It may be based on the underpinnings of the XJS but the DB7 is every bit the genuine Aston Martin and today it’s yours for the price of a Golf

Words: Chris Hope

It wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that the DB7 is the reason that Aston Martin still exists. By the late ’80s, Newport Pagnell was struggling to turn out more than a handful of cars, but with Blue Oval’s generous cash injection following the Ford takeover in 1987 the company could set about getting back on its feet. It’s no secret that as Aston and Jaguar were now stablemates, the underpinnings of their respective ’90s models – the DB7 and the XK8 – owed a lot to the outgoing XJS. Still, the body on top of this platform is spectacular, as are both the straight six and V12 engines along with the car’s compromise between handling and ride quality. It’s a popular machine that’s now within reach of those who’d rather not remortgage their homes to live the Aston Martin dream.

So, if you like the idea of being the envy of your neighbours and owning a pre-loved Aston Martin, read on and remember that with these GTs a top-notch service history is a must. You’ve been warned…

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

Bodywork
Despite being a premium piece of machinery from a prestigious marque there are a couple of things to bear in mind when you come to check over your potential purchase. The first problem is to do with the composite panels that are used in place of steel for the front wings, side skirts, boot lid and possibly the bonnet: very early six-cylinder DB7s were fitted with composite bonnets though the vast majority have steel panels. If any of these sections have been damaged and subsequently repaired, there’s a chance that the surface membrane of the panel has been broken. This means it’s now porous and over colder months will deteriorate and eventually result in a hole. Your only option then is to replace the entire panel and with front wings being priced around £600 each you really do need to question areas that appear to have been freshly painted. The six-cylinder DB7s are well-protected in terms of anti-corrosion.

Derek Campbell at Chiltern Aston Centre says that it’s not unheard of for the radius arm mounts or the front floorpans to have some copper crust – easily spotted if you can get the car jacked up in order to have a look underneath. Generally though, the sixes are very good. Oddly, the V12 models weren’t treated to the same high level of anti-corrosion protection so besides the areas we’ve just mentioned there are several other areas you’ll need to check. Namely, door bottoms, rear wheelarches, the rear screen and all of the suspension mounting points.

As these are high performance GTs, front-end impacts aren’t uncommon. While you’re underneath the car checking for any signs of rot you should also ensure the chassis rails are straight and that the subframe that cradles the engine doesn’t appear to be distorted. Panel gaps are generally very good so if they’re not lining up flush it’s another clue that the DB you’re looking at has been involved in some sort of crunch.

Finally, a quick word on the convertible hoods fitted to the DB7 Volantes. It’s possible that the fabric which makes up the rear three-quarter may have worn. This occurs over time if the hood irons are missing their rubber covers and without them, the contact can rub holes in the material.

Values:

Even non-Aston Martin aficionados probably won’t be too surprised to learn that this modern classic was incredibly expensive when new. Although prices have now begun to find a level, these are cars that are still depreciating.

The six-cylinder DB7s aren’t as expensive as the younger V12 models. Condition is important, as is a documented service history with all the right stamps, but mileage can play a part too. Being very general, the straight six models cost between £20,000 and £40,000. The V12s on the other hand are much more difficult to put into a specific price bracket so £25,000-plus is all we can say with certainty. That and the Volantes (regardless of engine) generally attract a greater sum than the coupés.

Factfile

Clubs

Aston Martin Owners’ Club, www.amoc.org, 01865 400400

Specialists
● Aston Sales of Kensington, London.
www.astonsaleskensington.com, 0207 985 0111
● Aston Workshop, Co. Durham
www.aston.co.uk, 01207 233525
● Aston Parts and Performance
www.astonparts.co.uk, 01207 590444
● Aston Martin Works Service
www.aston martin.com 01908 619264
● Runnymede Motor Company
www.runnymedemotorcompany.com, 01753 644599
● DB Motor Brokers
www.bbmotorbrokers.com, 01342 302 563
Chiltern Aston Centre Ltd, Hertfordshire
www.db7centre.co.uk, 01442 833177

Insurance

Insurance Quotes for a 1996 Aston Martin DB7 i6, Comprehensive cover, 25-year-old in Co. Durham, two years’ no claims, clean licence, 10,000 miles a year, main car, kept on driveway: £1800 (£650 excess)
Comprehensive cover, 50-year-old in Co. Durham, full no claims, clean licence, 3000 miles a year, second car (classic car policy), garaged, club member: £300 (£150 excess)
Quotes from Performance Direct (0844 5733504, www.performancedirect.co.uk)

SPECIAL THANKS

We’d like to thank Derek Campbell from Chiltern Aston Centre for his tips on what to look for when buying an Aston Martin DB7.

To read the rest of this buyers' guide see the October 2011 issue of Classic Car Mart - available to buy here.