The Aston Martin company has enjoyed both 'highs' and 'lows' in regards to finances, sales, and motorsports. From 1947 to 1972 it was guided by David Brown and under his leadership acquired Lagonda, and during the 1950s a series of DB cars literally defined the Grand Touring car. The popularity of the marque was taken to new heights by a British spy named James Bond with his famous DB5 in the movie Goldfinger. The following decades saw several owners and the financial health of Aston Martin was tenuous, but the company survived and re-established itself among the leading manufacturers of world-class luxury sports cars.

During the 1990s, Aston Martin was able to design an all-new car with the infusion of cash by the Ford Motor Company, allowing them to develop and test to a much further extent than anything the old Aston Martin could muster. It is reported that over 20 complete prototypes of the DB7 were constructed, with the final styling penned by Ian Callum. The new model was designed as a volume seller initially powered by a 3.2-liter supercharged version of the twin-cam four-valves-per-cylinder AJ-6 unit that had replaced the venerable XK in Jaguar's saloon range. With the help of the water-cooled Eaton supercharger, the engine offered 335 horsepower and gave it a top speed of 160 mph, putting the DB7 on par with the Mercedes-Benz 500SL and Porsche 928. The body was notable for employing numerous composite-material panels in its construction.

The soft-top version, dubbed Volante, made its debut on the 1996 Auto Show circuit. In 1999, the introduction of a new V-12 engine that launched the Vantage into supercar status. The Cosworth designed 6.0 liter, quad-cam, 48-valve engine developed 400 lb-ft of torque and 420 horsepower to the wheels, and added just 122 pounds to the overall weight, using an aluminum alloy block and cylinder heads. This improvement in performance was done while meeting all current and projected emissions regulations. Zero-to-sixty mph was now accomplished in under five seconds and the top speed was above 180 mph (electronically limited to 185 mph). There was a choice of two alternative transmissions: a new six-speed manual or ZF five-speed automatic with manually selectable ratios.

This supercar performance came with modern convinces, classic Aston Martin appearance, luxury, and refined road-handling characteristics. During its production run from 1994 through 2004, the DB7 in all its forms became the highest production Aston Martin to-date, with over 7,000 examples produced at the plant in Kidlington, Oxfordshire.

The V12 engine required more airflow and cooling than its 6-cylinder predecessor, demanding a larger intake and other changes to the frontal airflow. Other changes included braking, suspension, and chassis upgrades to cope with the increased performance, and Ian Callum enlarged the grille, added fog lamps, and restyled the valances to give the car a more purposeful look. Unique 15-inch diameter wheels were built specifically for the Vantage, along with cross-drilled and ventilated Brembo brakes equipped with ABS. The existing six-cylinder DB7 bodyshell was re-engineered to accommodate the new V12 engine/transmission package, resulting in a stiffer structure exceeding all contemporary crash test requirements. The interior featured traditional Connolly hide upholstery and could be trimmed and equipped to individual customer requirements. The usual long-list of luxury fittings came standard, while clients could select from an extensive list of options and bespoke touches.

To celebrate the factory's famous victory at Le Mans 24-Hour Race in 1959 when Roy Salvadori and Carroll Shelby took the chequered flag first in 'DBR1/2', Aston Martin announced in March of 1999 that 40 special versions of the Vantage - the Vantage Le Mans - would be built. At the time was the fastest Aston Martin ever, made several styling changes. Recalling the DBR1 racer's ducted bonnet, it received front wing side vents, 'nostril' front grille, improved high-downforce air dam, five-spoke magnesium alloy wheels, and revised rear spoiler incorporating the high-intensity and reversing lights. The chassis received extensive upgrading including the 'Driving Dynamics' package, required to cope with the massive increase in performance that the Vantage gained over its Virage progenitor.

The Vantage used a blown version of the proven 5,340cc V8 with twin mechanically driven Eaton superchargers being preferred to turbo-chargers on the grounds of superior throttle response. The engine offered 550 bhp and 550 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 RPM. For buyers seeking even more power, there was the Works Service-developed 'V600' enhancement that brought with it an additional 50 horsepower together with upgrades to the wheels, suspension, and brakes. Announced at the British Motor Show at the NEC, Birmingham in 1998, the V600 package added £43,000 to the price of the standard Vantage. Zero-to-sixty mph took 3.9 seconds with its top speed in excess of 320 km/h (200 mph).

The Le Mans interior received special treatment with the Wilton carpeting featuring embossed 'Aston Martin' emblems. There was an aluminum gear lever knob, 'button' starter, brushed metal paneling instead of the traditional wood veneers, oversize tachometer, and perforated, competition-style pedals.

Just forty examples of the limited edition Vantage LeMans were delivered new with the factory's V600 package installed.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible
Chassis number: SCFAB4239YK400055

This Aston Martin is the 55th DB7 Vantage Volante produced and one of a 1,786 built in total (1999 - 2003). Power is from a 5.9 liter V12 engine offering 420 horsepower mated to a ZF 5-speed automatic. It has been driven just 33,215 miles and has spent nearly all of its life in Newport Beach, CA. The car is finished in rare deep Pentland Green metallic paint over a Saddle Tan and Forest Green two-tone all Connolly leather interior with matching Dark Green convertible top. It has hand-finished Burl Walnut inlays, heated sport seats with Aston Martin wings embossed in the backreats, tan Alcantara headlining, two-tone steering wheel, aluminum pedals, and Kenwood audio system.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe
Chassis number: SCFDAM2S9YBL70272
Engine number: 590/R/720272/M LM

Aston Martin built forty exclusive supercharged versions of their V8 Vantage in honor of the 40th anniversary of the 1959 victory at Le Mans. The special edition model made its debut in 1999 at the Geneva Motor Show where it was unveiled next to the race-winning DBR1/2. The so-named Vantage Le Mans was more than just a 'paint and trim' special, but a fully enhanced and upgraded model. It was given a special front spoiler with larger cooling ducts to improve airflow and downforce. The fuel caps were redesigned to look life fuel valves and the side vents were reshaped. The interior featured perforated foot pedals, aluminum gear-lever knob, and brushed metal panels replacing the traditional wood veneers.

The Vantage Le Mans came with the V590 engine but Aston Matin offered customers the opportunity to upgrade to the uprated V600 specification. The 600 horsepower engine gave the car a top speed of 200 mph making it the most powerful Aston Martin road-car until the One-77 arrived.

Most of the Le Mans was upgraded post-delivery, however, this particular example is one of the few that was upgraded to V600 specification when new. It is the 38th of 40 examples built and one of 22 left-hand-drive examples.

This car was originally ordered by His Excellency Sheikh Abdelaziz bin Khalifa Al Thani, the eldest son of the eighth Emir of Qatar, the Le Mans was optioned in Aston Martin Racing Green with a special-order ex-Works interior in trim-to-sample Green and Magnolia, with Dark Green carpeting. The sheik ordered hand-stitched Al Thani royal family crests emblazoned on the rear seats, gearshift, and owner's manual. After being dispatched to the Qatar embassy in Paris in June 2000, the Le Mans was registered on Qatar plates in December of that year.

This Aston Martin remained in Paris where it received servicing by Auto Performance Paris, before being sold to a private museum in Japan in October 2008. At that time the Le Mans was recorded as having covered 16,800 kilometers. In 2017, this car arrived in the United States on Show or Display exemption. At the time it had covered just 18,485 km.

by Dan Vaughan

Aston Martin DB7 Volante

It was Victor Gauntlett who first suggested that a new, smaller Aston Martin should be built alongside the big V8 Astons, a car that would, in terms, be a volume seller.

The advent of the Ford Motor Company and the appointment of the late Walter Hayes as Chief Executive of Aston Martin not only provided new funding, but a renewed vigour in the person of Rod Mansfield who, as Engineering Director in 1990, was charged with the development of the 'smaller' Aston Martin, code names DP1999.

The new design, code named NPX, was subjected to far more development and testing than the majority of models to date, with the use of some 30 prototypes which were exposed to extreme conditions and temperatures across the World.

The engine proved to be a light alloy, twin camshaft, supercharged straight six of 3,228cc based on a design that had originated at Jaguar. The cylinder head used 4 valves per cylinder with Zytec electronic multi-point fuel injection while the air needed to combust the fuel was delivered by a water cooled Eaton, 'roots' type, supercharger which was driven by a toothed belt from the camshaft.

Although it didn't appear for almost 3 years after the DB7's unveiling, Aston Martin had every intention of creating a soft-top version. In 1996, the Volante made its debut at the Los Angeles and Detroit motor show.

In 1999, the DB7 received significant engineering enhancements with the introduction of the DB7 Vantage – the first Aston Martin to use a V12 engine.

Aston Martin DB7 Vantage

Launched on the 1999 London Motorshow, the DB7 Vantage replaced the six cylinder DB7. The DB7 Vantage, available in both Coupe and Volante body styles, was the first ever Aston Martin to be powered by a 12 cylinder engine.

Incorporating the latest in Formula I technology, it has been designed and developed in close cooperation with the Ford Research and Vehicle Technology Group and Cosworth Technology as part of a long-term and continuing programme to research and develop new designs, materials and manufacturing techniques for implementation by Aston Martin. Features include an engine oil/water heat exchanger to improve cooling efficiency and an ionised gas misfire detection system.

Aston Martin DB7 GT

The International Birmingham Motor Show witnessed the launch of the most powerful Aston Martin DB7 model ever made – the DB7 GT. Created in less than one year, this addition to the existing Aston Martin line-up has been developed in conjunction with customers who wanted a car that had a little more performance, increased driver involvement and excellent road handling.

Based on the current DB7 Vantage Coupe, the DB7 GT has a number of dynamic elements which have been finely engineered to offer a new dimension to the Aston Martin DB7 driving experience. It is available in both manual (GT) and automatic (GTA) form.

Recognised as one of the world's most beautiful cars, the DB7 GT has received subtle but effective changes to complement the elegant, yet classic body design that since 1993 has epitomised the pedigree, heritage and tradition of Aston Martin. Special attention has been paid to the aerodynamic balance for high speed stability with the adoption of additional sweeps for the undertray, wheel arch liner extensions and a revised bootlid which emphasises the new look. These additions have helped to reduce lift by almost 50%. Under bonnet air-flow management is assisted by the addition of two distinctive bonnet vents, which also help dissipate heat. There is also a distinctive wire mesh radiator grille and lower air intake - which have become the hallmarks of a modern Aston Martin – subtle indicators to onlookers to differentiate the car as either a DB7 GT or GTA derivative.

Further development of Aston Martin's low emissions, all alloy, twin-overhead camshaft, 48 valve, 6.0-litre V12 engine has generated an increase in power from 420 bhp (DB7 Vantage) to 435 bhp. The revised quick-shift gear lever on the DB7 GT version and racing twin-plate clutch enables the driver to maximise use of the increase in power and torque and offers a faster gear change.

by Aston Martin

A high-luxury, high-performance car, the Aston Martin DB7 is a sexy car that combines world-class comfort and speed into a hot little package. A British manufacturer of luxury sports vehicles, Aston Martin Lagonda Limited was founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford. Considered by many to be the most attractive Aston Martins of all, the DB7 is reputed to being the most successful model the British performance car manufacturer has yet created. Spanning a production lifetime from 1994 until 2004, more than 7,000 models of the 2-door, 4-seater coupe or convertible had been design and produced worldwide. Numerous variations and two engines were offered.

The prototype was finished by November 1992 and debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in March of 1993. Styled by Ian Callum and Keith Helfet, the DB7 grand tourer was available in September of 1994. Positioned as an 'entry-level' model, the six-cylinder DB7 was placed beneath the hand-built V8 Virage that had been introduced several years earlier. The most produced Aston Martin ever, more than 7,000 DB7's were constructed before being replaced by the DB9.

Known on the inside as the NPX project, the DB7 was constructed mostly with Jaguar resources and with the financial backing of the Ford Motor Company, which was the owner of Aston Martin from 1988 until 2007. Evolving from the Jaguar XJS's the DB7's platform underwent numerous changes. The styling began with the Jaguar F type, designed by Keith Helfet before Ford canceled this car and the general design was spliced into an XJS platform. Ian Callum crafted several moderate changes to make it look more like an Aston Martin. Though the Aston Martin was much more rare and expensive, the first generation Jaguar XK-8 uses a development of the XJ-S/DB7 platform and the cars share a familial semblance.

Engineered in Kidlington, Oxfordshire by Tom Walkinshaw Racing on behalf of Aston Martin, the DB7 engine continued to be constructed in Kidlington during the production run of the car.

Early in production years the 3.2-liter supercharged straight-six engine with 335 horsepower was standard and came with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Also available was a supercharged six-liter V12 engine that produced between 420 and 435 horsepower. With the V12 was a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. With the supercharged engine, the new DB7 Coupe could reach 0-60 mph in just 5.8 seconds and had a top speed of around 160 mph.

A new factory was set up at Bloxham, Oxfordshire where every DB7 would be constructed throughout its production run when production of the Virage continued at Newport Pagnell. The DB7 and its siblings were the only Aston Martins produced in Bloxham and the only ones with a steel unit construction inherited from Jaguar. Traditionally Aston Martin had utilized aluminum for their car bodies but after the DB7 the cars used aluminum for the chassis along with many major body parts.

In 1996 the convertible Volante version was introduced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Both versions featured a supercharged straight-6 engine that produced 335 bhp and 361 lb/ft of torque. Convertible models featured a power roof and automatic climate control, remote entry, wood trim, a CD-changer audio system, unlimited power options and much more. The Coupe sold for the $140,000 in the U.S. and the Volanta for $150,000. A special Driving Dynamics package was introduced by Works Service, which enhanced the driving performance and handling for drivers who wanted a bit more than the standard configuration.

The commanding DB7 V12 Vantage was debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in 1999. Featuring a powerful 5.9-liter, 48-valve, the V12 engine produced 420 bhp and 400 lb/ft of torque. The second-generation DB7 model, the vehicle was available in the same two body styles, the Coupe and convertible Volante. They were fitted with a newly-designed cooling system. With a compression ratio of 10.3:1, the transmission options were available with either a TREMEC T-56 six-speed manual or a ZF 5HP30 five-speed automatic gearbox. The manual gearbox aided the V12 in achieving a top speed of 186 mph while the automatic gearbox got it 165 mph. It was capable of reaching 0-60mph in just 4.9 seconds. The V12 had an overall weight of 3,968.3 lbs, was 4,692 mm long, 72 inches wide, and 48.9 inches high. Unfortunately the sales of the supercharged straight-6 engine DB7 had sunk drastically following the introduction of the Vantage, so production ceased by mid-1999.

A new variant was introduced in 2002, named V12 GT or V12 GTA variant when equipped with an automatic transmission. Basically a better version of the Vantage, its V12 engine produced 435 bhp and 410 lb/ft of torque. This new version was much more appealing than the Vantage and featured a mesh front grille, a spoiler in the rear, vents in the hood, an aluminum gear lever, new wheels, and optional carbon-fiber trim. The rear vented disc brakes were made by Brembo and had 14.0 inches in front and 13.0 inches in the rear. In 2003 on Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson tested the vehicle and demonstrated the ability to pull away in fourth gear and continue until its hit the rev limiter at a speedometer indicated 135 mph.

A variety of special edition DB7 cars were constructed and included the 1998 Alfred Dunhill Edition where 150 'platinum metallic' cars were produced with a built-in humidor. This same year a Neiman-Marcus Edition was created with 10 special blacks cars being produced for the '98 Neiman Marcus Christmas catalog. The 1999 Stratsone Edition included 19 special black cars, 9 of them coupes, and 10 Volantes. The '98 Beverly Hills Edition included 6 'Midnight Blue' cars, 2 of them being coupes, and 4 Volantes. To celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in 2003 the Jubilee Limited Edition produced 24 'jubilee blue' cars made for Europe and 26 cars for the U.S. A few 2002 Keswick Limited Edition were a few 'nero Daytona black' model cars. To commemorate the end of DB7 Vantage production the 2003 Anniversary Edition a total of 33 'slate blue' cars were produced.

Late in the DB7's production run two special edition variants were introduced; the DB7 Vantage Zagato and the DB AR1. The Zagato was a special limited-edition grand tourer produced by Aston Martin/Zagato. Debuted at the Paris Motor Show in October of 2002, the Zagato immediately sold out. Only 99 examples were sold publicly, though one extra was made special for the Aston Martin museum. Much like the DB7 Vantage that it mimicked, the Zagato was controlled by a 6-speed manual transmission and powered by a 6.0L V12 engine. Built on a shortened chassis unlike the future DB AR1, the Zagato had a top speed of 186 mph and could achieve 0-60 mph in just 4.9 seconds.

The other special edition variant, the DB AR1 was also a limited-edition grand tourer produced for the U.S. market by Aston Martin and Zagato in 2003. The name stood for American Roadster 1 and was introduced at the L.A. Auto Show in January of 2003 without a convertible top. Based on the current DB7 Vantage Volante convertible, the DB AR1 featured an updated body style with coachwork by Zagato. The car used the 6.0 liter, 48-valve, V12 engine from the V12 Vanquish. Much like the Vantage Zagato, only 99 examples were produced for sale, and one additional example built exclusively for Aston Martins factory collection. The DB AR1 could achieve 0-60mph in just 4.9 seconds and had a top speed of 186 mph.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aston_Martin_DB7

http://www.autoevolution.com/cars/aston-martin-db7-coupe-1993.html

http://www.autoevolution.com/cars/aston-martin-db7-vantage-1999.html http://www.autoevolution.com/cars/aston-martin-db7-gt-2003.html

http://www.auto123.com/en/aston-martin/db7/2003/review?carid=1030400100&artid=131969

by Jessican Donaldson