The Aston Martin DB7 exists, at least in part, due to Jaguar’s shortcomings. When Ford acquired both Jaguar and Aston Martin in the late 1980s, they quickly discovered that while work had begun on a replacement for the ageing XJS, the new car had become heavier than the original. With overtime costs spiralling out of control, they pulled the plug.

But, from the ashes of the XJ41, with the help and guidance of motorsport legend Tom Walkinshaw and design icon Ian Callum, the DB7 was born. Built in the same Bloxham plant as the XJ220 supercar, the DB7 would go on to become Aston’s most produced model.

In 1999, Aston expanded the DB7 range to include a V12 powerplant. This car is one of those fitted with the 5.9-litre V12. Ordered as a convertible V12 Vantage, it’s finished in Solent silver, with a contrasting navy blue mohair roof.

The DB7 is an effortlessly elegant car, especially in drop-top guise, and despite the variety of outsourced parts, it looks classically Aston Martin. The exterior lines are finished with 18” alloy wheels, which hide huge drilled brake discs and AM signed callipers.

The interior is trimmed in lashings of luxurious Connolly leather, with cream, navy and in the case of the steering wheel, black, setting the theme. The original headunit has been replaced in favour of a modern, USB, DAB and Bluetooth-equipped unit. The interior is as you’d expect, given the odometer shows less than 27,000 miles across its 6 previous owners.

In the engine bay, you’ll find what makes the Vantage special. A 5.9-litre handbuilt V12 that produces 420bhp. It’s mated to a Tremec 6-speed manual gearbox. So popular was the V12 that it effectively killed off inline six production. Developments of the V12 that launched in the DB7 remain in production today.

Included with the car is an extensive service record that shows, despite its comparatively low mileage, it has been maintained regularly throughout its life.

07/2022 — ABS Sensor replaced at 26,709 miles — Templeton’s Garage
05/2022 — Fuel pumps replaced at 25,921 miles — Templeton’s Garage
08/2021 — Annual service at 25,631 miles — Templeton’s Garage
05/2019 — Rear trailing arms replaced 24,706 miles — Templeton’s Garage
05/2019 — Front shock front top mounts replaced at 24,706 miles — Templeton’s Garage
06/2018 — Annual Service at 24,082 miles — Nicholas Mee
05/2017 — Annual Service at 23,987 miles — CP Autos
09/2013 — Annual Service at 22,828 miles — CP Autos
03/2012 — Annual Service at 22,231 miles — CP Autos
09/2010 — Annual Service at 21,850 miles — CP Autos
06/2009 — Annual Service at 20,674 miles — CP Autos

As Aston’s of this era begin to have their time in the sun, you can’t help but think a drop-top V12 is a solid place to put your money. Especially finished in such a tasteful specification, with such few miles. Whilst people flock to DB9s, DBS’s and V8 Vantage, you could be behind the wheel of the DB that laid the ground for those cars to even exist.

Aston Martins of the early 2000s are beginning to have their time in the sun, so putting your money into a drop-top V12 now, before they boom, could be a great opportunity. But, if you’re looking to experience the car that laid the ground for the DB9, DBS and V8 Vantage that came later, you should look no further.

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