1996 ASTON MARTIN DB7 Auto

Background

24 years. That is the time that separates the Aston Martin DB6, and the DB7, leaving a long time for fans to long for the next DB in the series. Internally dubbed the ‘XX Project’, the DB7 was designed by Aston Martin and Jaguar design veteran Ian Callum, along with Keith Helfet, who put pencil to paper to design the super-fast, super-sleek Jaguar XJ220.

It’s not just the Aston Martin’s design that can trace its roots to Jaguar, the DB7 is essentially a reworked version of the Jaguar XJS platform and the six-cylinder variant of the DB7 was based on the Jaguar AJ6 engine. Actually, it’s not just the Jaguar parts bin Aston Martin had a rummage around in, as you’ll find Mazda 323F rear lights, door handles from a Mazda 323 Estate, turn signals from the Mazda MX-5, interior door mirror interior switches from a Ford Scorpio and even the door mirrors from a Citroen CX.

At the time of production, the DB7 was the highest produced Aston Martin, with over 7,000 models built, which took place in the same plant that had previously been used for the aforementioned Jaguar XJ220 – another Jaguar connection. Made in Bloxham, the DB7 was the only Aston Martin to be produced there, and it was the only one with a steel unit construction from Jaguar.

The Vehicle

The example on offer here is fitted with the supercharged 3.2 litre inline six, which is good for 340hp along with 489Nm. This power is fed to the rear wheels via a 4-speed automatic gearbox, and is able to crack 62mph in 6.9 seconds, with a top speed of 165mph. This model was registered on the 18th of January 1996 and has been enjoyed by 7 owners before the vendor. It’s said around only 400 six-cylinder examples were produced, thus making it much rarer than the V12.

It has been well enjoyed as it has covered over 103,000 miles but given the age and mileage, the exterior is good condition. The interior has signs of wear/damage, but the car can be enjoyed right away, or could serve a light restoration project. The car comes with plenty of service history, one key, original booklets and Aston Martin DVD.

Standard features include 18” alloys, grey leather seats, alarm, air conditioning, leather steering wheel, electronically adjustable front seats with heated and lumbar support functions, and original Alpine head unit with cassette player and 6 CD changer (located in the boot). The original tool kit with spare bulbs can also be found in the boot.

What really makes this car special, though, is that it’s actually a star. No, it may not have been driven by a particular 00 agent, but it did feature on series 10 of ‘Wheeler Dealers’. This means Mike Brewer ‘held out his hand’ to buy the car, drove it to the workshop for a certain lanky mechanic called Edd China to work on – but more on that later.

On the Outside

This 1996 registered Aston Martin DB7 is finished in a stunning shade of blue with contrasting light grey interior. Complimenting the deep, rich Mendip Blue paint are silver 18” Saturn alloys (rare option), which are in superb condition (refurbished by Wheeler Dealers in 2013 and then again in 2021 by Cotswold Accident Repair) and are wrapped with Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres. Even though this DB7 has racked up a fair few miles, the exterior is still in very good condition and looks to be a straight example. The glassware and lights are also in great condition.

The sleek body does have some signs of wear/damage including paint imperfections on the offside front wing, and the nearside roof area. There are also some marks on the offsider lower section, but overall, the body will need little attention for the next owner. This is even more true when you consider last year saw rust repairs carried out for the rear arches and the driver’s door.

As well as offering head-turning looks courtesy of Ian Callum and Keith Helfet, this example proudly wears stickers for the Aston Martin Owners Club plus a badge on the chrome front grille along with an RAC badge. A year's free membership of Aston Martin Owners Club for a single purchaser is being offered by the current owner.

The grille itself courtesy of Wheeler Dealers which replaced the tired looking black plastic one. As the photos will show you, this DB7 is a beautiful specification and is ready to go for the next owner, or can be viewed as a light restoration project.

The exterior brightworks are in fantastic condition and are free of staining or tarnishing. The Aston Martin badges gleam as brightly as they did when the was waved goodbye from the old Newport Pagnell site. This example may be over 25 years old, one could argue its elegance is timeless.

On the Inside

The interior of this 1996 Aston Martin DB7 is treated with sumptuous leather in a shade of light grey contrasted with navy blue piping. Navy blue is also used for the classic steering wheel and the dash, which has been complimented with wood detailing throughout. Whilst the seats are free from any rips or tears, there is some age-related patina, although overall the seats are in good condition.

As part of the specification for this DB7 not only are the front seats electrotonically adjustable, but they also offer heated and lumbar support functions, so getting comfortable in this stylish grand tourer should be a doddle. The door cards wear some light damage and there are also signs of age-related wear on the gear lever and steering wheel. The headlining looks to feature some staining but does look to be free of sagging.

The wood trim is very good condition and is free of any cracks/breakages, and considering the age of the car, the switchgear is in fine condition. The original Alpine head unit sits at the bottom of the dash, with the 6 CD changer located in the boot. An Aston Martin badge sits proud as punch at the top of the centre console with branded plaques on both door sills which are in good condition.

Move to the boot area you’ll that is an area that is in very good condition. There’s a netted storage area on the left-hand side, and an interior light on the right hand side which is working order. Life the boot floor up and you’ll find an RAC battery, which is a very recent addition to the car, plus the factory fit tool kit and spare wheel along with spare bulbs and a warning triangle.

Underneath

This DB7 is powered by the 3.2 litre supercharged inline six petrol engine, which can trace its heritage to Jaguar’s AJ6 block. It offers 340hp with 489Nm of torque, with the choice of either a 5-speed manual, or a 4-speed automatic. The latter of those is fitted to this car, with power of course going to the rear wheels.

Lift up the muscular yet flowing bonnet and you’ll find the inline six in all its glory, tightly packed into what is a tidy engine bay. All the original stickers are present without any damage or strong fading. Underneath the car there’s little in the way of corrosion and given the age and the mileage, it’s cleaner than you may have expected.

Speaking of corrosion, in 2021 there were rust repairs carried out on the rear wheel arches as well as the driver’s door. As you will see from the images, there is plenty of paperwork to come with the car as well as lots of service history, which is bound to reassure the next owner.

History Highlights

The standout piece if history for this particular car is that is featured on popular motoring programme Wheeler Dealers (series 10, episode 1 – June 2013). After donning some bright orange latex gloves, Edd China set out to replace the oil cooler and pipes to rectify an oil leak and replace the exhaust manifolds to resolve an exhaust blow.

The vertically blessed mechanic also carried out a wheel alignment following Mike’s concerns on how the car handled, and the front toe was adjusted. At the time of filming the car also had an issue with water ingress issue, but this was fixed following repair made to the door seals.

As well as having its 15 minutes of fame, this DB7 also comes with lots of service history, with a summary listed below. There have been some MOT failures over the years, but last year’s MOT passed with no advisories and the last time it did fail it looked to be nothing major. As well as coming with service history and previous MOT certificates, it also comes with original booklet and Aston Martin DVD. Scan through the document and you’ll also find paperwork for the DB7 to One-77 Register furthermore displaying the heritage of this car.

• February 1996 – 3 months service carried out at Stratstone

• July 1996 – 6 months service carried out at Stratstone

• January 1997 – First year service carried out at Aston Martin Newport Pagnell

• July 1997 – 18 months service carried out at Aston Martin Works

• March 1998 – 2 year service carried out at Stratstone

• September 1998 – 2.5 year service carried out Aston Martin Works

• March 1999 – 3 year service carried out at Aston Martin Works

• March 2000 – 3.5 year service carried out at Lancaster Reading

• October 2000 – 4 year service carried out at Lancaster Reading

• May 2002 – 4.5 year service carried out at Lancaster Reading

• February 2003 – 5 year service carried out at Lancaster Reading

• June 2004 – 5.5 year service carried out at The Jade Motor Company

• July 2006 – 6 year service carried out at The Jade Motor Company

• March 2013 – 6.5 year service carried out at Runneymede Motor Company

• December 2013 – 7 year service carried out at Runnymede Motor Company

• June 2014 – Runnymede Motor Company repaired the alarm following a non-start complaint

• February 2015 – Cotswold Accident Repair carried out bodywork repairs and refurbished all four alloys

• March 2015 – Alan Claridge replaced the spark plugs and also carried out a wheel alignment

• October 2015 – Alan Claridge replaced nearside front ball joint, nearside front track rod end and carried out wheel alignment

• June 2016 – Alan Claridge replaced the brake master cylinder

• August 2016 – Alan Claridge replaced a leaking water hose

• March 2018 – Alan Claridge replaced the spark plugs

• October 2018 – Chiltern Aston Centre replaced the front flexi brake hoses, repaired the wiring for injector 5, tested an alarm fault, rectified the front wipers not clearing the screen and fitted a new boot latch.

• December 2018 – Alan Claridge replace 1x ignition coil

• August 2019 – Alan Claridge carried out a transmission service

• August 2020 – Alan Claridge carried out oil and filter change

• June 2021 – Alan Claridge replaced the fuel filter and serviced the air filter

• August 2021 – Chiltern Aston Centre refurbished the headlights and upgraded the bulbs, although the original bulbs are available should the new owner want to re-fit them.

• November 2021 – Alan Claridge replaced the front drop links, tightened bushes and checked the wheel alignment.

There’s plenty more work that has been carried out, so be sure to check out the documents. There’s a log book crammed with service information, as well journeys covered in the car, interesting facts about the car (it was once owned by an Elvis impersonator!) plus details of when the car was fuelled and how it was fuelled.

What We Think

Although this example has racked up a fair few miles, it has been well maintained and is ready for the next owner to enjoy straight away, or can be viewed as a light restoration project. There is plenty of service history for peace of mind and it has been looked after by main dealers and specialists alike. It’s finished in a wonderful colour with alloys in fantastic condition along with an interior, which is good condition for the age, but is showing signs of wear.

However, how many cars out there can claim to have had Edd China work on them and Mike Brewer drive them? The estimate for this car is £15,000-£20,000, which arguably is a lot of car for the money.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’

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