1997 - 1998 Aston Martin DB7

1997 - 1998 Aston Martin DB7 - Sensual, Elegant and Athletic

It was March of 1993 and the Geneva Salon was buzzing as it usually does that time of the year. New product launches intertwined with announcements of future models kept all media representatives in a flurry of excitement. The biggest news was to come from one of the smallest of companies, Aston Martin. A new car proudly displaying the revered DB nameplate, as much in honor of past owner David Brown as it was and still is good marketing, was to be unveiled.

It took another six months for the DB7 to reach European showrooms despite the flood of initial orders. It then again took until 1997 to arrive in America. Initially much ado was made about its similarity to Jaguars original F-Type concept, the thought of an Aston Martin pieced together from the parts bins of lowly Jaguar getting a few media elitists in a huff. Long since forgotten, the first generation DB7 will go down in history as a true Aston Martin.

That said what is a true Aston? Images of a certain British agent come to most everyones mind when the exotic marque is mentioned. Just close your eyes and I bet you too can see a gorgeous silver DB5, careening around narrow hairpin corners while chasing a beautiful woman in a Mustang convertible. I cant remember which girl and cant even place if the scene is from Goldfinger or From Russia With Love, but Ill never forget the car. How could I? For years the exact 007 movie car, complete with pop-up armor plating and machine gun fitted bumpers sat enshrouded in glass outside Frank Bakers, a local restaurant.

The Ian Callum designed DB7 that arrived on our shores was and still is to me, one of the most beautiful GTs I have ever set eyes on. Its long elegant shape is simultaneously sensual, elegant and athletic, invoking the memory of a more romantic bygone era, the one where men were men and woman were their conquests - Oh, James! Its powerful presence gives off the sophistication of a Rolls-Royce, albeit with the legs of Ferrari.

And it has legs. It is powered by a 3,239 cc inline 6-cylinder engine, similar to Bonds original. Its Eaton supercharged 335-hp output was altogether more powerful mind you, making this new car capable of 0 to 60 mph in only 5.7 seconds despite its substantial 3,913 pound curb weight. Keep your right foot planted and 165 mph was attainable in top gear.

The car that came to Canada was already revised from the initial 1993 model. In 1996 Aston Martin added dual front airbags plus new higher quality switchgear, better seats, quicker response steering, modified brakes and a reconfigured suspension.

Along with the coupe came a convertible model named Volante, in true A-M tradition. Launched at both Los Angeles and the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January of 1996, the new model made a splash. Designed with the North American market in mind, the Volante looks stunning whether its roof is up or down. Safety considerations led to additional strengthening in the rear bulkhead to compensate for the lack of torsional rigidity now that the coupes roof had been removed, plus the A-pillars and crossbar over the windshield were beefed up for improved rollover protection.

While the powertrain remained unchanged performance of the Volante is a little hampered due to its increased curb weight and additional aerodynamic drag. Zero to 60 mph takes 6.0 seconds while its top speed is only 155 mph for 6-speed manual transmission equipped cars. Yes a 5-speed automatic was available, speaking much of its luxury GT mission.

Although true to its A-M heritage the DB7s 6-cylinder engine didnt sound exotic enough, either audibly or for all-important bragging purposes. Whats more it no longer met stringent 1999 California emissions laws, its strongest market. Therefore there was no 1999 DB7 model imported to either the U.S. or Canada, leaving North American customers queuing up for the all-new 420-hp V12 powered Vantage that would arrive as a 2000 model.

If youre fortunate enough to drive, let alone own, one of these masterful creations then you are in rare company. Only 1,506 coupes and 835 convertibles were produced from 1993 until 1999. The first generation DB7 will remain as one of the worlds great sporting GTs, truly worthy of its illustrious Aston Martin badge.