During the 1970’s, thoroughbred automobile manufacturers were both downsizing and cutting costs with their new models. At Ferrari, it was the 308 Dino, Lamborghini – Urraco, Maserati – Merek and Porsche – 914 models.
Victor Gauntlett, chairman of Aston Martin from 1981 – 1991 not only paved the way to future Ford ownership, but also envisioned the new model as a modern DB4. A clean modern shape, manufacturability, high performance and character were to become the new DB7. Walter Hayes (Ford executive) came out of retirement to start this project, and to maintain a continuum from the historical David Brown (DB) cars into the future.
From its glory years of the 1950’s through 1970, Aston Martin’s DB2/4, DB4, DB5 and DB6 production models progressed into the DBS era (later named AM-V8). The DBS (re-named AM-V8) was a large, modern Grand Touring design, for high speed inter-continental travel. In its V-8 form, the DBS platform carried Aston Martin through the Virage & Vantage models until 1999.
Whereas the old DB2 weighed in at 2,646 lbs., some of the DBS platform cars tipping the scales at over 4,000 lbs. was exponentially problematic. Compounded with the high production costs, increasing government standards and high fuel consumption, Aston Martin needed a plan.
Fast forward through the prototype models and the DB7 is born. Some critics slammed the Aston Martin as being ‘too much of a Jaguar’. As critics are just that, it is here that the readers can judge for themselves as to ‘what the DB7 really is’. Here are some interesting facts.
First, the engine is in fact an inline 6 - cylinder, Jaguar 3.2 liter based, however the Aston Martin had its differences. Unique machining specifications were required for the block, crankshaft, connecting rods and pistons accordingly. Furthermore, the Aston Martin had its own cylinder head assembly, as it was supercharged, versus the normally aspirated Jaguar. A point worth noting is that the supercharged 3.2 liter Aston Martin put out more power and torque than the limited production supercharged 4.0 liter Jaguar XJR engine! For the 2000 model year, the DB7 came with a new 12 cylinder engine.
It is no secret the Aston Martin platform was based on the Jaguar XJS. The changes were not insignificant. The overhang beyond the front and rear has been minimized on the Aston Martin. The upright windshield rake on the Jaguar was completely changed, lowering it on the Aston Martin, which was no easy feat. The front sub frame was changed to allow the engine to sit lower for a lower center of gravity and lower hood line. The suspension was designed for Aston Martin’s 18” wheels, when everyone else was only using 15” or 16” wheels. Note that the technical performance aspects were carried out by TWR (Tom Walkinshaw Racing) and included 3 time Formula 1 champion Sir Jackie Stewart.
Ian Callum was responsible for the voluptuous, yet stately British DB7 sports car shape. Breaking from the costly tradition of hand forming aluminum panels, the pressed steel body with composite fenders set the stage. Where the DBS models took some 1,500 hours of labor, the DB7 was (by some accounts) was almost half.
Originally the DB7 bodies were painted by Rolls Royce, and it was a meticulous 2 week process. As sales increased production, Aston Martin opened a new paint shop at Wykham Mill, and then the final colors were applied at the paint shop in Bloxham, where the DB7 was assembled. This laborious process gave the DB7 an unmatched finish. Where the depth of Mercedes paint was some 70 – 90 microns, the DB7 was 180 microns! The same standards applied to the leather and wood interior, however the DB7 used Ford switches and Mazda door handles if that actually matters.
The DB7 proved its case with just over 7,000 units produced, it was distinct and profitable. As the flagship Virage and Vantage models came to a close, the success of the DB7 paved the way for a new supercar, the Vanquish V12 which is a story in itself.
Comments