by Mike –
Aston Martin DB7 Vantage – V12 Coupe
Produced from 1994 to 2004 the Aston Martin DB7 was the highest volume Aston Martin made up to that time with 7,000 in total made, more than all other Aston Martins combined I was told.
Initially the engine was a supercharged I-6 producing 335 hp. In 1999 the engine was changed to a 420 hp, 6.0-liter, 48-valve V-12 that produced 400 lb-ft of torque. Zero to 60 MPH came in just 4.9 seconds with a top speed of 186 MPH with the manual Tremec T-56 6-speed transmission and 165 MPH with the ZF 5HP30 five speed automatic.
Ford owned Aston Martin from 1988 to 2007 and the V12 was based on Ford’s design. Ford also made significant improvements in Aston Martin’s quality.
We ordered a DB7 in 2000 (shown in the first four photos) and it arrived in early 2001 as a 2001 model. This is still one of the most beautiful cars ever made, in my opinion. It was a very reliable drive and was quick. The only problem I had was the headroom was not enough for my 6′ 1″ height, otherwise we would still own it.
Number made: 7,000 from 1994 to 2004 including the V12 and the straight 6-cylinder.
Hagerty Price Guide value for a condition 2 example: $37,900 to $50,000 for the Vantage V12 coupe depending on the year.
Sports Car Market Pocket Price Guide median price: $34,700 for the coupe.
Even though there were a large number made they are still rare on the streets. The prices are very reasonable considering what you get – a real hand made, beautiful Aston Martin with a powerful V12 engine.
Let us know what you think in the Comments.
Aston Martin DB7 Factory In Bloxham, England
I visited the DB7 factory in Bloxham, England in 2000 where the DB7 was hand assembled. Some of my photos are below with more at this link.
Very nice vehicle and would love one in my garage.
My ’03 DB7 coupe, 6 spd w/15K is, after my 5 children, my pride & joy. Still, at my age (78) I’m thinking of finding it a new caretaker.
The bigger part of owning cars of this ilk is the cost of maintenance, frequency of problems and availability and cost of parts and people to repair. It is extremely helpful to have that information before plucking down $50k plus or minus on specialty cars. Info on old Fords and Chevy’s is abundant, but V12’s from Europe?