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The Walter Hayes influenced DB7 Coupe introduced
in 1993 is known as the car that saved Aston Martin. During the severe
sales downturn of the very high-price prestige models in the recession
hit early 90's, it became obvious that a new model strategy was required.
Fortunately, together with the Volante introduced in 1996, DB7's have
sold in greater numbers than any previous Aston. Not that the DB7
became a mass produced car, with a total of only 879 straight 6 supercharged
Volantes being made before the introduction of the V12 Vantage in
1999.
The DB7 badges that David Brown had made for what
became the DB6 Mk2 eventually came in
useful when Walter Hayes, the then CEO of Aston Martin appointed
David Brown as life president of the company that Brown had previously
owned. Both Hayes and Brown were of the opinion that Aston had lost
their way after the DB6, during the V8 'muscle car' period. The
new svelte DB7 designed by Scot Ian McCallum was intended to reverse
this trend and go back to the earlier philosophy of more accessible,
useable, lighter weight, good handling GT cars.
The DB7, developed and produced with the aid of significant
investment and facilities provided by new Aston Martin owner Ford
was hand-assembled at a purpose prepared factory at Bloxham in Oxfordshire,
by project partner Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR). Assembled using
new and efficient racing team practices and techniques the DB7 is
a delightful mix of modern and traditional materials. The beautifully
styled body utilizes pressed steel and lightweight composite panels
with a luxuriously crafted interior featuring walnut veneer, Connelly
and Wilton trim. The TWR assembled straight six, chain-driven twin
overhead cam, Eaton supercharged 3.2 litre engine produces 335 bhp
with a very impressive 361 lbs ft of torque. Aurally, the engine
emits a supercharger whine, reminiscent of the Grand Prix cars of
the 1920's. The power delivery, ride and handling of the Volante
are superlative, and one may take equally great pleasure in driving
along, docilely soaking up the splendid ambiance of the car and
one's open air surroundings or the sensory feedback and response
that one gets when in 'press on' mode.
Our car, a 1998 Volante, was converted by DB7 specialists,
Chiltern Aston Centre to GTS II specification, which includes a
stainless steel mesh grill, Zagato bonnet, Vantage rear lights,
special instruments and interior trim and a sports exhaust. Our
Volante is finished in a lovely shade of Brooklands green metallic,
with a sumptously trimmed magnolia and green piped interior, and
green Wilton carpet. A real Gentlemans GT, in which to to arrive
niether shaken nor stirred!
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