For all its prestige and reputation for building its own V12 engines, Aston Martin has borrowed power plants from other manufacturers throughout its history. The automaker's current collaboration with Mercedes to use AMG's twin-turbo M177 V8 is proof enough. This trend goes back to the early DB series. For instance, the Aston Martin DB7 used a 3.2-liter supercharged inline-six sourced from Jaguar. Underneath, it also shared a platform with the Jaguar XK8. The 3.2-liter inline-six engine provided a foundation for the Aston Martin DB7 Vantage and DB7 Vantage Volante, debuting at the 1999 motor show featuring a 6.0-liter V12, a first for Aston Martin. However, the debut of these V12-powered models coincided with a decline in sales for the inline-six-powered DB7. Consequently, Aston Martin discontinued the inline-six version that same year. The DB7 Vantage, with its limited production run of 1,477 units, continued until 2003.
The Aston Martin DB7 was Aston Martin's biggest success during its time, and the V12 made it even better. As was the case with early DB Aston Martins, the DB7 Vantage's name indicated a focus on performance, with the 6.0-liter V12 making 420 horsepower and 400 lb.ft, roughly 90 horsepower and 40 lb.ft more than the Jaguar inline-six. A 6-speed manual was the only transmission option offered initially, but Aston Martin made a touchtronic 5-speed automatic transmission available, which offers more engagement than a traditional automatic. However, going for a DB7 Vantage with an auto transmission means a lower top speed and slower 0-60 mph time despite an insignificant change in the car's weight at around 3,900 pounds. A manual DB7 vantage is capable of 185 mph flat out and a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds. On the other hand, one with an automatic transmission does 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds and tops out at 165 mph.
Like today's Aston Martins, the Aston Martin DB7 Vantage's interior prioritizes luxury and comfort for grand touring. The cabin features a mixture of leather and wood accents that are elegantly distributed, typical of most 20th-century high-end cars. Being a Vantage Aston, the seats were designed to be comfortable for long journeys yet still supportive, with good bolstering for spirited driving. The dashboard is all about analog gauges and classic switches and buttons, which are easier to use and read and remove clutter for a more focused driving feel. The interior accommodates four, but the rear seats are more suitable as extra luggage space due to the sloping roofline, which limits headroom in the rear, making it less comfortable.
The sloping roofline might make the interior less practical, but it gives the Aston Martin DB7 Vantage's exterior design an elegantly appealing grand tourer profile. It also accentuates the proportionate design, which was spot on from the long hood to the short cabin and short rear deck, creating a balanced and aesthetically pleasing look. A larger grille, redesigned fog lights, and side indicators easily make the DB7 Vantage distinguishable from the inline-six-powered Vantage. On top of those, Aston Martin added larger 18-inch wheels to accommodate the larger and wider tires. However, there's a chance you might not find an example with the OEM wheels if you are in the market for a DB7 Vantage.
While the late 1990s and early 2000s weren't a time of explosive technological advancements in cars, the Aston Martin DB7 Vantage offered a well-equipped and luxurious experience. Take, for example, the touchtronic automatic transmission, which, for its time, was considered revolutionary. At its core, it functions as a regular automatic transmission but with added driver control through buttons on the steering wheel, allowing the driver to select gears manually. In the cabin, the emphasis was on comfort. But besides the heated front seats, you don't get anything else except air conditioning and a seek-scan radio. Safety features were limited to essential systems like ABS and traction control.
There are not a lot of classic Aston Martins that you can buy for the price of an Aston Martin Vantage. For around $15,000, you can have one sitting in your garage, and there's no other place where you can find the best deals other than Exotic Car Trader. We have an extensive collection of Aston Martin listings, making your search for the perfect DB7 Vantage effortless.
Even though the DB7 Vantage switched from a shared inline-six engine to a powerful V12, it didn't lose the spirit of Aston Martin's grand touring legacy. It also marked the first time a V12 engine found a home in Aston Martin's lineup, and it's quite sad to see Aston Martin discontinue V12-powered cars. Exotic Car Trader creates an exclusive and safe way of buying and selling cars, eliminating the daunting experiences of private selling for buyers and sellers. Every vehicle listed on Exotic Car Trader goes through a private seller verification process, ensuring legitimacy for our buyers. Also, Exotic Car Trader's car buying process is well outlined, with all fees and packages providing our buyers with a seamless and inclusive experience. We can handle the escrow of funds at no additional cost to the buyer and seller, and we also provide trade-in and financing options for buyers. For transaction safety, our Transactions Team is world-class and equipped with industry fraud detection tools to ensure a safe and secure transaction. These are just some of the benefits you enjoy when buying or selling on Exotic Car Trader. Contact us for listing services or to buy a car on Exotic Car Trader today! The Aston Martin DB7 Vantage remains an attainable dream for many enthusiasts, offering classic Aston Martin style and performance at a relatively low price point.
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