable and sought-after car. The DB7 was the car that spear-headed Aston’s march to become the luxury brand it is today.
This example was sold new into the USA, and subsequently bought by a British expat who then imported the car to the UK when he returned in 2013.
The History and Paperwork
- Sold new to USA
- Imported to UK in 2013
- Importation paperwork
- SORN since August 2021
- Vendor will secure new MoT before sale
- Thick folder of paperwork
- Original owner’s manual
- Past MoTs
- Lots of previous invoices
- Two sets of keys
The vendor has recently acquired the car from a previous long-term owner, who bought the car while resident in the USA and imported it to the UK in 2013 when he returned here. All the relevant importation paperwork is present, and a thick pile of invoices records maintenance and servicing at marque specialists; it’s clear that the car has had a great deal of care and attention at considerable expense.
The car has been under a Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN) since August 2021 and MoT certificates record that it has covered only around 2000 miles since 2018. The vendor will secure a new MoT before sale.
The Interior
- Leather front seats with some wear
- Electrically adjustable and heated front seats
- Rear +2 seats
- Wind deflector
- Carbon-fibre dashboard and centre console
- Push-button start
- Air conditioning
- Electric windows
- Dashboard clock
- Lockable storage compartment between front seats
- Carpets and overmats in very good condition
- Aston Martin plaques in door sills
- Alpine TDA-7563 cassette/radio and CD player
- Alpine power amplifier in the boot
- Six-CD autochanger in boot
- Original umbrella mounted on the underside of the boot lid
As you’d expect of a high-end grand tourer, the interior here is well-appointed. The leather front seats are in pretty good condition, with a few signs of wear, mostly on the driver’s seat. The rear ‘+2’ seats look to be little used – no surprise, really, as there’s virtually no legroom. The carpets have been protected by branded overmats and additional overmats in both footwells, while the leather-trimmed door cards are very good, again with some wear visible on the driver’s side. The carbon-fibre dashboard and centre console are showing signs of their age, with some delamination taking place around the edges. The instruments are all in very good condition. The Alpine stereo has been augmented by a power amplifier mounted in the boot, where there is also a CD autochanger – also supplied are some additional CD holders for this.
The Exterior
- ‘Sky Silver’ metallic paintwork in good condition
- Smart 18” ten-spoke alloy wheels
- All four tyres have good tread
- Very good badges and brightwork
- Hood in good condition
- Hood cover in its sleeve
For a car of more than twenty years old, X 371 RNV presents in very good order. There are a few chips in the paintwork but no visible rust or repairs, while the badges, front grille and other brightwork all look great. All four alloy wheels are in great condition, with no kerb damage and minimal corrosion.The lenses on the faired-in headlamps are showing signs of their age. The hood shows some discoloration but the stitching is all intact and it would appear to be fully weatherproof, and in the boot is a hood cover in its sleeve. The electric hood mechanism works well.
The Mechanics
- 5.9-litre V12 Aston Engine
- Engine plaque, no. 02299
- ZF 5HP30 five-speed auto ‘box with Touchtronic system
- New fuel pumps and filters in 2018
- New rear brake discs and pads in 2018
- Has covered only 2000 miles since 2018
- Starts and runs well
- Clean engine bay
- In good order underneath
- Spare Aston Martin oil filter
From 2000 onward, the DB7 Vantage was offered with a highly acclaimed ‘Touchtronic’ system, developed in conjunction with ZF, which is present here. As well as a normal automatic mode, there’s a ‘sport’ mode where gearchanges are made at higher speeds, and drivers can also select ‘Touchtronic’ mode which is a sequential manual gearbox: gears can be selected either by moving the gear-lever back and forth or by using the ‘+’ or ‘-‘ buttons on the steering wheel.
On the evidence of our photo shoot, the car starts on first turn of the key, and idles beautifully. There are no warning lights illuminated on the dashboard. The vendor reports that it drives and handles wonderfully well, just as you’d expect from a low-mileage Aston with an impressive history file.
Under the bonnet, the customary Aston Martin plaque records that the engine’s final inspection was done by Kevin Wild; everything else here is neat and tidy, with no visible issues.
Summary
Hailed as the best-looking British car since the E-type Jaguar, the DB7 has an impeccable pedigree to go with its elegant lines and luxurious interior. Add in the performance from that 5.9-litre V12 engine and you have a car that’s close to a complete package. There can be few better ways to drive on a sunny summer’s day than in a convertible DB7 Vantage.
Notice to bidders
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.
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