The DB7 was designed by Ian Callum who like myself moved from Edinburgh to Dumfries in the early 1970’s due to our respective father’s careers. Ian lived on the Glencaple Road and I lived on the adjacent Bankend Road. We are both passionate about Jaguars particularly gun metal grey Mark 2’s and we both have owned an example. Sadly that’s where the similarity ends.
These cars may have had to use the Ford parts bin but Aston managed to keep it's soul in some way. Some might say it cheapened the brand somewhat but it kept Aston going and for that at least we should be grateful. I may never own or drive an Aston Martin but oh my days I would love one. Many thanks for sharing this with us.
A dream car for me...but with the tight cabin, not sure it will ever be that practical for me. The '90s truly is the goldylocks zone for modern classics...fairly modern performance and drivability due to modern features like a/c, power steer, fuel injection etc, but still not full of problematic complex electronics (like a modern), and provides "an experience" to the driver, unlike the appliance like modererns. Cheers!
Fantastic cars. The manual takes it to another level. It is intoxicating taking them through the gears. The XJS platform unrivalled in terms of its ride/handling. Some cars may handle better, some may ride better but none do both so well.
Great review - I've always loved the DB7. It's funny that for all people complain about the use of Ford buttons, they don't suffer from "sticky switch syndrome" like Ferraris of the period!
Very very nice car! I envy You out there in UK because You can find these in bargain money.....Here in Finland, IF You can find one, You'll be set back atleast 50000-60000euros....and it'll probably be a V12....which is not a bad thing but to me ,the original design is more pure...One of these in Volante form with manual....I would happily sell my X308 xjr and jump for it....
I thought I recognised them but couldn't put my finger on it! My dad had a mk 3 Granada. Weirdly quite like the idea of familiar, everyman's switchgear in my grand tourer.
I sprayed the rocker cover spark plug lead cover and manifold on most of the DB7'S engines in milton keynes back in the 90s and i bet i did that one you've got i did 100s of them all by hand from a rough aluminium cast to full paint finish.
@@furiousdriving Thats not the way it works they weren't done in house in tickford street in Newport pagnell were Aston Martin was based back then they were done in Blakelands Milton keynes the work was subcontracted out to a company i worked for called daveron that has long gone and aston were very fussy about the quality of work it had to be at a very high standard i also powder coated the V8s vantage engines.
Hey, great work! It’s a treat to see this one back on the road. Funny, “Crown Victoria” is about the most British name you can give a car, yet this car is about as un-British as you can get. Actually, Ford’s use of the name originated back in the early 1930s, when they applied it to a really lovely little two-door sedan. Now that Ford is all trucks and Mustangs, it appears the name has disappeared, alas. As always, best wishes from Missouri, USA.
It's absolutely a modified XJ-S platform, which is a shortened XJ6/12, which uses very similar suspension to the original S-type, Mk10 etc... The underpinnings of the DB7 are very close to 1960s Jaguars. "Not that at all" is a bit of a stretch.
Beautiful car! I thought the same regarding the DB7 or DB9. However now I think these, especially a later v12 DB7 vantage are ageing better than the early DB9s.
I've never noticed before, but the steering wheel looks like it's from a Nissan. The alloys look very similar to ones my aunt had on her Mondeo back in the day, same generation. I don't remember the model, but it had a tame bodykit and wheels similar to that
Which chassis number is this? Mine is the 520th built and has, unfortunately, the water reservoir under the black cover. This one is better, because it’s visible and the colour combination is out of this world! Mine though is a one of one in Aston Green 😊
It's interesting that TVR lashed out on turned aluminium switchgear and door handles and the like, but Aston Martin didn't. Some aluminium bits would set the acres of leather in the interior off nicely IMO. I guess buyers didn't mind the bargain Ford and Mazda bits scattered about?
Turned Aluminium is expensive...and TVR arnt around any more. Im not saying cost cutting is good and it was complained about at the time but at least Aston survived
The fact they offered this with a automatic transmission is sad. If you ordered the automatic they might as well have sent you a ford mondeo with Austin badges and I bet the majority of automatic buyers would not have noticed.
Most of these would have been sold in LHD versions, hence the internal bonnet release being on the LHD driver's side (many new cars now have the release on the left, irrespective of whether it's LHD or RHD), and the safety release is on the right so when you're driving on the right and your Aston has broken down and at the side of the road, you're stood safely at the kerbside when you open the bonnet, away from passing traffic.... unfortunately RHD cars have inconvenience and less safety built in...
Phwoar lovely XJS mate, joking! I remember when Clarkson said the DB9 wasn't a proper Aston because it was riveted bodywork lacked the same character, do you think the DB9? was a proper Aston like the DB7 was.
I can't believe there're so many positive comments regarding the colours. The turquoise exterior is meh and doesn't really suit the car (looks better on Matt's Alfa). The maroon interior is hideous and clashes with the exterior colour. Also, they've attempted to make the carpet the same colour as the leather and completely failed.
What a car Matt 👌🏻 beautiful and yes i would happily drive it across a continent too , but sadly probably only afford to go from my house and into town 😂, I bet it’s drinks Petrol like it’s going out of fashion.
Like the Jaguar XK8 (not very amazing) this is one of my favorite GTs. And I think the IL6 is a very nice alternative to the Jag's V8. But please not with this "interesting" interior colors... OMG who did chose this color combination?
Lo Matt. Bank Holiday so ye shove this down our throats. Speaking as one of the great unwashed i have never planked ma bum in one of these nor am i likely to. Nice piece of machinery all the same. I'll see you next time when hopefully you will be driving something sensible. Later.
The DB7 was designed by Ian Callum who like myself moved from Edinburgh to Dumfries in the early 1970’s due to our respective father’s careers. Ian lived on the Glencaple Road and I lived on the adjacent Bankend Road. We are both passionate about Jaguars particularly gun metal grey Mark 2’s and we both have owned an example. Sadly that’s where the similarity ends.
These cars may have had to use the Ford parts bin but Aston managed to keep it's soul in some way. Some might say it cheapened the brand somewhat but it kept Aston going and for that at least we should be grateful. I may never own or drive an Aston Martin but oh my days I would love one. Many thanks for sharing this with us.
I followed a 15 year old Vantage while coming back from shopping and I was salivating over its gorgeousness (09 plate).
Apart from the Aston dealer that in the mid 90's let this car out of his showroom with that soul-shattering liver-purple cream leather interior! 😄
7:50 Yes, the inner door handles are from the MX5/EUNOS roadster
A dream car for me...but with the tight cabin, not sure it will ever be that practical for me. The '90s truly is the goldylocks zone for modern classics...fairly modern performance and drivability due to modern features like a/c, power steer, fuel injection etc, but still not full of problematic complex electronics (like a modern), and provides "an experience" to the driver, unlike the appliance like modererns. Cheers!
I love the odd color combination. Very luxurious
One of the prettiest cars ever. Especially in that colour combo! Wonderful!
Fabulous looking cars. That front end is classic Aston.
I never realized how close to Jaguar this one was, great review and episode. Great sound
Fantastic cars.
The manual takes it to another level.
It is intoxicating taking them through the gears.
The XJS platform unrivalled in terms of its ride/handling.
Some cars may handle better, some may ride better but none do both so well.
I know it’s just an XJS in a nice suit but I love them!!
Owned one! Beautiful car! A nightmare to maintain!!!
An Aston Martin with its Ford Mazda and Jaguar parts combined to make a very refined grand tourer very nice
An early manual I6 in BRG would suit me nicely. Always been a fan of the DB7, lovely and sleek looking.
Great review - I've always loved the DB7. It's funny that for all people complain about the use of Ford buttons, they don't suffer from "sticky switch syndrome" like Ferraris of the period!
I like getting into a Sierra and seeing 'Aston Martin' switchgear. It's more fun that way round.
Awesome Car, awesome noise from the Supercharger.
Nice exterior and interior colours, not sure they go together though. Still love the shape of the DB7
Stunning car beautiful colour and interior combination.
No, the MX5 inner door handles are from a DB7...
Thats how Ill be phrasing it in my MX5 from now on
This is what I call love on the first sight 😂. Nice colour
Shape/format reminds me of the Ford Cougar V6 of the late 90s/early 00s
Very very nice car! I envy You out there in UK because You can find these in bargain money.....Here in Finland, IF You can find one, You'll be set back atleast 50000-60000euros....and it'll probably be a V12....which is not a bad thing but to me ,the original design is more pure...One of these in Volante form with manual....I would happily sell my X308 xjr and jump for it....
The vents and 'leccy window switches are in the Mk3 Granada too.
I thought I recognised them but couldn't put my finger on it! My dad had a mk 3 Granada. Weirdly quite like the idea of familiar, everyman's switchgear in my grand tourer.
@@Matt-jt1ic
Much easier and cheaper to source spares !
I sprayed the rocker cover spark plug lead cover and manifold on most of the DB7'S engines in milton keynes back in the 90s and i bet i did that one you've got i did 100s of them all by hand from a rough aluminium cast to full paint finish.
you should have marked them so you could tell which were yours!
@@furiousdriving Thats not the way it works they weren't done in house in tickford street in Newport pagnell were Aston Martin was based back then they were done in Blakelands Milton keynes the work was subcontracted out to a company i worked for called daveron that has long gone and aston were very fussy about the quality of work it had to be at a very high standard i also powder coated the V8s vantage engines.
OMG She sounds absolutely gorgeous!
Gosh! That’s gorgeous! What an interior!
Only £18,000? They're being sold here in Australia for $60,000 - $80,000... wish I could buy one. ❤
I used to have a model DB7 in this colour. A excellent review Matt and what a super sound it makes from the supercharger.
Im amazed that of all the colours they could have made a model in they chose this, not because its bad, just unusual!
Hey, great work! It’s a treat to see this one back on the road. Funny, “Crown Victoria” is about the most British name you can give a car, yet this car is about as un-British as you can get. Actually, Ford’s use of the name originated back in the early 1930s, when they applied it to a really lovely little two-door sedan. Now that Ford is all trucks and Mustangs, it appears the name has disappeared, alas. As always, best wishes from Missouri, USA.
It's absolutely a modified XJ-S platform, which is a shortened XJ6/12, which uses very similar suspension to the original S-type, Mk10 etc... The underpinnings of the DB7 are very close to 1960s Jaguars. "Not that at all" is a bit of a stretch.
Beautiful car! I thought the same regarding the DB7 or DB9. However now I think these, especially a later v12 DB7 vantage are ageing better than the early DB9s.
I've never noticed before, but the steering wheel looks like it's from a Nissan.
The alloys look very similar to ones my aunt had on her Mondeo back in the day, same generation. I don't remember the model, but it had a tame bodykit and wheels similar to that
Gorgeous.
Great Engine
Almost West Ham United Colours. I Love It 😍!!!!
I thought,, Steady now matt but is a great vid. cheers.
One of my favourite Aston Martins 😊
Which chassis number is this? Mine is the 520th built and has, unfortunately, the water reservoir under the black cover. This one is better, because it’s visible and the colour combination is out of this world! Mine though is a one of one in Aston Green 😊
Great review, now and try to find a manual to compare it with. :)
Great catch, Matt!
I'll have one of them!
I’d love one, pockets don’t go deep enough for the tremendous upkeep though.
It's interesting that TVR lashed out on turned aluminium switchgear and door handles and the like, but Aston Martin didn't. Some aluminium bits would set the acres of leather in the interior off nicely IMO. I guess buyers didn't mind the bargain Ford and Mazda bits scattered about?
Turned Aluminium is expensive...and TVR arnt around any more. Im not saying cost cutting is good and it was complained about at the time but at least Aston survived
The fact they offered this with a automatic transmission is sad. If you ordered the automatic they might as well have sent you a ford mondeo with Austin badges and I bet the majority of automatic buyers would not have noticed.
Love the colour. Great content
Always so conflicted with the DB7 - so many redeeming factors but cant get over the ford familiarity. Great review as always!
That's stunning. love it.
XKR was a much better car, and have aged much better. Still a nice looking car though!
Most of these would have been sold in LHD versions, hence the internal bonnet release being on the LHD driver's side (many new cars now have the release on the left, irrespective of whether it's LHD or RHD), and the safety release is on the right so when you're driving on the right and your Aston has broken down and at the side of the road, you're stood safely at the kerbside when you open the bonnet, away from passing traffic.... unfortunately RHD cars have inconvenience and less safety built in...
Very nice indeed! 👀👍🇬🇧
Phwoar lovely XJS mate, joking! I remember when Clarkson said the DB9 wasn't a proper Aston because it was riveted bodywork lacked the same character, do you think the DB9? was a proper Aston like the DB7 was.
I'll stick my neck out. My fave Aston.
It’s an Aston, but there is a hint of polished turd about it that gives off some ick for a premium car.
A Jag in drag as it was known as at the time
Wow .... what a beautiful colour ...
and gorgeous interior
So 1996
It really is, in the best way!
No, not a jag, - just based on a jag chassis and engine !
I can't believe there're so many positive comments regarding the colours. The turquoise exterior is meh and doesn't really suit the car (looks better on Matt's Alfa). The maroon interior is hideous and clashes with the exterior colour. Also, they've attempted to make the carpet the same colour as the leather and completely failed.
It has presence in the metal
Judging by the awful clash of colours I assume the original owner was Steve Wonder.
What a car Matt 👌🏻 beautiful and yes i would happily drive it across a continent too , but sadly probably only afford to go from my house and into town 😂, I bet it’s drinks Petrol like it’s going out of fashion.
It feels a bit of a let down
Like the Jaguar XK8 (not very amazing) this is one of my favorite GTs. And I think the IL6 is a very nice alternative to the Jag's V8. But please not with this "interesting" interior colors... OMG who did chose this color combination?
Yipee I'm 1st again
Close, but no cigar 😜
What makes you say that? Your only answering my comment and your not in the original comments.
Lo Matt. Bank Holiday so ye shove this down our throats. Speaking as one of the great unwashed i have never planked ma bum in one of these nor am i likely to. Nice piece of machinery all the same. I'll see you next time when hopefully you will be driving something sensible. Later.
1st
Can’t be handsome and pretty…. 1 or the other
Noisy car
The worst ever looking aston in my opinion