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| Aston Martin DB7 Vantage
Volante
(1999 - 2003) |
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When introduced, the DB7 Vantage Volante was probably the fastest open top Aston Martin
ever made.
Launched simultaneously with the coupe version at the 1999 Geneva Motor Show,
the Volante shares the body, chassis and engine modifications of the closed version.
Maximum speed with both the 6 speed manual or 5 speed auto transmissions is limited to 165 mph;
the sprint from 60 mph takes just 5.1 seconds. I guess the speed was restricted
so that an over-enthusiastic driver doesn't loose the roof when exploring the
the extremes of the performance envelope.
The Vantage Volante shares all the exterior features of it's closed brother.
The V12 engine (stage 1) needed more cooling air than the 6 cylinder and so the
trademark Aston grille was enlarged. This meant the creation of new
indicators and driving lights which were moved to a new position. These units are reminiscent
of features on both the Project cars (DP212 to 215) and the DBR1 race car. |
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The only disappointing feature of the car is that the roof still didn't fold flat
into the body. This was of course not a problem with the DB AR1, a speedster version
of the DB7 Vantage Volante first shown
at the 2003 Los Angeles Motor Show - the car, intended for the American
market had no roof at all. You will see above a late model Vantage Volante fitted with optional GT
wheels. I have no evidence that the Volante was ever available straight from the
Bloxham factory with the full GT engine, but knowing Aston Martin, I guess
someone will have had one made. Certainly, the power upgrade to GT specification
was made available through Works Service and official dealers during 2003, so a
GT / GTA spec Vantage Volante is certainly possible, although probably only as an after market
modification. |
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DB7 V12 Vantage |
DB7 V12 Vantage 'V8 Vantage' rear lights  |
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