RE: Aston Martin DB7: Spotted
Tuesday 14th April 2015
Although often cited as the best example of market forces around the used car market often baffles the casual observer. Sometimes it even befuddles those who make a living from trying to predict what it will do next. It's the best part of a decade since the Aston Martin DB7 dropped through the £20K barrier and ever since then we've been told that they can't fall any further and values are likely to take off soon.
Strawberries and cream anyone?It hasn't happened, certainly not for six-cylinder cars. And it's entirely possible that it never will, with the large number of early DB9s priced in the low-to-mid 30s seeming to act as brake on the values of the less desirable versions of the DB7. Which is why we're categorically not suggesting you should consider this as a speculative punt on some tax-free capital growth.
It's certainly ageing gracefullyThe DB7 was designed to find a whole new audience, but was designed and engineered on a shoestring budget by TWR around a heavily revised version of the Jaguar XJS platform. It was styled by an ex-Ford designer called Ian Callum, who fitted in working on it around TWR's other projects, including a bus and construction equipment. It was shown for the first time in Geneva in 1993 and was an immediate hit, giving both the impetus and budgets necessary to create the 'VH' generation cars that succeeded it.
OK, it's not a V12 but it's still rapid enoughThe DB7 is nothing like as sharp a steer as modern Astons, and that supercharged six needs to be worked hard to deliver its best and can't match the sometimes creamy, sometimes snarly responses of the later V12 versions. But even with half the cylinders and a slusher the DB7 is a rapid and comfortable cruiser with the advantage of costing less to keep in fettle than the V12. It won't be cheap to run, of course. But it's also hard to see a car like this losing any money if properly looked after.
Aston Martin DB7: Spotted
Catch 'em while you can - DB7s can't be this cheap for long!
Strawberries and cream anyone?
No, you should look at this DB7 as being exactly what it is - the cheapest way to get yourself into what remains, more than two decades after it was introduced, one of the finest-looking British sports cars ever produced. And one that carries the badge of a truly iconic brand.
It's no exaggeration to say that the DB7 was the car that saved Aston, and certainly the one that set it on course to become the company it is today. By the early 1990s the brand, although owned by Ford, was building diminishing numbers of ultra expensive GT cars. Even James Bond had moved onto driving BMWs.
It's certainly ageing gracefully
Bringing us to this one, a 1995 automatic coupe with 85,500 miles, full history and the Meteorite Silver paint that suits the elegant shape so well. The magnolia hide of the seats looks good too, although the burgundy dashboard, doors and carpeting on this one might take a bit more getting used to. And, like every DB7, you'll have to stare at a fair bit of mid-90s Ford switchgear alongside the hand-built stuff.
OK, it's not a V12 but it's still rapid enough
And as a curly-haired former TV presenter once put it, is there any more beautiful phrase in the English language than "let's take the Aston"?
ASTON MARTIN DB7
Engine: 3,239cc supercharged 6-cyl
Transmission: 5-speed auto, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 335@5,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 360@3,000rpm
0-60: 5.6sec
Top speed: 165mph
MPG: 16.4
CO2: N/A
First registered: 1995
Recorded mileage: 85,500
Price new: £78,500
Yours for: £19,950
Discussion
My ex CEO owned a V12 DB7 GT a few years back which required a service in Edinburgh (whereas we lived in Aberdeen).
As I had to go down to visit one of my sons, I suggested that I would deliver it for him and catch the train back.
NEVER, have I driven such a disappointing GT car as this Aston!!
The build quality was appalling with bits sourced from what seemed to be a variety of other cars. The engine was the one saving grace.(and I suppose the sleek looks)
Otherwise the trip was uncomfortable and to a degree, hilarious at the understeer this behemoth created on damp roundabouts. The fuel economy was eye watering.
I was delighted when I arrived and requested a seat in a more modern V8 Vantage (one of which my son now owns) to give me back some confidence in Aston Martin.
For the record, I have owned and driven VERY fast cars all my adult life and so this is an objective (but personal) assessment.
As I had to go down to visit one of my sons, I suggested that I would deliver it for him and catch the train back.
NEVER, have I driven such a disappointing GT car as this Aston!!
The build quality was appalling with bits sourced from what seemed to be a variety of other cars. The engine was the one saving grace.(and I suppose the sleek looks)
Otherwise the trip was uncomfortable and to a degree, hilarious at the understeer this behemoth created on damp roundabouts. The fuel economy was eye watering.
I was delighted when I arrived and requested a seat in a more modern V8 Vantage (one of which my son now owns) to give me back some confidence in Aston Martin.
For the record, I have owned and driven VERY fast cars all my adult life and so this is an objective (but personal) assessment.
Shows you how engines are really getting better with fuel. Having driven a US spec Discovery with the F-types 340bhp 3.0 V6 supercharged engined I got the same mpg (nearly) over the weekend as the DB7 is stated to achieve and thats in a 3 tonne brick.
I have to say I just dont lust over the 6 cylinder 'modern' Astons as I do the V12's.
I have to say I just dont lust over the 6 cylinder 'modern' Astons as I do the V12's.
As the first owner, you experience the whole factory tour, witness things being hand milled, that massive V12 being put into place, etc. You really got to see where the money went and, as a result, bought into the brand.
My old man had both the I6 and V12 and at that time the cars were quick and got an enormous amount of positive attention; everyone loves an Aston.
The problem here is no Aston deserves to be run on a budget. I'd love one in the Lottery garage, but i would send it back to Aston Martin Works for a fresh re-trim and fettling so it remains ever-new.
My old man had both the I6 and V12 and at that time the cars were quick and got an enormous amount of positive attention; everyone loves an Aston.
The problem here is no Aston deserves to be run on a budget. I'd love one in the Lottery garage, but i would send it back to Aston Martin Works for a fresh re-trim and fettling so it remains ever-new.
DaveMiddleton said:
My ex CEO owned a V12 DB7 GT a few years back which required a service in Edinburgh (whereas we lived in Aberdeen).
As I had to go down to visit one of my sons, I suggested that I would deliver it for him and catch the train back.
NEVER, have I driven such a disappointing GT car as this Aston!!
The build quality was appalling with bits sourced from what seemed to be a variety of other cars. The engine was the one saving grace.(and I suppose the sleek looks)
Otherwise the trip was uncomfortable and to a degree, hilarious at the understeer this behemoth created on damp roundabouts. The fuel economy was eye watering.
I was delighted when I arrived and requested a seat in a more modern V8 Vantage (one of which my son now owns) to give me back some confidence in Aston Martin.
For the record, I have owned and driven VERY fast cars all my adult life and so this is an objective (but personal) assessment.
This. There's a reason that some cars are cheap. As I had to go down to visit one of my sons, I suggested that I would deliver it for him and catch the train back.
NEVER, have I driven such a disappointing GT car as this Aston!!
The build quality was appalling with bits sourced from what seemed to be a variety of other cars. The engine was the one saving grace.(and I suppose the sleek looks)
Otherwise the trip was uncomfortable and to a degree, hilarious at the understeer this behemoth created on damp roundabouts. The fuel economy was eye watering.
I was delighted when I arrived and requested a seat in a more modern V8 Vantage (one of which my son now owns) to give me back some confidence in Aston Martin.
For the record, I have owned and driven VERY fast cars all my adult life and so this is an objective (but personal) assessment.
Oh my lord. You guys must just've been completely compelled to write this with no concern for real life! There's no way anyone in their right mind would buy a 6 cylinder ASTON MARTIN with a slushy auto, 100,000 miles, and a red interior!!!
Buying thee crappest example of a car just to have the badge = recipe for guaranteed catastrophe and unquantifiable unhappiness.
Buying thee crappest example of a car just to have the badge = recipe for guaranteed catastrophe and unquantifiable unhappiness.
P4ROT said:
DaveMiddleton said:
My ex CEO owned a V12 DB7 GT a few years back which required a service in Edinburgh (whereas we lived in Aberdeen).
As I had to go down to visit one of my sons, I suggested that I would deliver it for him and catch the train back.
NEVER, have I driven such a disappointing GT car as this Aston!!
The build quality was appalling with bits sourced from what seemed to be a variety of other cars. The engine was the one saving grace.(and I suppose the sleek looks)
Otherwise the trip was uncomfortable and to a degree, hilarious at the understeer this behemoth created on damp roundabouts. The fuel economy was eye watering.
I was delighted when I arrived and requested a seat in a more modern V8 Vantage (one of which my son now owns) to give me back some confidence in Aston Martin.
For the record, I have owned and driven VERY fast cars all my adult life and so this is an objective (but personal) assessment.
This. There's a reason that some cars are cheap. As I had to go down to visit one of my sons, I suggested that I would deliver it for him and catch the train back.
NEVER, have I driven such a disappointing GT car as this Aston!!
The build quality was appalling with bits sourced from what seemed to be a variety of other cars. The engine was the one saving grace.(and I suppose the sleek looks)
Otherwise the trip was uncomfortable and to a degree, hilarious at the understeer this behemoth created on damp roundabouts. The fuel economy was eye watering.
I was delighted when I arrived and requested a seat in a more modern V8 Vantage (one of which my son now owns) to give me back some confidence in Aston Martin.
For the record, I have owned and driven VERY fast cars all my adult life and so this is an objective (but personal) assessment.
And we should all be grateful to the DB7 for one thing, if nothing else: it saved Aston. had it failed, we would not have Aston today..
I have always loved the look of the DB7, it's easily the most beautiful Aston Martin car and seems to encapsulate what the brand represents to me. A lot of their newer designs, whilst mildly pleasing, seem a bit chintzy in comparison. This thing has the look like it was always a winner, always a classic. Funny to think then, that it's design went through some incongruity with the powers that be at Ford/Jaguar/AM. And ultimately, despite the beauty of this car, the X100 Jaguar XK8/XKR was a better looking car!
I agree that the DB7 is not an overly great car to drive, especially the 6 cylinder (i6 version). It is not particularly quick or fast and the turning circle is truly awful. There are electrical glitches and the air con is very troublesome. However, I have been keeping a very close eye on these cars for a couple of years now and there is no doubt the value of these has gone up by at least 20 percent in the last 12 - 18 months. Now is still a good time to buy one in my opinion. Don't forget, it is still part of the DB 'family' and you only have to look at the crazy values of every DB (DB4,5,6 for example) before it to see which way it is going and will surely continue to go. Plus, it still has that truly iconic badge that will always be desirable!
So, it's 2001, the TVR's have gone in the realisation that I'm having kids,so as compensation I can achieve my dream of driving and owning the achingly beautiful DB7 at last,with a sideways nod at practicality for the forthcoming ankle biters....Except,as car it's absolutely crap.
I'll never forget the day, after having driven my 5th and last variant of engine,transmission and bodystyle,staring into my beer at a nice little pub in Hemel Hempstead and realising that,in any remotely important area it was shockingly bad, and actually the most dissapointing car I'd ever driven.
It still is, although the latest Ghibli diesl ran it very very close recently.I'll never forget Dominics voice (DB7centre)on the phone when I told him I'd actually bought a HSV GTS-R....And no I didn't regret it for one second.
I'll never forget the day, after having driven my 5th and last variant of engine,transmission and bodystyle,staring into my beer at a nice little pub in Hemel Hempstead and realising that,in any remotely important area it was shockingly bad, and actually the most dissapointing car I'd ever driven.
It still is, although the latest Ghibli diesl ran it very very close recently.I'll never forget Dominics voice (DB7centre)on the phone when I told him I'd actually bought a HSV GTS-R....And no I didn't regret it for one second.
The only version remotely worth having is the GT. I went on a day flogging these round Milbrook proving ground and the GT was a reasonable steer. I can see those being worth money in the future.
The rest of the range just reminded me of old XJS (unsuprisingly....). Thick pile green carpets and a massive waft of heat when you open the door. I think they had killed off the horrid 6 cylinder by then
The rest of the range just reminded me of old XJS (unsuprisingly....). Thick pile green carpets and a massive waft of heat when you open the door. I think they had killed off the horrid 6 cylinder by then
These are so similar to an XJS, it is remarkable. I have owned and maintained a similar period XJS, and the similarities are remarkable. When I see one, I always have a good old look, and spot the same compnents all over the place! Seat switches, a/c units, engine, suspension etc etc.
The engine is simply a 3.2 AJ16, with a supercharger bolted on. Bulletproof.
Did you see when they had one on Wheelers Dealers? Haha, what an eye opener to the ruinous costs for routine parts. Nearly £1000 for an oil cooler!
The engine is simply a 3.2 AJ16, with a supercharger bolted on. Bulletproof.
Did you see when they had one on Wheelers Dealers? Haha, what an eye opener to the ruinous costs for routine parts. Nearly £1000 for an oil cooler!
williamp said:
P4ROT said:
DaveMiddleton said:
My ex CEO owned a V12 DB7 GT a few years back which required a service in Edinburgh (whereas we lived in Aberdeen).
As I had to go down to visit one of my sons, I suggested that I would deliver it for him and catch the train back.
NEVER, have I driven such a disappointing GT car as this Aston!!
The build quality was appalling with bits sourced from what seemed to be a variety of other cars. The engine was the one saving grace.(and I suppose the sleek looks)
Otherwise the trip was uncomfortable and to a degree, hilarious at the understeer this behemoth created on damp roundabouts. The fuel economy was eye watering.
I was delighted when I arrived and requested a seat in a more modern V8 Vantage (one of which my son now owns) to give me back some confidence in Aston Martin.
For the record, I have owned and driven VERY fast cars all my adult life and so this is an objective (but personal) assessment.
This. There's a reason that some cars are cheap. As I had to go down to visit one of my sons, I suggested that I would deliver it for him and catch the train back.
NEVER, have I driven such a disappointing GT car as this Aston!!
The build quality was appalling with bits sourced from what seemed to be a variety of other cars. The engine was the one saving grace.(and I suppose the sleek looks)
Otherwise the trip was uncomfortable and to a degree, hilarious at the understeer this behemoth created on damp roundabouts. The fuel economy was eye watering.
I was delighted when I arrived and requested a seat in a more modern V8 Vantage (one of which my son now owns) to give me back some confidence in Aston Martin.
For the record, I have owned and driven VERY fast cars all my adult life and so this is an objective (but personal) assessment.
And we should all be grateful to the DB7 for one thing, if nothing else: it saved Aston. had it failed, we would not have Aston today..
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff