A few questions about the DB7
Discussion
I‘ve been doing some reading on the DB7, as I‘m interested in it.
I have read that the i6 handles better than the Vantage. Is that the consensus? It wouldn‘t surprise me since the engine in the i6 is probably lighter. It‘s the same case between the V6 and V8 F-type with the V6 being a better handler.
I have read of people buying the parts or some of the parts separately to upgrade their cars to GT spec. Is this really feasible? Are all parts available, including the wheels?
The new boot spoiler on the GT seems to be actually a whole different boot instead of an add on?
The rest of the body panels apart from the front bumper are the same right?
Talking about the differences in the GT, I read the front wheel well was modified for better aerodynamics. What exactly is different? And does it have anything to do with the front wing vent? Is that vent and the bonnet vents actually functional?
Thanks for your input.
I have read that the i6 handles better than the Vantage. Is that the consensus? It wouldn‘t surprise me since the engine in the i6 is probably lighter. It‘s the same case between the V6 and V8 F-type with the V6 being a better handler.
I have read of people buying the parts or some of the parts separately to upgrade their cars to GT spec. Is this really feasible? Are all parts available, including the wheels?
The new boot spoiler on the GT seems to be actually a whole different boot instead of an add on?
The rest of the body panels apart from the front bumper are the same right?
Talking about the differences in the GT, I read the front wheel well was modified for better aerodynamics. What exactly is different? And does it have anything to do with the front wing vent? Is that vent and the bonnet vents actually functional?
Thanks for your input.
Agent57 said:
Yes, I had found the AMOC forums via Google. But it seems it's a paid community. I'm not an Aston owner. Not even sure I will buy one. I'm still researching. I might end with with a 4200 GT or something totally different. Not ready to join an owner's club yet.SPKR said:
I‘ve been doing some reading on the DB7, as I‘m interested in it.
I have read that the i6 handles better than the Vantage. Is that the consensus? It wouldn‘t surprise me since the engine in the i6 is probably lighter. It‘s the same case between the V6 and V8 F-type with the V6 being a better handler.
I have read of people buying the parts or some of the parts separately to upgrade their cars to GT spec. Is this really feasible? Are all parts available, including the wheels?
The new boot spoiler on the GT seems to be actually a whole different boot instead of an add on?
The rest of the body panels apart from the front bumper are the same right?
Talking about the differences in the GT, I read the front wheel well was modified for better aerodynamics. What exactly is different? And does it have anything to do with the front wing vent? Is that vent and the bonnet vents actually functional?
Thanks for your input.
Feel free to pm me as I sold Aston’s new from the late ‘90s until 2013 and am now an independent specialist. No agenda, but I’d be happy to talk you through the different cars and what to look out for.I have read that the i6 handles better than the Vantage. Is that the consensus? It wouldn‘t surprise me since the engine in the i6 is probably lighter. It‘s the same case between the V6 and V8 F-type with the V6 being a better handler.
I have read of people buying the parts or some of the parts separately to upgrade their cars to GT spec. Is this really feasible? Are all parts available, including the wheels?
The new boot spoiler on the GT seems to be actually a whole different boot instead of an add on?
The rest of the body panels apart from the front bumper are the same right?
Talking about the differences in the GT, I read the front wheel well was modified for better aerodynamics. What exactly is different? And does it have anything to do with the front wing vent? Is that vent and the bonnet vents actually functional?
Thanks for your input.
MrB. said:
Feel free to pm me as I sold Aston’s new from the late ‘90s until 2013 and am now an independent specialist. No agenda, but I’d be happy to talk you through the different cars and what to look out for.
Thanks for the offer. Is there a PM function here or just an email function? I don't see PM.SPKR said:
OK. I thought so because as I went to register it asked me to choose membership and I saw no free option.
https://forum.amoc.org/post/forum-access-and-login...Edited by V8LM on Friday 26th January 18:43
SPKR said:
MrB. said:
Feel free to pm me as I sold Aston’s new from the late ‘90s until 2013 and am now an independent specialist. No agenda, but I’d be happy to talk you through the different cars and what to look out for.
Thanks for the offer. Is there a PM function here or just an email function? I don't see PM.MrB. said:
Apologies, I meant e-mail.
OK, thanks. I can do that.But all my questions are in my opening post. If you know the answers, maybe it would be a good idea to post them here in the thread instead of in private. It can be useful for others looking for the same information in the future.
SPKR said:
I‘ve been doing some reading on the DB7, as I‘m interested in it.
I have read that the i6 handles better than the Vantage. Is that the consensus? It wouldn‘t surprise me since the engine in the i6 is probably lighter. It‘s the same case between the V6 and V8 F-type with the V6 being a better handler.
I have read of people buying the parts or some of the parts separately to upgrade their cars to GT spec. Is this really feasible? Are all parts available, including the wheels?
The new boot spoiler on the GT seems to be actually a whole different boot instead of an add on?
The rest of the body panels apart from the front bumper are the same right?
Talking about the differences in the GT, I read the front wheel well was modified for better aerodynamics. What exactly is different? And does it have anything to do with the front wing vent? Is that vent and the bonnet vents actually functional?
Thanks for your input.
Apologies, I've been away from the laptop for a couple of days, and further apologies to the more modern Aston people, this may get boring for you!I have read that the i6 handles better than the Vantage. Is that the consensus? It wouldn‘t surprise me since the engine in the i6 is probably lighter. It‘s the same case between the V6 and V8 F-type with the V6 being a better handler.
I have read of people buying the parts or some of the parts separately to upgrade their cars to GT spec. Is this really feasible? Are all parts available, including the wheels?
The new boot spoiler on the GT seems to be actually a whole different boot instead of an add on?
The rest of the body panels apart from the front bumper are the same right?
Talking about the differences in the GT, I read the front wheel well was modified for better aerodynamics. What exactly is different? And does it have anything to do with the front wing vent? Is that vent and the bonnet vents actually functional?
Thanks for your input.
I.6 v's Vantage - Ok, we will start here. The original 6 cylinder car uses a 3.2 straight six engine that was a modified Jaguar AJ6 block with Eaton supercharger. The power output was 345bhp, and could be had with either 5 speed manual or 4 speed auto. The car was launched in 1993, but brought to market in 1994, but only a handful were built that year. The main production started in earnest in 1995. The very first cars (I think roughly 150 units) had a composite bonnet, and then this switched to aluminium after. In 1996 for the '97 model year, the Volante was shown, and this all ushered in a few changes to the Coupe. Twin airbags (previous MY cars didn't have them), revised (and better) seats, relocated switchgear and different ICE. The colour palette also changed offering more colour and trim combinations. In 1999 at the Geneva Auto Salon, the V12 Vantage was introduced. Initially, the idea had been to run the 2 models together, but the pricing parity (just £7,500 difference) showed that it made no sense to continue with the I.6, and so the Vantage replaced it. This was a very different car. The engine was a Cosworth developed and built 6.0 V12 engine with 420bhp mated to either a 6 speed Tremec T56 manual gearbox, or 5 speed ZF auto. A "Touchtronic" option was added in 2001 which was the auto with +/- shift buttons on teh steering wheel. Brakes were now crossed drilled and ventilated discs by Brembo, and the suspension was re-engineered completely over the I.6 to bring in much sharper handling. Ian Callum redesigned the body (although he was reluctant to at first) with a new front end featuring lower driving lamps (to echo the DP212 Project car from the 1960s) and the longer rear bumper from the US spec cars was now fitted to all to balance the design out. The lower sills were also changed to allow better airflow and the front grille aperture enlarged to aid with cooling the big V12. The interior now featured Recaro seats as well as other small changes over the I.6. A Volante was shown at the same time.
There is no doubt that the Vantage is a better car than the I.6. More power, better handling and much better brakes (a real weakness on the I.6), and it became the bigger seller of the two. In total, DB7 production from 1994 until 2004 was (roughly) 7,500 cars with 4,444 of these being V12s. The I.6, however, is quite a nice car to drive. Its a bit more of a relaxed performer. The performance difference between the 2 engines is very noticeable (the torque of the V12 is especially noticeable), however the I.6 is still a very capable car. Prices have started to align between the two with a very nice I.6 costing around the same as an average Vantage.
Vantage v's GT - In 2003, the GT/GTA was introduced as the new flagship of the DB7. It was built alongside the Vantage, and is now highly sought-after. Roughly 170 GT models were built and a mere 65 GTAs in RHD, making it even more rare than the Zagato/AR1 twins. The GT produced 435bhp and featured a new, short-shift 6 speed variant of the T56, along with grooved Brembo discs, revised steering rack, lower and stiffened suspension and different damper rates. The car also featured a new exhaust system as well as a new aerodynamic package in the form of a new bonnet, grille, rear boot lid and under tray at the front as well as different wheel arch inners. The car was also fitted with a new design of 18" alloy wheel, with a 19" option, although I would steer clear of the 19" rims. The GTA received all of this too, but stuck with the Vantage's 420bhp engine mated to the 5 speed ZF "Touchtronic" gearbox. In my honest opinion, the GT is one of Aston's greatest cars. Its a difficult thing to explain, but the whole package just makes it a proper sports car, and it has remained to this day my favourite Aston Martin....and I've driven a fair few.
Now, can you alter a Vantage to be a GT? Yes, you can, but at a huge price. The body work is different, with the rear spoiler being integrated into the bootlid and the bonnet having the vents. Yes, they are functional and do help with cooling and heat dissipation. The front grille is also different, and as you have said, the inner wheel arches differ as does the different front under tray. Thats before you factor in the engine.
There was an option to have the GT Brakes and Wheels fitted to a Vantage from new, and I sold a few of these to Volante buyers who couldn't have the GT option (It was Coupe only), but these will be rare.
Running costs between the I.6/Vantage/GT won't be as different as you think as there is nothing too scary on them. The engines are chain driven (no belts to change) but be aware of plugs & coils on the V12s. They need changing and its a reasonable job. Suspension joints and bushes are another thing to be aware of, so get the car checked underneath if you can. Also, look out for corrosion here. Although the car is a monocoque (unlike the bigger V-cars), the floorpan is susceptible to corrode. I've seen a few that look like sieves. The other big expense is the a/c condenser. Its roughly £4k to do as the interior needs to be stripped out, so its very labour intensive.
Price-wise, look to pay £30k - £35k for a good I.6 Coupe with nice spec and history, £35k-£45K for the same as a Vantage and £50k + for a GT/GTA. This is a rough guide. I'm selling a lovely Vantage Coupe at the moment that has done 60k miles, but has had everything done to it that is needed and drives really well, so don't get too hung up on mileage's. To give you and idea, I have also sold a 160,000 mile DB9 for the 4th time since new, and I guarantee if you drove that, you'd think it was on 30k miles. How they have been maintained is key. They weren't cheap cars to buy new, and so they had the running costs to go along with that. A good owner won't have skimped on anything. Now, you also have a lot of good specialists who embrace the DB7 models, so its worth talking to them. The AMOC is also a good source of advice.
Hope this helps, but let me know if you need anything else clarified.
Bryan
The GTA seems to be fetching north of £70k now and rising (I sold mine 5 years ago for £28k 
)
Edited to add. Here it is for sale in Nov 2016, bizarrely with less miles than I remembered it having when I sold it https://www.historics.co.uk/buying/auctions/2016-1... I could be mistaken but I thought it had done 24k miles?
) Edited to add. Here it is for sale in Nov 2016, bizarrely with less miles than I remembered it having when I sold it https://www.historics.co.uk/buying/auctions/2016-1... I could be mistaken but I thought it had done 24k miles?
Edited by 4Q on Monday 29th January 09:45
4Q said:
The GTA seems to be fetching north of £70k now and rising (I sold mine 5 years ago for £28k )
Edited to add. Here it is for sale in Nov 2016, bizarrely with less miles than I remembered it having when I sold it https://www.historics.co.uk/buying/auctions/2016-1... I could be mistaken but I thought it had done 24k miles?
Personally, I don't think the GTA is at that level YET. I think it will get there though. I do know that there is a car being advertised at that level now however. The GT is still the one that has the desirability, mainly because it has such a different 'feel' over the Vantage. ) Edited to add. Here it is for sale in Nov 2016, bizarrely with less miles than I remembered it having when I sold it https://www.historics.co.uk/buying/auctions/2016-1... I could be mistaken but I thought it had done 24k miles?
Edited by 4Q on Monday 29th January 09:45
Still, I wouldn't turn away a GTA if anyone fancies selling one........
MrB. said:
Apologies, I've been away from the laptop for a couple of days, and further apologies to the more modern Aston people, this may get boring for you!
I.6 v's Vantage - Ok, we will start here. The original 6 cylinder car uses a 3.2 straight six engine that was a modified Jaguar AJ6 block with Eaton supercharger. The power output was 345bhp, and could be had with either 5 speed manual or 4 speed auto. The car was launched in 1993, but brought to market in 1994, but only a handful were built that year. The main production started in earnest in 1995. The very first cars (I think roughly 150 units) had a composite bonnet, and then this switched to aluminium after. In 1996 for the '97 model year, the Volante was shown, and this all ushered in a few changes to the Coupe. Twin airbags (previous MY cars didn't have them), revised (and better) seats, relocated switchgear and different ICE. The colour palette also changed offering more colour and trim combinations. In 1999 at the Geneva Auto Salon, the V12 Vantage was introduced. Initially, the idea had been to run the 2 models together, but the pricing parity (just £7,500 difference) showed that it made no sense to continue with the I.6, and so the Vantage replaced it. This was a very different car. The engine was a Cosworth developed and built 6.0 V12 engine with 420bhp mated to either a 6 speed Tremec T56 manual gearbox, or 5 speed ZF auto. A "Touchtronic" option was added in 2001 which was the auto with +/- shift buttons on teh steering wheel. Brakes were now crossed drilled and ventilated discs by Brembo, and the suspension was re-engineered completely over the I.6 to bring in much sharper handling. Ian Callum redesigned the body (although he was reluctant to at first) with a new front end featuring lower driving lamps (to echo the DP212 Project car from the 1960s) and the longer rear bumper from the US spec cars was now fitted to all to balance the design out. The lower sills were also changed to allow better airflow and the front grille aperture enlarged to aid with cooling the big V12. The interior now featured Recaro seats as well as other small changes over the I.6. A Volante was shown at the same time.
There is no doubt that the Vantage is a better car than the I.6. More power, better handling and much better brakes (a real weakness on the I.6), and it became the bigger seller of the two. In total, DB7 production from 1994 until 2004 was (roughly) 7,500 cars with 4,444 of these being V12s. The I.6, however, is quite a nice car to drive. Its a bit more of a relaxed performer. The performance difference between the 2 engines is very noticeable (the torque of the V12 is especially noticeable), however the I.6 is still a very capable car. Prices have started to align between the two with a very nice I.6 costing around the same as an average Vantage.
Vantage v's GT - In 2003, the GT/GTA was introduced as the new flagship of the DB7. It was built alongside the Vantage, and is now highly sought-after. Roughly 170 GT models were built and a mere 65 GTAs in RHD, making it even more rare than the Zagato/AR1 twins. The GT produced 435bhp and featured a new, short-shift 6 speed variant of the T56, along with grooved Brembo discs, revised steering rack, lower and stiffened suspension and different damper rates. The car also featured a new exhaust system as well as a new aerodynamic package in the form of a new bonnet, grille, rear boot lid and under tray at the front as well as different wheel arch inners. The car was also fitted with a new design of 18" alloy wheel, with a 19" option, although I would steer clear of the 19" rims. The GTA received all of this too, but stuck with the Vantage's 420bhp engine mated to the 5 speed ZF "Touchtronic" gearbox. In my honest opinion, the GT is one of Aston's greatest cars. Its a difficult thing to explain, but the whole package just makes it a proper sports car, and it has remained to this day my favourite Aston Martin....and I've driven a fair few.
Now, can you alter a Vantage to be a GT? Yes, you can, but at a huge price. The body work is different, with the rear spoiler being integrated into the bootlid and the bonnet having the vents. Yes, they are functional and do help with cooling and heat dissipation. The front grille is also different, and as you have said, the inner wheel arches differ as does the different front under tray. Thats before you factor in the engine.
There was an option to have the GT Brakes and Wheels fitted to a Vantage from new, and I sold a few of these to Volante buyers who couldn't have the GT option (It was Coupe only), but these will be rare.
Running costs between the I.6/Vantage/GT won't be as different as you think as there is nothing too scary on them. The engines are chain driven (no belts to change) but be aware of plugs & coils on the V12s. They need changing and its a reasonable job. Suspension joints and bushes are another thing to be aware of, so get the car checked underneath if you can. Also, look out for corrosion here. Although the car is a monocoque (unlike the bigger V-cars), the floorpan is susceptible to corrode. I've seen a few that look like sieves. The other big expense is the a/c condenser. Its roughly £4k to do as the interior needs to be stripped out, so its very labour intensive.
Price-wise, look to pay £30k - £35k for a good I.6 Coupe with nice spec and history, £35k-£45K for the same as a Vantage and £50k + for a GT/GTA. This is a rough guide. I'm selling a lovely Vantage Coupe at the moment that has done 60k miles, but has had everything done to it that is needed and drives really well, so don't get too hung up on mileage's. To give you and idea, I have also sold a 160,000 mile DB9 for the 4th time since new, and I guarantee if you drove that, you'd think it was on 30k miles. How they have been maintained is key. They weren't cheap cars to buy new, and so they had the running costs to go along with that. A good owner won't have skimped on anything. Now, you also have a lot of good specialists who embrace the DB7 models, so its worth talking to them. The AMOC is also a good source of advice.
Hope this helps, but let me know if you need anything else clarified.
Bryan
Wow. Quite the write up. Thanks a bunch for that. A lot of great knowledge and info.I.6 v's Vantage - Ok, we will start here. The original 6 cylinder car uses a 3.2 straight six engine that was a modified Jaguar AJ6 block with Eaton supercharger. The power output was 345bhp, and could be had with either 5 speed manual or 4 speed auto. The car was launched in 1993, but brought to market in 1994, but only a handful were built that year. The main production started in earnest in 1995. The very first cars (I think roughly 150 units) had a composite bonnet, and then this switched to aluminium after. In 1996 for the '97 model year, the Volante was shown, and this all ushered in a few changes to the Coupe. Twin airbags (previous MY cars didn't have them), revised (and better) seats, relocated switchgear and different ICE. The colour palette also changed offering more colour and trim combinations. In 1999 at the Geneva Auto Salon, the V12 Vantage was introduced. Initially, the idea had been to run the 2 models together, but the pricing parity (just £7,500 difference) showed that it made no sense to continue with the I.6, and so the Vantage replaced it. This was a very different car. The engine was a Cosworth developed and built 6.0 V12 engine with 420bhp mated to either a 6 speed Tremec T56 manual gearbox, or 5 speed ZF auto. A "Touchtronic" option was added in 2001 which was the auto with +/- shift buttons on teh steering wheel. Brakes were now crossed drilled and ventilated discs by Brembo, and the suspension was re-engineered completely over the I.6 to bring in much sharper handling. Ian Callum redesigned the body (although he was reluctant to at first) with a new front end featuring lower driving lamps (to echo the DP212 Project car from the 1960s) and the longer rear bumper from the US spec cars was now fitted to all to balance the design out. The lower sills were also changed to allow better airflow and the front grille aperture enlarged to aid with cooling the big V12. The interior now featured Recaro seats as well as other small changes over the I.6. A Volante was shown at the same time.
There is no doubt that the Vantage is a better car than the I.6. More power, better handling and much better brakes (a real weakness on the I.6), and it became the bigger seller of the two. In total, DB7 production from 1994 until 2004 was (roughly) 7,500 cars with 4,444 of these being V12s. The I.6, however, is quite a nice car to drive. Its a bit more of a relaxed performer. The performance difference between the 2 engines is very noticeable (the torque of the V12 is especially noticeable), however the I.6 is still a very capable car. Prices have started to align between the two with a very nice I.6 costing around the same as an average Vantage.
Vantage v's GT - In 2003, the GT/GTA was introduced as the new flagship of the DB7. It was built alongside the Vantage, and is now highly sought-after. Roughly 170 GT models were built and a mere 65 GTAs in RHD, making it even more rare than the Zagato/AR1 twins. The GT produced 435bhp and featured a new, short-shift 6 speed variant of the T56, along with grooved Brembo discs, revised steering rack, lower and stiffened suspension and different damper rates. The car also featured a new exhaust system as well as a new aerodynamic package in the form of a new bonnet, grille, rear boot lid and under tray at the front as well as different wheel arch inners. The car was also fitted with a new design of 18" alloy wheel, with a 19" option, although I would steer clear of the 19" rims. The GTA received all of this too, but stuck with the Vantage's 420bhp engine mated to the 5 speed ZF "Touchtronic" gearbox. In my honest opinion, the GT is one of Aston's greatest cars. Its a difficult thing to explain, but the whole package just makes it a proper sports car, and it has remained to this day my favourite Aston Martin....and I've driven a fair few.
Now, can you alter a Vantage to be a GT? Yes, you can, but at a huge price. The body work is different, with the rear spoiler being integrated into the bootlid and the bonnet having the vents. Yes, they are functional and do help with cooling and heat dissipation. The front grille is also different, and as you have said, the inner wheel arches differ as does the different front under tray. Thats before you factor in the engine.
There was an option to have the GT Brakes and Wheels fitted to a Vantage from new, and I sold a few of these to Volante buyers who couldn't have the GT option (It was Coupe only), but these will be rare.
Running costs between the I.6/Vantage/GT won't be as different as you think as there is nothing too scary on them. The engines are chain driven (no belts to change) but be aware of plugs & coils on the V12s. They need changing and its a reasonable job. Suspension joints and bushes are another thing to be aware of, so get the car checked underneath if you can. Also, look out for corrosion here. Although the car is a monocoque (unlike the bigger V-cars), the floorpan is susceptible to corrode. I've seen a few that look like sieves. The other big expense is the a/c condenser. Its roughly £4k to do as the interior needs to be stripped out, so its very labour intensive.
Price-wise, look to pay £30k - £35k for a good I.6 Coupe with nice spec and history, £35k-£45K for the same as a Vantage and £50k + for a GT/GTA. This is a rough guide. I'm selling a lovely Vantage Coupe at the moment that has done 60k miles, but has had everything done to it that is needed and drives really well, so don't get too hung up on mileage's. To give you and idea, I have also sold a 160,000 mile DB9 for the 4th time since new, and I guarantee if you drove that, you'd think it was on 30k miles. How they have been maintained is key. They weren't cheap cars to buy new, and so they had the running costs to go along with that. A good owner won't have skimped on anything. Now, you also have a lot of good specialists who embrace the DB7 models, so its worth talking to them. The AMOC is also a good source of advice.
Hope this helps, but let me know if you need anything else clarified.
Bryan
And I don't think there is reason to apologize for posting info on the DB7.
It's a general Aston forum and I think modern Astons start with the DB7 anyway. Besides it's a slow forum. It can use some posting.
I'm surprised the Vantage handles better than the i6. I have always heard the i6 handled better, because of the smaller and lighter engine, similar to the F-Type V6 handling better than the V8. The handling was the only point of interest in an i6. If the Vantage handles better and prices are similar, I see little reason to go for an i6, unless one absolutely prefers the more retro look of it.
I can see that buying the parts separately to upgrade a Vantage to GT spec might get expensive. I was not aware there was so much different apart from the looks and extra bhp. But are all parts available anyway? What about the wheels? Can you still buy them? Were they Aston or made by somebody else?
About the front wheel well which was modified for better aerodynamics, could you elaborate what is different?
Thanks again!
Edited by SPKR on Monday 29th January 10:26
Gassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff