2003 Aston Martin DB7 Vantage

Aston Martin DB7 Vantage

• Production Dates: September 1999 – September 2003

Launched in 1993 and regarded by many as one of the world’s most beautiful cars, the DB7 received many subtle but effective changes over its 10 year life to complement the elegant, yet classic body design which, since 1993 has epitomised the pedigree, heritage and tradition of Aston Martin.

Originally launched with a 6 cylinder supercharged engine, the DB7 received significant engineering enhancements in 1999 with the introduction of the DB7 Vantage – the first Aston Martin to use a V12 engine.

The introduction of the DB7 Vantage was the direct result of a concentrated 24 months design and development programme, which included a complete appraisal of all aspects of the design and the dynamics of the DB7. Customer reaction was phenomenal. In 2001, annual worldwide sales of the DB7 totalled 1339, an increase of nearly 50% from 1999.

The painstaking and exhaustive programme included a complete appraisal of all aspects of the design and the dynamics of the DB7. More than 500,000 test miles were covered in temperatures ranging from -30°C to +45°C in Europe and North America including an accelerated high speed durability test of 48 hours continuous running at 165mph (266km/h) in Southern Europe in mid-summer temperatures.

In Britain a series of pre-production models of the DB7 Vantage were subjected to continuous 30 day accelerated durability tests at the Motor Industry Research Association’s Proving Ground – each equivalent to 100,000 miles of regular driving. Halting only for refuelling and routine analysis the V12 coupes and Volantes were driven day and night at a range of speeds from one to 140mph.

The test cycles included regular passage through mud and salt baths, driving deliberately into traffic island kerbstones at 50mph and a series of fierce stop-start acceleration and brake tests. Body chassis components were tested to the limit over corrugated and ladder frame surfaces and specially engineered tracks littered with pot holes and strategically placed concrete blocks.

By the end of 2002, total production of the DB7 Vantage stood at c.4100, over 50% of total DB7 sales.

In March 1999 a totally revised DB7 Vantage and Vantage Volante made their debut at the annual Geneva Motorshow. Building on the success of the in-line 6 cylinder DB7 the new Vantage models featured an all new 420bhp, 6.0 litre V12 engine, with a choice of 6 speed manual or 5 speed automatic gearbox. A ‘Touchtronic’ option quickly became available offering a more involving experience for customers who preferred automatic gearboxes.

In addition to the new powertrain, DB7 Vantage had more aggressive styling, with a bigger front grille, new fog/side/indicator lights and imposing 18” wheels with Bridgestone S02 tyres. The interior leather trim was cut and sewn at a special trim shop at Newport Pagnell along with Wilton Carpet for the flooring and choice of wood veneer or carbon fibre facia panels.

In 2002 the GT and GTA (Touchtronic automatic) joined the DB7 line-up. 190 GT’s and 112 GTA’s were built, they featured Bonnet vents, ‘framed’ wire grille with the GT insignia, unique 5 spoke wheels and a re-sculptured lip spoiler on the boot lid. Other improvements included a twin plate clutch, uprated suspension, brakes with Vanquish brake booster and special under trays to improve aerodynamics. Power increased by a further 15bhp to 435bhp on the manual GT model, with the GTA developing 420bhp.

DB7 VANTAGE SPECIAL EDITION

In 2002 a special edition of DB7 Vantage was produced to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. 24 examples of DB7 Vantage Jubilee were built, 19 for the UK and 5 for Europe, with magnolia leather and dark walnut wood veneers. For UK customers the cars were handed over, along with a matching watch, at an exclusive event held at Thornbury Castle.