Aston Martin DB7 (i6) (1994-1999)

Production of the DB7 eventually began late in 1994 with a handful of cars delivered before the end of the year'. They were built at the Aston Martin factory at Bloxham near Banbury in Oxfordshire, previously used by JaguarSport for the construction of the XJ220. The construction of the DB7 was a significant departure from previous AM practice as the body structure was a steel semi-monocoque with some composite panels such as the nose and bonnet. These early cars, built prior to the introduction of the open Volante model are known as 'pre-airbag' cars or occasionally 'Series 1'

Whilst many small modifications have been made to the DB7 during the five years of production, the main changes were made with the introduction of a revised model in July 1996 (air-bagged - Series 2 perhaps). The later cars are relatively easily spotted as they have twin air bags plus new switchgear, seats, steering, brakes and softer 'Volante' suspension. A steel bonnet also replaced the composite original. Yet externally, the car appears virtually identical to the prototype.

db7 i6 interiors
DB7s are seen with a wide variety of wheel options. Here are a few examples that I have seen including a few very rare styles. The DB7 i6 has the widest variety of factory standard and optional wheel styles ever available on an Aston Martin.

The standard Speedline 18 inch 12 spoke with the full width plastic wheel disc (hardly ever seen now)

The standard 12 spoke Speedline wheel with the smaller wheel trim as fitted to almost all i6 DB7's

The 12 spoke speedline with small trim but with Spark Silver finish available late during the i6 production run

Unusual centre trim on the Speedline wheel with exposed wheel nuts

The three piece aluminum alloy 5 spoke Aliseo, a popular factory or after market optio. This is often found with body coloured spokes and polished rim

The relativly uncommon 3-piece Speedline aluminium alloy Mistral

The elegant five spoke on piece Speedline magnesium alloy 1908 available in polished silver, tungsten or bronze finishes.

The expensive 5 spoke lightweight magnesium 'driving dynamics' GT wheel which includes a recessed rim to lessen the chance of kerbing damage

The rare 5 spoke Cromodora alloy winter wheel with a noticibly smaller 16 inch diameter. Designed to accept high grip snow tyres.

The Saturn Plus one piece six spoke alloy wheel by OZ of Italy as also seen on the V8 Coupe and V8 Volante LWB
 
During 1999 the V12 Vantage was introduced at a price of just £92,500, a tiny £7550 premium over the straight six. Whilst the supercharged 6 cylinder car oddly remained in the price list throughout 2000, production had quietly ceased during May 1999 and the Vantage came on-line. By this time, production had reached 2449 Coupes and Volantes. Of this number, 1570 were coupes and of these coupes, about half, 713 had the desirable 5 speed manual transmission.

Chiltern Aston Martin - the DB7 centre
DB7 Prototype, Project NPX

DB7 GT (i6)