DB7 - I would love a V12 but prefer the look of the i6
Discussion
Purists look away now, please.
Would it be possible to remove a V12's distinguishing features and fit the i6 car's bumpers etc to make it look simpler and, in effect, like the early car?
Yes, I know the i6 is a fast car and probably fast enough, but I didn't like the seats and would love a V12 engined car. The exterior of the later cars became a bit busy to my eye.
And, while I was busy creating a non-standard car, I would take the rear seats and fit a parcel shelf.
As it would be my retirement project I'm not bothered by compromising the car's value.
Would it be possible to remove a V12's distinguishing features and fit the i6 car's bumpers etc to make it look simpler and, in effect, like the early car?
Yes, I know the i6 is a fast car and probably fast enough, but I didn't like the seats and would love a V12 engined car. The exterior of the later cars became a bit busy to my eye.
And, while I was busy creating a non-standard car, I would take the rear seats and fit a parcel shelf.
As it would be my retirement project I'm not bothered by compromising the car's value.
Thanks for your thoughts.
A couple of things have come to mind. One is to live with the straight six but fit the later seats*. Another is buy a Cat D V12 - or whatever they call cosmetic write offs now - and fit the early bumpers as part of the renovation.
If it was done well, a 2 seat V12 in i6 clothes might warrant an entry in the AMOC's Register of Cars along with the DB4GT 2+2 and the Shooting Brakes. As a bonus, I mean, not as a reason to do it.
*The seats in the early DB7 I found uncomfortable, they hunched my shoulders together. There must have been a reason for AML to change them.
A couple of things have come to mind. One is to live with the straight six but fit the later seats*. Another is buy a Cat D V12 - or whatever they call cosmetic write offs now - and fit the early bumpers as part of the renovation.
If it was done well, a 2 seat V12 in i6 clothes might warrant an entry in the AMOC's Register of Cars along with the DB4GT 2+2 and the Shooting Brakes. As a bonus, I mean, not as a reason to do it.
*The seats in the early DB7 I found uncomfortable, they hunched my shoulders together. There must have been a reason for AML to change them.
I believe AM offered what was called a touring pack which removed the rear seats and fitted a sort of storage box / parcel shelf.
Have seen a few DB7s advertised with this but not many.
The overall interior on the V12 is definitely better. Seats, proper clock etc. A lot of the early niggles were ironed out over the years as it evolved into the Vantage.
Have seen a few DB7s advertised with this but not many.
The overall interior on the V12 is definitely better. Seats, proper clock etc. A lot of the early niggles were ironed out over the years as it evolved into the Vantage.
DickyC said:
Purists look away now, please.
Would it be possible to remove a V12's distinguishing features and fit the i6 car's bumpers etc to make it look simpler and, in effect, like the early car?
Yes, I know the i6 is a fast car and probably fast enough, but I didn't like the seats and would love a V12 engined car. The exterior of the later cars became a bit busy to my eye.
And, while I was busy creating a non-standard car, I would take the rear seats and fit a parcel shelf.
As it would be my retirement project I'm not bothered by compromising the car's value.
I suspect the world is your oyster. Money and time can achieve most things. And what you are proposing doesn’t really sound all that difficult. Would it be possible to remove a V12's distinguishing features and fit the i6 car's bumpers etc to make it look simpler and, in effect, like the early car?
Yes, I know the i6 is a fast car and probably fast enough, but I didn't like the seats and would love a V12 engined car. The exterior of the later cars became a bit busy to my eye.
And, while I was busy creating a non-standard car, I would take the rear seats and fit a parcel shelf.
As it would be my retirement project I'm not bothered by compromising the car's value.
I guess you have two choices. Either start with a 6 cylinder and improve the interior to what you are after. I guess you could even look at a V12 transplant if you wanted. I believe Tom Wilkinshaw built one with a Jaguar V12 in before the factory built any V12’s. I’m sure Top Gear or Fifth Gear reviewed it back in the day.
Or buy a Vantage and make the exterior more to your tastes.
I do fully agree the original DB7 is much prettier. And IMO they have aged really well and still look great today.
It's testing my memory now but I seem to recall that part of the reason behind changing the front bumper etc when the V12 was introduced was to allow greater cooling.
I sometimes think that the original style looks 'purer' than the later Vantage front, although most people I know seem to prefer the later style.
I sometimes think that the original style looks 'purer' than the later Vantage front, although most people I know seem to prefer the later style.
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