1999 Aston Martin DB7 Vantage

A highly appealing and post-facelift DB7, this Vantage coupe is one of the fastest DB7 models and ticks a lot of enthusiast boxes. First, and most importantly, it has the six-speed manual transmission and, when combined with the V12 engine, as here, that results in the prodigious performance mentioned.

In seemingly fine condition throughout, this V12 Vantage has been stored in recent years, seeing only very occasional use. However, the vendor was happy to recollect a particular jaunt to Europe in the car, where it apparently performed faultlessly. This Vantage also benefits from a desirable (V12 DBA) personalised licence plate.

Finished in a fetching shade of blue, this Vantage exhibits its untarnished and highly acclaimed curves for all to admire. The paintwork seems to have remained in good condition throughout, with only minor scratches and swirls here and there giving any impression of age or mileage past. Some stone chips to the front end are to be expected for a car approaching 80k miles, but none particularly stood out as being an eye sore and their number isn’t excessive. While we were at the front, we saw what looked like a good set of head and fog lights, without a trace of excessive clouding or imperfections to their lenses. 

The main grille still looks good, with its shining shape soon to become an Aston Martin trademark for a generation of its GTs. The lower grille, however, seems to be suffering from a little surface corrosion, with the same seen on the wing grilles. It likely won’t take a lot of work to remove these, wire brush them back to fresh metal, and give them a coat of lacquer, or to just replace them with new.

Wheels look to be in fine order, without any of the usual kerb marks or damage. Michelin Pilot Sport 4s cover the front 18-inch Vantage rims, while the matching rears have been wrapped in the original equipment Bridgestone S-02s. The latter rubber looks overdue replacement, with the latest MoT tester agreeing, marking them down as an advisory.

The interior of this Aston is looking very presentable throughout, with apparently only very minor wear to its leather. The contrasting wood veneer and dashboard plastics also remain impressive to behold. The same can’t be said, unfortunately, for the headlining, which is noticeably sagging. It seems to be all that’s letting the side down though, and will no doubt prove to be an easy enough fix, for the right trimmer.

Beyond the above, the cabin really doesn’t seem to show any obvious sings – beyond some light patina – of its 24-year vintage. If we’re being picky, which is our job, the stitching around the gear knob is coming loose and there are some very small marks to the top of the rear armrest cubby lid and offside C-pillar trim.

A quality Alpine stereo (Kenwood changer in the boot) sits in the dashboard and an Aston Martin umbrella is pinned in place on the underside of the boot lid. There’s also what appears to be an Aston Martin indoor tailored car cover nestled back here too.

Although it hasn’t seen much use under its current custodian, an online check of past MoTs shows that this Vantage was driven approximately 5000 miles per year until around 2010, when the mileage dropped to the 3000-mile annual average it’s seen of late. There isn’t much in the way of history, unfortunately, but a near clean bill of health at every MoT test since 2006 certainly bodes well. The only failure listed, in fact, came in March of this year when a high emission figure was duly cured with a replacement catalyst.

Lifting that vast bonnet, we’re treated to the opposed intake runners of Aston’s mighty 6.0-litre V12. The tops of these tubes, on this example, seem to have been scuffed up a little. Though its location makes it a little unsightly, it doesn’t appear to be causing any issue. There’s some light surface corrosion visible on a few components here and there, in keeping with a car approaching its first quarter century anniversary. Beyond the usual light bit of road and engine grime, this engine and its bay look dry and tidy.

Underneath, we spotted a little surface corrosion but nothing that appeared to be any more nefarious. The underside of the engine bay does look a little oily, but it’s difficult to tell if this is from a current leak or an ancestral one. The car’s floors and pipework also appear to be good and solid. 

When we previously sold this car in 2019, it was complete with its original books. As we described then:

"The car comes with its Owners Manual which includes the service book with 14 service stamps. The online MOT history shows nothing of concern whatsoever and only ever mentions worn and punctured tyres. The car’s low mileage is also faithfully recorded and this, in conjunction with the servicing paperwork, leads us to believe that the mileage is correct."

This maintenance record has sadly since been lost, and therefore we have included photocopies of this record. In its current form, there’s not a lot of history to accompany this Aston, but from what we have, it shows it’s received some recent care. The offside catalytic converter was replaced at Boroughbridge Auto Service LTD. in March, which as previously mentioned, cured the car’s excessive emission failure at the MoT. An £818.58 invoice in the file shows this wasn’t a cheap fix. The only other bill we have lists the purchase of a pair of tyres in 2020 for £192, though these aren’t currently fitted to the car.

The vendor admits he’s used this Vantage only for the ‘odd Sunday drive’, aside from that aforementioned European trip. He also notes that work was carried out on the handbrake and the ‘fuel-level indicator’ upon purchase. The battery was also apparently replaced at the same time, all of which reinforces the car spent its time in storage (on sorn) between 2020-2024 is correct.

That all translates to an Aston that’s now crying out to be used and enjoyed once again. Its fresh MoT (runs to March 2025) and the long legs of this gorgeous GT means that it needs to be used. What more excuse do you need to stretch its legs by firing up that 414bhp V12 and aiming it towards the continent?

We’re confident to offer this fine car for auction with an estimate of £15,000 - £20,000. 

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, 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, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.