YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE (some text hidden) --NONE--

BY ANDY ENRIGHT

Introductionword count: 78

The Aston Martin DB7 is the archetypal Bond car. Effortlessly quick, raffishly handsome, with a pedigree that harks back to Auric Goldfinger, everybody knows that this is the car that 007 would select as his weapon of choice. The good news is that you no longer need a secret agent salary to afford a DB7. With used models now costing around the price of an entry-level Porsche Boxster, this classic British sportscar is more affordable than many think.

Modelsword count: 15

Models Covered: (2 dr coupe, 2 dr roadster 3.2, 5.9 petrol [base, Vantage, Volante] )

Historyword count: 340

Many will be put off by the revelation that the DB7 is based largely on the unloved Jaguar XJ-S componentry, so it's perhaps best to get that fact out in the open early. Still with us? Good, because it can only get better now. Although officially launched in late 1994, UK deliveries began in earnest in early 1995 with the coupe model, powered by a Jaguar-derived 335bhp 3.3-litre supercharged engine. The car received a rapturous press reaction for its styling and a slightly more muted response to its driving characteristics. Remember, this was a time when Aston Martins had to be hairy of chest and rather like a gentleman's club on wheels, and many were taken aback by the DB7's more relaxed and refined brand of modernity. The prospective DB7 buyer can easily come to the impression that no two cars are alike, as throughout its history, the model was subjected to a bewildering array of changes to engines, bodywork, electronic systems and suspension that all affect the relative desirability and values. In 1997, the Volante (Aston-speak for convertible) model was launched. With it came a number of changes - a more rigid chassis, uprated steering rack and braking system and a far sportier suspension set up - that were also incorporated into the coupe. At the same time the costly and difficult-to-repair composite bonnet was replaced with a more conventional steel item. Summer 1999 saw the launch of the DB7 Vantage V12 models in both coupe and Volante form. These cars boasted a crushing 420bhp and aggressive pricing made them look a relative bargain compared to their immediate supercar rivals. Changes that saw the light of day in the Vantage were introduced across the range, such as better interior detailing and a wider pedal box. Sales of the six-cylinder models dwindled due to the relatively small price differential and the line was quietly deleted in 2000, leaving Aston Martin with an all twelve-cylinder range. The DB9 was unveiled in mid 2004 and that spelt the end for the 7.

What You Getword count: 240

Enthusiasts had originally feared that there would be a price in character to pay for the DB7's polished excellence, but if there is, it's difficult to spot. Certainly, the interior features Ford and Jaguar switchgear in places, but it's so coherently used that only an expert would spot the fact. In fact, the cabin is as pleasing to the eye as the sweeping lines of the exterior - which is saying something. The shape was penned by Scottish designer Ian Callum and has been hailed as the best looking British car since the Jaguar E-type. It's as if the stylist has taken the classic Aston shape and smoothed off the sharp edges; the result is very elegant. You expect a great deal for the price of a three-bedroom semi and by and large, there's not much to disappoint you. The leather and walnut-trimmed cockpit is as classy as you would expect, with proper, thick Connolly hide and matching piping. Equipment levels are also lavish enough for you not to feel cheated. A CD stacking system, electric seats and powered everything comes included but there's no sunroof. The Aston DB7 certainly feels a good deal more special than it's sibling and chief bugbear, the Jaguar XK8, although many felt that this sense of exclusivity wasn't worth the additional cost over the excellent XK8 and awesomely swift XKR models. Buying a used DB7 is the best way to offset this cost discrepancy.

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