Aston Martin DB7 Volante, 1998

Location: Santa Monica, California

$24,200 USD | Sold

• 3,228-cc, 335-hp DOHC, fuel-injected inline six-cylinder engine
• Four-speed automatic transmission
• Eaton roots-type supercharger
• Approximately 53,000 actual miles
• Many power conveniences
• Elegant furnishings
• Factory 12-spoke alloy wheels
• Four-wheel disc brakes
• Air conditioning

It was Victor Gauntlett who first suggested that a innovative, smaller Aston Martin should be built alongside the big V-8 Astons, a car that would have the opportunity to be a volume seller. Malcolm Victor Gauntlett was an English petrochemical entrepreneur and car enthusiast. He is perhaps best known for forming the largest independent petrol retail business in the United Kingdom, and for reviving Aston Martin.

The arrival of the Ford Motor Company and the appointment of the late Walter Hayes as Chief Executive of Aston Martin not only provided new backing, but a renewed vigor with Rod Mansfield who, as Engineering Director in 1990, was charged with the development of the 'smaller' Aston Martin.

The Aston Martin DB7 was launched in March 1993 at the Geneva Motor Show and marked the return of the six-cylinder Aston Martin. Penned by Ian Callum, the dashing lines of the DB7 were beautiful, reminding one of the iconic Aston Martin models from the sixties. Although it was originally intended to be an "entry level" Aston Martin, it quickly evolved into much more.

Though the Aston Martin was much more rare and expensive, the first generation Jaguar XK8 uses a development of the XJS/DB7 platform and the cars share a familial semblance. The engine is a light alloy, dual overhead cam, supercharged straight six-cylinder that measures 3,228-cc and produces 335-hp, based on a design that had originated at Jaguar. The cylinder head used four valves per cylinder wîth Zytec electronic multi-point fuel injection while the air required to combust the fuel was provided by a water-cooled Eaton, roots-type supercharger.

Engineered in Kidlington, Oxfordshire by Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR won the 1988 FIA World Sports Prototype Championship for Team as "Silk Cut Jaguar") on behalf of Aston Martin, the DB7 engine continued to be constructed in Kidlington during the production run of the car.

The Aston Martin DB7 is a Grand Touring car in the finest tradition. Produced from 1994 to 2004, the DB7 proved to be one of the most popular Aston Martin models. For those seeking engagement as an international spy in the James Bond tradition, there is really only one marque of automobile for daily transportation needs, the heralded name of Aston Martin. This DB7 nicely fits the bill with a well-trimmed leather interior that is fully loaded with all of the accouterment required for “proper” sports car motoring. Although it didn't appear for almost three 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.

Presented in Mendip Blue Metallic with a matching blue power-operated soft-top; this original DB7 Volante has a plush Parchment interior that is accented by tasteful blue piping; the top boot matches for when the top is retracted. Costing approximately $150,000 when new, this Aston Martin DB7 has around 53,000 original miles on the odometer. It is very nicely appointed with factory 12-spoke alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, air conditioning, lovely wood interior trim veneers, rear window defogger, Sony AM/FM/CD, heated front seats; power windows, mirrors, door locks, front seats, steering and brakes. The owner’s manual is also onboard. This is a perfect vehicle to fulfill many driving roles and desires within a quite manageable budget.

https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/ca16/lots/r0117-1998-aston-martin-db7-volante/