1996 Aston Martin DB7

This 1996 Aston Martin DB7 represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the earliest and most original examples of this landmark model. With just 3,725 miles from new, its condition is virtually indistinguishable from a showroom-fresh car, making it a standout even among low-mileage DB7s. Early pre-airbag cars like this one are especially prized for their purity of design and connection to Aston Martin’s hand-built heritage.

Having spent its life in private collections, carefully stored and preserved, this DB7 is both a highly usable modern classic and a blue-chip collector’s piece. It embodies the moment Aston Martin reinvented itself for a new era, with Ian Callum’s timeless design and the marque’s renowned craftsmanship on full display. 

For collectors seeking the finest, most authentic early DB7 available this example will be exceptionally hard to beat.
 

This particular DB7, finished in Chiltern Green, is a time-warp example with just 3,725 miles from new. Its condition is extraordinary, having spent its life in private collections under ideal storage conditions. 

The paintwork retains a deep, lustrous finish, panel gaps are factory-perfect, and every exterior detail – from the chrome accents to the lighting and original glass – presents as it would have in 1996.

Early DB7s were fitted with distinctive wheel discs, often removed or misplaced over time. This car still wears its originals, further underlining its authenticity. 

The only visible blemish is a tiny area where the paint has rubbed through on the corner of the rear bumper moulding, no more than a couple of millimetres in size, likely from polishing. Beyond that there are no chips, scratches or signs of wear that we spotted, although we highly recommend potential buyers come and see it for themselves.

Collectors will note the understated elegance of these first-generation cars. Free from later styling updates, it showcases Ian Callum’s original vision, with a classic long-bonnet, short-tail GT silhouette that many regard as one of the most beautiful modern Aston Martins. This is a car that looks every bit as good in person as it did when unveiled to acclaim in the early 1990s.
 

Inside the DB7 offers the kind of craftsmanship that defined Aston Martin during this period. The cabin is upholstered in Forest and Parchment Connolly leather, creating a sophisticated two-tone environment that has been perfectly preserved. The seats show virtually no signs of use, with only the faintest marks on minor trim items visible on close inspection.

Being an early-production car it features the slimmer, non-airbag green leather steering wheel – a detail that makes these cars highly sought-after by enthusiasts for their cleaner, more classic dashboard design. The wood veneers remain rich and glossy, and all switchgear and instrumentation present as though unused.

The DB7’s interior design was praised for combining traditional hand-built luxury with a modern, driver-focused layout. This example captures that balance in perfect, original condition. 

Even practical details like the carpets, headlining, and storage compartments show no evidence of age or neglect. The space saver spare wheel in the boot has never been fitted to the car, a detail that further illustrates its carefully preserved state. Step inside, and it’s as close as one can get to experiencing a brand-new 1996 DB7.
 

Lift the sculpted bonnet and the supercharged 3.2-litre straight-six engine bay reveals itself in exceptional condition. It’s strikingly original with all factory finishes intact and no aftermarket modifications. The exposed alloy components, often quick to tarnish, remain bright thanks to meticulous storage in temperature-controlled environments.

With only 3,725 miles covered, the engine has seen minimal use. It fires instantly, idles smoothly, and revs freely without hesitation. Collectors will appreciate that the mechanical presentation matches the cosmetic condition – it feels every bit as fresh as it looks.

Given the car’s preservation, the engine bay stands as a reference point for originality. Even factory-applied stickers and markings are intact, making this an exceptional example for anyone seeking one of the earliest and most authentic DB7s available today.

The underside further reinforces the car’s remarkable preservation. The chassis, floorpans and suspension components show only the lightest superficial tarnishing, the kind of minimal patina one would expect on a car that has barely been driven. There is no corrosion, damage, or evidence of poor storage.

This DB7 has benefited from a life spent in private collections, meaning it has never been subjected to harsh weather or road conditions.

Protective finishes on the underbody remain intact, with hardware and fasteners looking much as they would have when the car left the Bloxham factory.
 

This stunning DB7 has had four owners from new – the first owner took delivery on the 1st July 1995 but didn’t register the car until the beginning of 1996. He kept the car for 10 years before it was sold to the second registered keeper in May 2015 with 3,196 miles on the odometer. 

This owner kept the car for a year, adding just a few miles before selling the car a year later. The next owner bought the DB7 in March 2016 to put into his private collection. In March 2017 the car went to HWM Aston Martin in Walton-on-Thames where it was serviced and passed an MoT with the mileage at 3,408. 

Sometime between the purchase and this service the tyres were renewed. It went back to HWM in 2018 for service and MoT at 3,503 miles.

Since then it has been serviced, maintained and MoT’d by Universal Classic Cars in Hampshire on:
18th March 2019 Major Service 3,540 miles.
17th June 2020 Annual Service 3,558 miles.
10th June 2021 Annual Service 3,568 miles.
8th June 2022 Annual Service 3,568 miles (the MoT Station is 200 metres from where the car was stored).
5th July 2023 MoT test 3,571 miles.
31st October 2023 Annual Service.

The car comes with a current MoT certificate which runs until October this year, all its original handbooks and a comprehensive service history. There are two sets of keys and a pile of previous MoT certificates.
 

To find a DB7 in this condition is exceedingly rare. Many early cars were driven extensively and subjected to everyday use, making this example a standout opportunity for collectors. With its untouched mechanical components and showroom-fresh presentation, it offers a glimpse of what Aston Martin delivered to its earliest DB7 customers in the mid-1990s.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £38,000 - £43,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.