Aston Martin’s enduring legacy is highly dependent on the DB series of cars. They have gloriously served as the cornerstone of the revered British automaker for almost 75 years now. Among the varied spectrum of different generations of the DB nomenclature series, there is a forgotten gem that deserves attention and praise. The Aston Martin DB7 was the one that got back in the saddle and uplifted the company to a new height. It inherited its predecessor’s throne in 1994 after a sabbatical of 22 years. The DB7 was the first of the series to be powered by a V12 motor, and it was sold in the U.S. from 1994 through 2004. The Aston Martin DB7 GTA is a limited edition variant of this prestigious grand tourer, bestowed with a slew of performance enhancements. The DB7 GTA is an improved version of the regular V12-powered DB7 Vantage, introduced at the end of the generation’s life cycle. When it came out as a 2003 model year car, the DB7 GTA was the quickest DB car ever produced. Under its hood resides a 420-hp naturally aspirated V12 engine, which is paired exclusively with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Limited to just 112 units, the DB7 GTA was marketed for the 2003 and 2004 model years. This Aston Martin DB7 GTA review has been conceived by Exotic Car Trader, after meticulously scrutinizing every little detail about this grand tourer. Here is everything you need to know about the Aston Martin DB7 GTA.
After World War II, Aston Martin was walking a financial tightrope. The one who arose as a harbinger of hope to rescue the company was David Brown, the owner of Huddersfield Gear and Machine Tools. His company, David Brown Limited, acquired Aston Martin and Lagonda in 1947. Thus began a new era, and soon the world saw his initials etched onto an Aston Martin car. The very next year after the acquisition, Aston Martin unveiled their first sports car under the new ownership. Named the Aston Martin 2-Litre Sports, this maiden venture can unofficially be considered the first-ever DB car. Later on, in 1950, the world saw the arrival of the Aston Martin DB2, the first official DB car which supplanted the 2-Litre Sports. The DB2 was further upgraded and dubbed the Aston Martin DB2/4 which was again superseded by the DB Mark III. Next in line was the DB4, which switched the DB series to an all-new platform. Agent 007’s favorite Aston Martin DB5, which came next, is the car that elevated the series to its peak of magnificence. The DB6 which succeeded was essentially an incremental update, even though it made the switch to a fastback body style. After the DB6, the numerical DB throne was left vacant for a long 22 years. Finally, in 1994, the Aston Martin DB7 was born, based on the Jaguar XJS platform. Both Jaguar and Aston Martin were under Ford ownership then, and the DB7 was built using mostly Jaguar-sourced parts, under the blue oval’s funding and supervision. The DB7 was the first car in the series to be offered with a V12 motor, along with a 3.2-liter supercharged Inline-6. In 2003, as a farewell to the DB7, Aston Martin unveiled the GTA variant of the car. The Aston Martin DB7 GTA is a phenomenally upgraded variant of the car, exclusively propelled by the V12 engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission. The A in GTA stands for automatic, while its GT counterpart was the manual variant.
The Aston Martin DB7 GTA houses a brawny naturally aspirated 5.9-liter V12 motor, under its hood, mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. This dulcet V12 engine is capable of pumping out 420 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of maximum torque. While the power figures remain on par with the regular DB7 V12 Vantage, Aston Martin extensively reworked the GTA to deliver a more involving driving experience. The GTA’s chassis is stiffer and its independent double wishbone suspension features upgraded dampers, a revised front sub-frame, and stiffer bushes. All of these changes, along with a revised final drive ratio, result in the DB7 GTA being a sharper, more ferocious driver’s car. Although not as engaging as the DB7 GT’s 6-speed quick-shifting manual, the automatic isn’t a slouch either. The GTA sprints to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds, has a curb weight of 4,082 lbs, and is limited to a top speed of 165 mph. The car also gets an upgraded braking setup comprising grooved brake discs instead of the standard cross-drilled ones. According to Aston Martin, the DB7 GTA can be brought to a halt from 100 mph in under 5.0 seconds.
The DB7 GTA flaunts a sumptuous old-school yet modern cabin featuring a bunch of unique components. As standard, the interior is finished in a Black Oak trim, whereas a full range of wood finishes and carbon fiber were available options. Sports seats swathed in a combination of leather and Alcantara were standard, while 17 shades of plain or perforated leather options were optional. The center panel between the seats is also wrapped in luscious Alcantara as standard, to deliver increased amounts of grip while cornering. To further enable the driver to push the GTA through corners aggressively, the standard sports seats come equipped with extended shoulder and lateral bolstering. The background of the instrument console and a clock positioned on the dashboard are finished in Parchment, accented with black numerals. The climate control buttons, gear knob, and pedal pads are specced in satin finish aluminum. Another one-of-a-kind touch offered was the option to swap out the standard DB7 GTA-badged sill plates with the owner’s name or a personalized message. Available options included color-keyed luggage, a golf umbrella with holder, and lambswool floor mats. All in all, the DB7 GTA has a resplendent cabin, composed of exquisite materials and elements.
The Aston Martin DB7 GTA has an undeniable resemblance to the Jaguar XK8, which isn’t a bad thing. Some might find it quite deviating from the Aston Martin aesthetic, and hence unappealing. However, the DB7 GTA has a panache of its own, especially in the right shades and from certain angles. Unique exterior touches that differentiate the GTA include a mesh front grille, hood vents, a trunk spoiler, and a lower-placed air intake. The more crucial exterior elements that contribute to upgrading the aerodynamics of the GTA are the additional undertray sweeps and wheel-arch liner extensions. These components increase downforce and reduce lift by a whopping 50 percent compared to the regular DB7 V12. Looking at it sideways, the GTA rocks 18-inch 5-spoke GTA alloy wheels as standard, whereas 18-inch 10-spoke and 19-inch 9-spoke Vantage-spec alloys were no-cost options. The brake calipers came finished in Silver as standard, while Black, Red, Gold, and Graphite Gray were options. Over 20 paint colors, were offered as standard while further customizations were offered via dealers. Amidst all the Aston Martins listings on Exotic Car Trader, the DB7 GTA isn’t on top solely based on an aesthetic meter. However, it does possess some suave and sophistication that is unique to it.
The standard infotainment setup inside the DB7 GTA consists of a basic audio system comprising a CD player. Options included a premium audio system and satellite navigation. But that’s it. Considering the time period the car belongs to, this specification is outrageously appalling. However, Aston Martin has included a solution for this lack-of-tech issue - the singing naturally aspirated V12 under the GTA’s hood. It is all the music you need while engaged in the process of driving this beast. Sure, there are cars loaded to the brim with tech features, especially among Exotic Car Trader’s vast collection of exotic listings. However, the DB7 GTA isn’t a car for tech enthusiasts, but for auto aficionados who would love to indulge themselves in the sonorous rhapsody its V12 engine orchestrates.
With only 112 units ever produced and a mere 17 of them being sold on American soil, the Aston Martin DB7 GTA is evidently a rare machine. These cars were produced for the 2003 and 2004 model years, bearing a price tag upwards of $161,350. This might give the idea that the used market value of these cars is high up in the sky. But it's actually quite the opposite. According to classic.com, the Aston Martin DB7 GTA has a current average market value of $50,397. The lowest recorded sale number is a mind-blowing $21,804 and the top sale stands at $67,971. In simple words, this means that the DB7 GTA is an underappreciated bargain. If you own a rare collector’s car like the DB7 GTA that you are planning to sell, Contact Exotic Car Trader right away. We can find a buyer, and get you the best possible value for it. Furthermore, we promise the most hassle-free selling experience.
The Aston Martin DB7 GTA is a rare, limited-edition variant of the DB7, blessed with improved dynamics. It is a true underdog, is flying under the radar of many enthusiasts. It is a rare collectible, capable of providing the full-fledged Aston Martin grand-touring experience. The GTA’s naturally aspirated V12 is spirited, smooth, and resonant. Enhancements including a stiffer chassis, upgraded suspension components, stronger brakes, and improved aerodynamics make the GTA a definitive Aston Martin GT car. Inside its cabin, the GTA is bedecked with exceptional materials and elements. Furthermore, the DB7 GTA’s collectibility and current market value are factors that make it the ultimate bargain. However, finding rare machines, like the DB7 GTA, can seem like a tiring task. But that is not the case now, because Exotic Car Trader has streamlined the exotic car trading process to a never-before-attained level of convenience. Contact us now to experience the easiest exotic-trading process. Cars like the Aston Martin DB7 GTA, are not to be neglected and overlooked. They are to be cherished and enjoyed, as they are the quintessence of automotive excellence.
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