Highlights
- Collector-quallty low mileage DB7 V12
- Under 8,000 documented miles from new
- Full Aston Martin dealer and Works service history
- Four registered keepers from new
- High specification with desirable colour combination
- One of the last V12 DB7s built
- Thick history file with detailed history and every invoice
- MOT to June 2025 with no advisories
The Appeal
Widely rated as one of the most beautiful cars ever built, the DB7 increasingly feels like a nailed on future classic. They were sold in relatively high numbers, which means that to vie for a place in a collection, any cars needs to be exceptionally good.
Step forward this one. It is one of the last DB7 V12 Vantage Volantes built and it must be one of the best maintained and least used. It has covered less than 8,000 miles from new and yet the history file would shame a car with 10 times that usage.
Classically finished in the popular combination of silver metallic with two-tone leather interior and a host of desirable factory fitted options including useful heated screen, Becker satnav, ‘Touchtronic’ transmission and a CD multichanger.
It is a beautifully preserved example in fine mechanical health. The service history shows 13 service stamps, all from Aston Martin main dealers or the Works directly. Recent attention includes two new tyres and new door locks. The MOT runs to June 2025 and is naturally advisory-free.
Don’t confuse this car with other lesser examples. It is collector-quality and one of the best we have seen in some time.
The History And Paperwork
- First registered 3rd September 2004
- Four registered keepers from new
- Current keeper since August 2023
- Documented low mileage as shown in MOT and history file
- V5C in current keeper’s name
- Factory handbooks and service book
- Extensive and well-organised history file
- £11,000 spent at Aston Works in 2021
- Full Aston Martin main dealer and Works service history – 13 stamps
- Last serviced in June 2023 at 5,712 miles
- Two tyres replaced in June 2024 to rectify MOT advisory
- Locks changed in December 2024
- MOT to 25th June 2025 with single advisory subsequently resolved as above
- 7,339 miles showing on MOT test and now showing 7,591 miles in photos
The Condition
- Very good contrasting dark and light grey leather front and rear seats
- Wood veneers in excellent condition
- 6 CD multi-changer premium sound system
- Tracker fitted
- ‘Touchtronic’ transmission with steering wheel shift buttons
- Heated front screen
- Becker satnav
- Optional aluminium pedal pads
- Stronsay Silver paintwork in very good condition
- Well presented 18inch alloy wheels
- Premium Bridgestone Potenza tyres fitted all round
- Roof tonneau included in sale
- Bodywork and underside present well with no structural issues on MOT
- Two tyres recently replaced in June 2024 with few miles since fitment
Where modern Astons favour a more high tech approach to interior specification, the DB7 is much more old school. Here you’ll find a reassuring mix of leather and wood reminiscent of those big DB V8 models of the 1970s and 1980s. You can really sense that craftsmen put it together rather than robots.
This late model DB7 was nicely specified by its original owner with heated and electric two-tone dark and light grey leather seats. The Volante includes two rear seats, although they are mainly there for appearance rather than function. The leather is supple and in excellent, unmarked condition as befits the very low mileage of this car.
The handmade wood veneers are extensive on this car, covering dashtop, door trims and centre console. All are in very good, unmarked condition. The only minor detraction is a small chip on the veneer in front of the passenger seat.
This car was specified with optional heated screen and a Becker satnav as well as a premium sound system with 6CD multi-changer in the boot. Aluminium pedal pads were also added. Aston’s ‘Touchtronic’ transmission, which provides a button shift option on the steering wheel, was also optioned. The car is fitted with a Tracker.
An Aston Martin wind deflector and car cover are included in the sale as well as two keys and two remote fobs.
The DB7 is one of Ian Callum’s greatest designs and it looks particularly good in the light Stronsay Silver of this late model car.
The design originated in the early 80s as a replacement for the Jaguar XJS, but was cancelled by new owners Ford in 1990. Ford felt that the project scope had become bloated and fuzzy. The design still looked good though so Ford gave it to Aston. Designer Ian Callum waved his magic wand, XJS underpinnings were used to make the whole project financially viable and TWR was commissioned to build what became the DB7.
The V12 models are distinguished by their larger foglamps, which together with the attractive 18inch Aston alloy wheels lend this pretty car a purposeful stance.
Throughout its 10 year life the DB7 was little changed, so this late model is largely the same as those first cars. However, production quality did improve so panel fit and finish tends to be better on later cars. This car appears straight and well assembled, only a small variance in the nose trim around the nearside headlamp indicating that this is a handbuilt, low volume sports car.
The trim on the vulnerable rear side windows, which disappear when the roof is lowered, are the only indication that this is an 18 year old car. Both sides show slight evidence of wear, although this would likely be easily rectified. Both front headlamps and fog lamps are in clear, undamaged condition and all badging is equally unmarked.
The electric roof is in very good, unmarked condition. A factory tonneau is provided with the car and shown in the photographs.
There was an advisory for tyres on the last MOT. An invoice in the photos confirms that two tyres were replaced shortly after the test to rectify this issue.
The Mechanics
- V12 5.9litre hand-built Aston Martin engine
- 420bhp and 0-60 in 5.2secs
- 5spd automatic transmission with ‘Touchtronic’ steering wheel buttons
- Extensive fully documented mechanical history
- 13 service stamps from Aston Martin main dealers and Works
- Last serviced in June 2023 with less than 2,000 miles covered since
- Over £11,000 spent in 2021 at Aston Martin Works
- No reported running or driving issues
- No advisories on current MOT
The DB7’s V12 engine was specially developed for the car thanks to investment by Aston’s then-owners Ford. It uses some parts from the American firm’s then-new Duratec V6 engine, which has led to the myth that it is little more than two of these engines stuck together.
Nothing could be further from the truth. The V12, which is still used on current Astons, was a ground-up design featuring an all-new block, cylinder head and crankshaft assembly. Each motor is hand assembled in the Aston Martin tradition, as noted on the engine-top badge. Good for 0-60 in 5.2secs and generating 420bhp, it is one of Britain’s truly great engines – smooth, silent and powerful.
The V12 DB7 is, therefore, the one to have because at its heart is a proper Aston motor. But that complexity combined with the bespoke assembly means that when you buy a V12 DB7, service history is critical. Buyers usually expect a full set of Aston dealer or Works stamps, or failing that reputable specialists.
It is hard to imagine how the service history on this DB7 could be better. It’s covered less than 6,000 miles in 18 years yet there are 13 stamps in the book. They are all from Aston main dealers – mainly in London – or direct from the Works. In 2021 the current owner spent over £11,000 with the Works. Besides the stamps the thick history file includes every single invoice for every expenditure on the car, however small. The work covers all scheduled maintenance as well as preventative work recommended by Aston and its dealers. The photographs provide more details on the service history.
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