Is the Aston DB7 a classic? I'm tempted to buy one!

[dave de roxby]

For the first time in ages, I feel I'm gonna treat myself to a really nice classic car - not a project!

I've been a Jag man all my life and have been lucky to have owned most models from a '57 3.4 Special Equipment (long time ago now) up to XJS's of all kinds. (Have always fancied a Mk IV, but that's another matter). Not had an XK8 yet - I like the front of the earlier one but not the rear, or the seats, or the dash, or the way the hood wont fold away properly, or the problematic earlier Nykasil engines, or .... well it sounds like I'm probably not going to get one of those then! I'm sure the later XK is a smashing car in reality, but it just don't cut my mustard.

So I'm thinking DB7? It's very much like the earlier XK8 and shares many of its parts. But much nicer interior, shaplier rump and a tad more exclusive. I know there will be those who say its not a proper Aston? But every other Aston is so expensive and costly to run and maintain. The six cylinder DB7 doesn't frighten me in that way. Not sure about the twelve.

Anyway, apart from looking at a few and reading about them, frankly I've no experience of them. Am I about to make another expensive mistake or will I be in heaven?

[williamp]

If you do your homework and buy after listening to a specialist, then it'll cost no more then the cars you are used to.

If you dive in blindly (there are some very rough exampls out there now...) it'll cost a fortune. Just like the cars you are used to

Go for it! Autocar at the time said the DB7 is quieter, quicker and nicer to drive then the Xk8. And it feels more exclusive. (The XKR, however is a different kettle of fish and needs to be compared to the DB7 Vantage).

Hope this helps.

[restoman]

Thread title : Is the Aston DB7 a classic?

What does that matter ??

[BlueMR2]

I thought the DB7 was based on the XJS? but perhaps they are similar.

Can't interest you in a 928 perhaps?

[dave de roxby]

restoman said:

Thread title : Is the Aston DB7 a classic?

What does that matter ??

Well, I guess because I have always run what most folks would call 'classics' and just wondered what others thought. Agree, that's not going to influence my decision much. I personally think it is a classic, even though it is a bit of a hybrid and represented a new turn towards relatively high volume for Aston. But, as a design, I think it was the first of a new breed and very nicely executed. But you're probably right - what does it matter.

[dave de roxby]

BlueMR2 said:

I thought the DB7 was based on the XJS? but perhaps they are similar.

Can't interest you in a 928 perhaps?

Yes, there's lots of XJS in the DB7 but very little of it standard as far as I understand.
Thanks for the offer mate but, for whatever reason, I can't abide Porsches! My son is always pestering me about Porkers but they're just not for me. (I'll probably get assasination threats now..!)

[BlueMR2]

The 928 is a powerful front engined transaxle based car which is more lie the jag than a 911.

Alot of Porsche purists didn't like the 928 much either. I guess its tough now they are all watercooled.

[dave de roxby]

BlueMR2 said:

The 928 is a powerful front engined transaxle based car which is more lie the jag than a 911.

Alot of Porsche purists didn't like the 928 much either. I guess its tough now they are all watercooled.

Thanks again BlueMR2. I have had dealings with 928s and 924s in the past. I guess most 928s will be mega-mileage machines by now. They do tend to last if looked after so just go on and on. Had a 924S for a week once which I took in p/ex. Seemed too fast for its chassis - but suppose that was what the 944 was all about. But we all have our foibles and, ever since I had a look at a 356 back in the sixties, I've always had this basic aversion to Porsches and Beetles and anything else that looks vaguely like a frog! Sorry, I'm too old to change now - but please don't be offended. I know the 928 is different but it just doesn't float my boat.

[VetteG]

BlueMR2 said:

The 928 is a powerful front engined transaxle based car which is more lie the jag than a 911.

Alot of Porsche purists didn't like the 928 much either. I guess its tough now they are all watercooled.

Ahem, I agree with Dave, not many porkers float my boat I'm afraid. Blue, why do that, the guy is a jag man thinking of going to a DB7, I would no more say go buy a vette so why bring it up?

Soo back to topic, DB7,yes yes yes, but take all the advice given.

G

[dave de roxby]

VetteG said:

Ahem, I agree with Dave, not many porkers float my boat I'm afraid. Blue, why do that, the guy is a jag man thinking of going to a DB7, I would no more say go buy a vette so why bring it up?

Soo back to topic, DB7,yes yes yes, but take all the advice given.

G

Thanks for the support G. Have to say there have been some interesting 'vettes over the years! Doubt I'll ever get to grips with one now. Talking about Yanks (which we weren't!), when I was a lad back in 1959, a guy down our road had a three-tone Chevy Impala, the one with the big fins. It was light blue and coral pink with a white roof and blue and white interior. Boy, did I want my dad to get one!! Had to make do with a Riley 4/68, actually quite nice at the time and host to a lot of what we used to call 'courting'. Happy days.

[BlueMR2]

dave de roxby said:

BlueMR2 said:

The 928 is a powerful front engined transaxle based car which is more lie the jag than a 911.

Alot of Porsche purists didn't like the 928 much either. I guess its tough now they are all watercooled.

Thanks again BlueMR2. I have had dealings with 928s and 924s in the past. I guess most 928s will be mega-mileage machines by now. They do tend to last if looked after so just go on and on. Had a 924S for a week once which I took in p/ex. Seemed too fast for its chassis - but suppose that was what the 944 was all about. But we all have our foibles and, ever since I had a look at a 356 back in the sixties, I've always had this basic aversion to Porsches and Beetles and anything else that looks vaguely like a frog! Sorry, I'm too old to change now - but please don't be offended. I know the 928 is different but it just doesn't float my boat.

Thats no problem, i mentioned them as they are a similar vein to an XK8 but you can have a manual or auto, as well as old or new style, so your son would have been happy .

There is a DB7 for sale here though http://www.greenwaygarage.com/aston-martin-db7-cou...

[BlueMR2]

VetteG said:

BlueMR2 said:

The 928 is a powerful front engined transaxle based car which is more lie the jag than a 911.

Alot of Porsche purists didn't like the 928 much either. I guess its tough now they are all watercooled.

Ahem, I agree with Dave, not many porkers float my boat I'm afraid. Blue, why do that, the guy is a jag man thinking of going to a DB7, I would no more say go buy a vette so why bring it up?

Soo back to topic, DB7,yes yes yes, but take all the advice given.

G

I mentioned the 928 as Dave said he didn't like the looks/mechanicals of the XK8 so i offered the 928 as an alternative, Both have powerful V8's with great sound, comfy leather seats, doors, pillars even roof lining on many, also being a hatch with drop down rear seats makes it practical as well so its a good alternative.

I like Vettes but they are not as practical as a 928 really so i wouldn't really recommend them in the same way.

[tonys]

Is it a classic?? Maybe not yet but at one time E-types were just 'old jags' and priced accordingly. I think that might have changed a bit since then though

DB7 or XK8? For price of a decent DB7 could probably get a good XKR. Why not try both before deciding, unless, of course, you only want a manual Vantage

[Incorrigible]

Wait a bit and get the latest XK, looks like the later Astons, is a Jag - Win win

Edited by Incorrigible on Thursday 2nd June 22:28

[manek]

I loved my DB7 but it did like to visit the garage regularly, and wasn't the best car I've ever driven. But it did turn heads big time: every time I washed it, men and women alike told me what a lovely car it was. It also cruised motorways here and in France really really well...

Go for it.

[dave de roxby]

tonys said:

Is it a classic?? Maybe not yet but at one time E-types were just 'old jags' and priced accordingly. I think that might have changed a bit since then though

DB7 or XK8? For price of a decent DB7 could probably get a good XKR. Why not try both before deciding, unless, of course, you only want a manual Vantage

Thanks Tony, Yes, going to chew on this really well before taking the plunge. Actually, if I could bear to part with the dosh, the new little Vantage V8 is the only car of recent times which has really turned me on.

[dave de roxby]

Incorrigible said:

Wait a bit and get the latest XK, looks like the later Astons, is a Jag - Win win

Edited by Incorrigible on Thursday 2nd June 22:28

They're growing on me! Just wish the front wasn't so 'Ford'

[dave de roxby]

manek said:

I loved my DB7 but it did like to visit the garage regularly, and wasn't the best car I've ever driven. But it did turn heads big time: every time I washed it, men and women alike told me what a lovely car it was. It also cruised motorways here and in France really really well...

Go for it.

Thanks manek - that tells me a lot! Think I'm sold on the idea now. Just gotta find the right one.

[George H]

I wouldn't say the DB7 is a classic... yet.

If you are going to buy one (and I would in your position) from what I hear, I would say to avoid the I6 and go for a Vantage. They are said to be much better build quality, and the V12 is sublime.

Try here for what to look for in one:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[dave de roxby]

George H said:

I wouldn't say the DB7 is a classic... yet.

If you are going to buy one (and I would in your position) from what I hear, I would say to avoid the I6 and go for a Vantage. They are said to be much better build quality, and the V12 is sublime.

Try here for what to look for in one:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Interesing. Thanks George.