2002 Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Volante Auto

Background

Aston Martin unveiled a brand new design study at the 1993 Geneva Motor Show. Project XX, as it was known during development, went into production in September 1994, as the DB7, with 7,000 examples being produced before production ceased in December 2004.

Initial proposals in the late ‘80s were from Tom Walkinshaw of TWR, as a replacement for the Jaguar XJ-S, with which he’d had so much racing success, with styling by then-new designer and fellow Scot Ian Callum. Jaguar management demurred, because of the development of their XJ220 supercar, but Aston Martin CEO Walter Hayes saw the potential of the project and Callum was engaged to restyle the car as an Aston.

All DB7s were produced at Aston Martin premises at Bloxham, Oxfordshire, where the XJ220 had previously been built, with engines assembled by TWR in nearby Kidlington. The Vantage Volante was introduced in 1999, boasting a 5.9-litre, 48-valve V12 producing 426PS (420hp) and 542Nm (400lb/ft) of torque, allowing it to sprint from 0-60 in a whisker over five seconds, with a top speed limited to 165mph.

The Car

This stunning example has led a cosseted life, having covered just 35,500 miles. The light blue coachwork is set off superbly by a dark blue roof, matched with a blue and cream leather interior, in superb condition. This Vantage Volante combines wind-in-the-hair style and composure with an epic V12 soundtrack and performance, the ZF 5-speed automatic transmission also offering finger-tip gear selection.

The most recent of its four owners purchased the car in 2007 and we are informed that the car has spent a long time in storage with Hilton and Moss. It presents and smells as a low-mileage example should, with superb paint and alloys, on very well-shod Michelin tyres. There is a face-off Blaupunkt stereo and a tonneau cover, together with its case.

Summary

There are 15 service stamps, mostly from Main Agents, as well as a fresh MOT with no advisories. The car benefits from recent new front brake pads and an air con re-gas. There are two sets of keys, a tracker, immobiliser, V5, history file and leather Aston Martin handbook with owner’s instructions and service intervals. The vehicle has a clear HPI certificate with no mileage discrepancies.

The cherished registration – S700 AML – will remain with the car.

This is an opportunity to acquire in an unmolested, low-mileage example of the pivotal model that helped turn around the fortunes of Aston Martin and signalled the arrival of Ian Callum in the very top tier of car design. Not to be missed.

Seller: Trade

Location: London

Pictures: Vendor supplied