Lot details
Registration No: N564BRR
Chassis No: SCFAA3111UK201414
Mot Expiry: July 2011

Although Victor Gauntlett had long mooted the idea, it took the arrival of Ford money and TWR Group know-how for a new generation, `small' Aston Martin to become reality. Unveiled at the March 1993 Geneva Salon - albeit deliveries did not start until late the following year - the newcomer had been subjected to more testing and development work than any of the marque's previous models. Indeed under the watchful eye of Engineering Director, Rod Mansfield, Project NPX (as the nascent DB7 was labelled) involved some 30 prototypes. Based around a steel semi-monocoque chassis, the production version was equipped with all-round independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes and power assisted rack-and-pinion steering. Derived from a proven Jaguar unit, the DB7's 3239 cc DOHC straight-six engine boasted four valves per cylinder, Zytec multi-point fuel injection and an Eaton supercharger. Credited with developing 335 bhp and 360 lb ft of torque, it was allied to a five-speed manual transmission as standard and reputedly enabled the Aston Martin to sprint from 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds and reach 161 mph. However, it was the DB7's sleek lines, rather than its performance, which wowed the public. Penned by Ian Callum coincident with the Coupe, the convertible Volante was unveiled at the LA and Detroit motor shows of early 1996 - America being the chief market for the company's soft-tops. Just 879 straight-six powered DB7 Volantes were reputedly produced.

The right-hand drive Volante on offer was manufactured in 1997 and sports Metallic Blue coachwork complemented by a Cream/Blue leather interior. Its comprehensive specification includes: heated door mirrors, headlamp washers, heated seats and cruise control. We understand the Aston resided in Jersey until 2009, when it was purchased by the vendor and allotted the mainland registration number 'N564 BRR'. He regards the bodywork, paintwork, engine and automatic gearbox to be "good" and is selling the car with some service history and an MOT valid into July 2011. Once the preserve of the relatively rich, these eminently usable Aston Martins are now within reach of a whole new layer of enthusiast. There are few more stylish ways of soaking up the summer sun.