History

In 1987, Ford Motor Company bought a controlling share, and later all shares of Aston Martin. This was due to Aston Martin needing long term funding to survive and just a few years earlier producing an all time low of just 30 production cars in a year. The brand was hurting and it’s former glory stripped by the stark reality of possibly going out of business. Although, with Ford’s new interest in the company, Aston Martin’s future was looking up. The V8 Vantage, the staple of Aston Martin’s previous designs, was retired from production after 12 years of production.

In 1988 the new Virage took center stage, which initially took off in sales, but by the later half of the 1990s ceased production due to a lack of public interest. Ford had already put it’s large investment in the brand in hopes of seeing it turn around, but it seemed as though it was a failed plan, this made Ford distrust Aston Martin’s plea for more funding for future projects. While this hardship further caused Aston Martin to struggle to come up with something new under the supervision of Ford, It also allowed for innovation in a time of dire need. 

Enter the DB7, designed by Ian Callum. The prototype was completed in 1992, with the car beginning production in 1994, it takes inspiration from the past icons of the marque, moving away from its boxy older siblings and reintroducing the curvy, aerodynamic forms of the DB5 and DB6. Aston Martin was still tight on money while developing the DB7, internally known as project XX, as such they sourced many of the parts and chassis from other brands owned by Ford. This brought down development costs and allowed for more focus on production efficiency. Originally the DB7 was outfitted with a 3.2 liter supercharged straight six. Later In 1999, the Vantage was released, with a powerful 12 cylinder and more burly design features such as a bigger front grille, new fog and indicator lights, as well as the choice of wood veneer or carbon fiber facia panels. 

This Car

This DB7 Vantage Chassis # SCFAB2236YK300368 has had 5 owners from new, and is believed to be the 368th out of the 1,477 Vantages produced. It was ordered as you see it today, in Aston Martin Racing Green over fern/parchment interior. Delivered new by Aston Martin of Troy, Michigan, to the first owner in Oklahoma. According to the original window sticker copy on file, the first owner ordered this DB7 with a premium audio system, Carbon fiber sports steering wheel, carbon fiber veneers, parchment leather seat backs, white dials, parchment leather headlining, a cup holder, manual drilled pedal pads in a matt finish, and a carbon fiber gear shift knob all of these choices amounting to a sporting-oriented grand tourer. As well as what has become a rare and desirable spec today. 

The first owner consistently serviced at John Eagle Aston Martin in Duncan, OK. The car was sold to its second owner in 2005, in Deephaven Minnesota. With its second owner this DB7 was serviced at Lake Forest Motorcars and Maserati of Minneapolis. We believe the third owner to have purchased the car in 2011, having subsequently serviced the car at Maserati of Minneapolis. Shortly after it appears this DB7 was then purchased by its fourth owner in 2012 who retained little service history in the record. However we believe it was most likely serviced and well maintained given the car’s condition and subsequent records. The car’s mileage went from 8,660 to 19,183 from 2012 to 2018. The fifth owner, from 2018 to current has consistently serviced the car at Aston Martin marque specialists during their care including AutoSport Designs and Steel Wings. More recently, in preparation for sale, this DB7 received a no expense spared service at Leading Edge Autosport addressing any and all findings in addition to new tires. Making this a 100% up-to-date DB7 with no needs, a rare opportunity in the world of DB7’s. 

Offered with detailed service records, this example has been thoroughly maintained and well kept having been serviced with all issues involving Aston Martin part recalls taken care of. This is truly a well kept DB7 that is worthy of any collection or the ultimate one-car garage. A timeless and elegant car of the era and a symbol of Aston Martin’s revival and superb design. 

Offered with the sale are both keys, original manuals, tool kit, spare, and available service records. 

The Market