During June 1997, AML unveiled a unique DB7 for Alfred Dunhill, the leading
English company specialising in clothing and accessories for a discerning clientele.
The car featured a series of exclusive luxury appointments such as a
humidor for the carriage of the finest cigars, a silver cigar cutter, cigar
lighter, a set of carbon fibre AD 2000 pens and an exclusive Dunhill
Millennium clock set into the centre console. The exterior was painted in an exclusive platinum metallic - also applied
to the wheels; the interior was in a contrasting Charcoal Connolly hide
piped in silver grey. In addition, the traditional Aston Martin walnut veneers were
replaced with attractive brushed aluminium panels. Design features from
Dunhill products were incorporated in the door handles, surround for the boot
release, white faced instruments and the gear leaver. The design of the
wheel centres was even based on that of the Dunhill Millennium Watch.The press releases from June 1997 clearly stated that the car was 'A
unique model and not for sale' but potential buyers must have made a little
fuss as by December 1997, it was announced that the production and sale of
upto 150 examples would begin in 1998. The only difference of note from the
original car was that a 'non smoking' version was also offered where the humidor was replaced by a
Dunhill grooming kit.
Although the car was only initially offered in coupe form, a Volante
version was also made available. Despite the projected build of 150
examples, I believe a mere 78 cars (coupe and Volante) were actually
produced before the i6 DB7 was retired and replaced by the V12 Vantage.
One of the cars featured here was photographed at
Aston Sales
Kensington in March 2008. The wheels are the optional Saturn Plus by
OZ (as used on the V8 Coupe/Volante); the badge on the mesh grille is I
believe an after market addition.
DB7 Driving Dynamics Volante
