1998 Aston Martin DB7 Alfred Dunhill Edition

20 Bids
7:31 PM, 20 Feb 2023Vehicle sold
Sold for

£32,500

(inc. Buyer’s Premium)

Background

PLEASE NOTE THAT AN AUCTION PREMIUM WILL BE CHARGED, ON TOP OF THE HAMMER PRICE, OF 5% (+VAT IN UK AND EUROPE). FROM 16TH JAN'23 THIS APPLIES TO ALL AUCTIONS ON THE MARKET, AND FEES ARE CAPPED AT £5,000 (+VAT)

The Aston Martin DB7 first appeared in 1994 and garnered much praise for its stunning looks. This should come as no surprise as the designer was none other than Ian Callum. Was it the car that saved Aston? Quite probably, and it began a new design language which we can still see reflected in today’s offerings.

Aston fans had waited a long time for the DB moniker to be resurrected, the DB6 having ceased production some 24 years earlier.

With limited funds, the DB7 is essentially as reworked version of the Jaguar XJS platform and the six-cylinder variant was based on the Jaguar AJ6 engine. It was not just the Jaguar parts bin that was raided, as you will find Mazda 323 rear lights, door handles from a 323 Estate, indicators from a MX-5, interior door mirror switches from a Ford Scorpio and even mirrors from a Citroen CX. None of this diminishes the car’s considerable appeal.

At the time of production, the DB7 was the highest produced Aston Martin, with over 7,000 built.

  • SCFAA1112WK102350
  • 13500
  • 3.2
  • manual
  • Silver
  • Black Leather
  • Right-hand drive
  • Petrol

Vehicle location
Bonhams|Cars Online HQ, United Kingdom

Background

PLEASE NOTE THAT AN AUCTION PREMIUM WILL BE CHARGED, ON TOP OF THE HAMMER PRICE, OF 5% (+VAT IN UK AND EUROPE). FROM 16TH JAN'23 THIS APPLIES TO ALL AUCTIONS ON THE MARKET, AND FEES ARE CAPPED AT £5,000 (+VAT)

The Aston Martin DB7 first appeared in 1994 and garnered much praise for its stunning looks. This should come as no surprise as the designer was none other than Ian Callum. Was it the car that saved Aston? Quite probably, and it began a new design language which we can still see reflected in today’s offerings.

Aston fans had waited a long time for the DB moniker to be resurrected, the DB6 having ceased production some 24 years earlier.

With limited funds, the DB7 is essentially as reworked version of the Jaguar XJS platform and the six-cylinder variant was based on the Jaguar AJ6 engine. It was not just the Jaguar parts bin that was raided, as you will find Mazda 323 rear lights, door handles from a 323 Estate, indicators from a MX-5, interior door mirror switches from a Ford Scorpio and even mirrors from a Citroen CX. None of this diminishes the car’s considerable appeal.

At the time of production, the DB7 was the highest produced Aston Martin, with over 7,000 built.

Video

Overview

On sale here is a very special edition of the DB7, the result of a collaboration between two English companies – namely Aston Martin and Alfred Dunhill. The result is a very rare luxury motor car uniquely equipped with a range of exclusive men’s accessories.

Just 78 were made in total, 51 coupes, 25 in right-hand drive and only 6 with a manual gearbox.

To quote from the promotional material of the day:

The Alfred Dunhill DB7 has been designed to Alfred Dunhill specifications as a showcase for its most contemporary pieces. Each of these masculine accessories reflects the evolution in design of motor cars over recent years from angular to softer and more fluid lines.”

This car has a unique history and is a genuine one owner car. The then Chief Executive of Dunhill in the UK purchased the car and gave it to his wife. After a move to Switzerland, the car spent long periods being professionally stored, before finally following them to Geneva.

It was subsequently used lightly, and has been thoroughly maintained by Aston Martin Geneva and others, with no expense spared.

So, the proposition here is a one lady owner special edition DB7, manual gearbox, supercharged 3.2-litre straight six engine, oh and did we mention the ultra-low mileage of just 13,500? I suspect we now have your attention!

Exterior

The DB7 is finished in Platinum Silver, a classic colour and one which shows off the graceful lines to good effect. And if you will pardon the indulgence, let us quote the PR blurb once more:

The car’s exterior paintwork matches exactly the colour of the polished steel of the Millennium watch and the wheel centres echo the fluid shape of the new timepiece. The boot, door handles and gear lever are etched with the distinctive tri-line feature from the AD 2000 watch collection.

There are a few minor flaws that we feel it is our duty to point out, none of which spoil the overall effect. Most noticeable is the rear bumper, which has a few lumps and bumps, and you will find the odd scratch here and there, such as the one on the bonnet (picture 139). There is also a ding in the offside rear wing (picture 79).

The wheels look to be in fine fettle, and each is clad in an almost new Bridgestone tyre. Care taken with choice of rubber is generally a sure sign of careful and considered classic car ownership.

The cherished registration number is to remain with the car and hints at the Aston Martin/Dunhill tie-up.

Interior

The heated electrically adjustable seats are clad in the finest black leather. They are barely marked, as befits the car’s modest miles and they offer superb comfort. Yes, there are back seats, though we doubt anyone has ever sat in them. They are useful for additional storage space, or perhaps small children.

The centre armrest houses the Smoker’s Edition Ebony Macassar Humidor and other unique offerings include the Dunhill lighter, cigar cutter and pen. Even for the ardent non-smoker, this fine craftsmanship is surely something to be appreciated.

Carpets and mats show little sign of wear and bear the Dunhill moniker, lest you be inclined to forget the connection.

Beneath the bespoke clock on the dash is a Pioneer radio/CD player, though the only soundtrack we would like to hear is that powerful supercharged motor at full chat!

The driving position is first rate, the leather steering wheel a delight to hold and falling easily to hand is the gear lever for the five-speed manual gearbox – a proper keen driver’s car.

The boot offers ample space for enough holiday luggage and is in excellent order, all set for the grand tour. With this in mind, a 2-piece Dunhill Citiscape luggage bag and case come with the car.

Also safely housed within is the full tool kit and space saver spare wheel.

Mechanical

We always include an extensive collection of pictures of a car’s underside and that is the case here. Pause a while and take in the very fine condition, indicative of limited and careful use.

The car is said to drive superbly, as you would expect - a testament to careful ownership and considerable expenditure. The engine is smooth, powerful and refined, with a fantastic turn of speed when you are in the mood.

Under the bonnet, the supercharged ‘six’ is a wonderful sight to behold, and is sure to impress even the most fastidious.

The car feels tight, as only a low mileage example can do, and impresses for what is now a 25-year old car.

History

Amongst the paperwork for the car is the original invoice from Aston Martin dated 18th September 1998.

Also included are invoices from specialist car storage and transportation company Konig, who cared for the DB7 for many years.

With the car being little used, and in Switzerland for much of its life, the MoT history is limited. A test in 2006 showed the mileage to be 8,655 and the car was tested once again last September when it was brought back to the UK. No advisories, or course, and the recorded mileage was 13,492.

Invoices abound, mostly with Aston Martin dealerships in the UK and Geneva. We can see a new battery was fitted in 2017 and clutch master cylinder in 2019. Extensive and regular servicing has been carried out, so brush up on your French and have a read of what has been done recently.

The last service was carried out at Aston Martin Geneva in February 2020, the car having travelled just a few hundred miles since.

The original handbook is present and correct and the car comes with three keys and two remotes.

Summary

This is a very rare car, low mileage and has all the signs of careful ownership from new. Just one lady owner…

And let’s not forget this is a rare edition model, beautifully presented and ready for exciting new adventures.

We estimate that the car will sell for between £35,000 and £40,000. Worth every penny surely? British engineering at its finest and one of the most iconic names on the motoring scene.

‘I drive an Aston’, has a lovely ring to it and the reality of life behind the wheel is just as exciting.

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

About this auction

Seller

Private: chrissmithphoto


Viewings Welcome

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and is strictly by appointment. To book one in the diary, please get in contact.

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