2001 Aston Martin DB7 Volante Convertible

The Aston Martin DB7, known internally as the NPX project, was built during the era of Ford ownership, which lasted from 1988 to 2007. They were built using many Jaguar components and were an evolution of the Jaguar XJS's. The styling began as the Jaguar F-Type designed by Keith Helfet, which Ford had been cancelled and used on the XJS platform instead. Ian Callum added the finishing touches to make it look like an Aston Martin. The lines were evocative of earlier Aston Martin models and incorporated elements of the prior DB4, DB5, and DB6 into its design.

At the Geneva Motor Show in 1999, the DB7 received the six-liter Cosworth designed and built V-12 engine with 24 valve heads and offering 420 horsepower. It was given braking upgrades and chassis improvements, along with improved air intake and cooling. Ian Callum enlarged the grill, re-styled the valances and added fog lamps. Transmission options included either a TREMEC T-56 six speed manual or a ZF 5HP30 ve speed automatic gearbox. Aston Martin stated that with the manual gearbox, top speed was 186 mph. With the automatic installed, Aston Martin claimed the car could achieve a top speed of 165 mph.

This DB7 Vantage is fitted with the 48-valve V12 engine mated to an automatic transmission.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2018