2003 Aston Martin Vantage Volante Auto

Highlights

• Fantastic specification
• Excellent condition throughout
• Low mileage example
• In current ownership since 2016
• Extensive service history

Overview

Penned by the brilliant Ian Callum and with a sonorous Aston Martin V12 engine - itself cutting-edge at the time of launch - the Vantage was the car that the DB7 wanted to be all along. So successful was the Vantage, in fact, that it virtually killed off all demand for the supercharged six-cylinder DB7 (despite it being not without its charms), resulting in the aforementioned model being removed from the sales lineup by mid-1999.

For those that wanted to feel the wind in their hair and make the most of that gorgeous V12 soundtrack, the Volante (that’s a convertible for us mere mortals) offered the perfect blend of GT motoring and top-down driving fun, and that’s exactly what we’re offering here today.

This DB7 Vantage is finished in the timeless combination of dark green metallic bodywork over an ivory and green-piped leather interior, and has been cherished and used sparingly throughout its lifetime, accruing less than 13,500 miles since it was registered in 2003. Boasting an extensive Aston Martin main dealer / specialist service history, this almost time-warp example may be one of the finest on offer in the country, and is almost certainly in the best specification we’ve seen for a long time here at PH.

History and documentation

• Registered 30 Sep 2003
• Stamped service book with services as follows: Sep 2003 @ 114 miles, Dec 2003 @ 873 miles, Apr 2004 @ 979 miles, Jan 2005 @ 5,701 miles, Jun 2006 @ 6,039 miles, Jul 2010 @ 6,954 miles, Apr 2011 @ 7,343 miles, Apr 2012 @ 8,389 miles, Jun 2013 @ 11,891 miles, Jul 2014 @ 12,779 miles, May 2015 @ 13,045 miles, Jul 2016 @ 13,236 miles, Jun 2020 @ 13,281 miles
• Owners’ handbook
• Two keys
• Current MOT with no advisories expires 09 Jul 2025
• V5 present in owner’s name
• HPI clear with a marker for plate transfer

Interior

• Ivory leather interior with contrasting green mats and piping
• Outstanding condition - a real time-capsule example
• Light wear noted on the outer seats of both front bolsters
• There are a few scuffs noted at the base of the centre console where it meets the shifter fascia, along with light wear to the lower halves of both door cards and the upper edge of the dashboard binnacle leather trim
• Elsewhere, there is some patination visible to the stereo controls and some of the other switchgear, but far less than what we’d expect to see in a car of this age
• In the rear, the luggage compartment is clean and tidy
• The Aston Martin umbrella, warning triangle and Becker CD changer are all present-and-correct
• No reported faults from the seller

Exterior

• Metallic green Callum-penned bodywork in excellent condition throughout
• As far as we can see, the paintwork looks to be in very good order, with a deep colour and shine
• There are a few light blemishes to note, most prominently on the upper edge of the front bumper, lower edge of the rear bumper and a couple of scuffs to the edges of the mirror casings
• We also note that the front number plate is cracked
• The offside wiper blade has separated from the rubber
• Both headlight lenses are clear and free from UV damage
• The front end exhibits a few light stone chips, as does the windscreen
• All four wheels are in excellent condition, with some minor stone chips visible upon close inspection
• The rear triangle ‘C pillar’ trims with AM badges are patinated with age
• Up above, the folding roof - in matching green, which looks fantastic in our opinion - wears a few storage marks, but no signs of any concerning wear or damage
• Overall, a very smart example of the drop-top GT car that would make a fine addition to any garage

Mechanical

• 6.0-litre, naturally aspirated V12 engine
• 5-speed automatic gearbox
• Rear-wheel drive
• No reported modifications from factory specification
• The engine bay presents very well, with only light wear visible to fixtures and fastenings
• Full main dealer / specialist history
• Sounds great, with no noted smoke when revved as seen in the video below
• The folding roof mechanism is in full working order
• No reported faults or issues from the seller

Summary

Whilst the DB7 has often been seen as the entry point to Aston Martin ownership, its fortunes are now turning along with various other cars from the millennium era - just look at how the 996-generation 911 has gone from being an ugly duckling to an Instagram star car. And if you’re looking to get into a DB7, the Vantage with its full-fat V12 is hard to resist, and this example looks to be a peach.

Offered for sale with low mileage, a good history and an excellent specification, this green-over-ivory DB7 Vantage Volante would make an excellent addition to any marque or British car enthusiasts’ garage or driveway.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Leeds.