Aston Martin DB7 Volante 1st Generation Facelift

The history of Aston Martin is often characterized by cycles of financial turbulence followed by extraordinary products that rescue the brand from obscurity. However, no model exemplifies this narrative as viscerally as the Aston Martin DB7. Launched at a time when the company's annual production numbered in the mere tens, the DB7 was not just a new model; it was the catalyst that transformed Aston Martin from a niche artisanal operation into a global manufacturer of luxury sports cars. Within this lineage, the DB7 Volante (the brand's traditional designation for convertibles) played a fundamentally strategic role, especially in reclaiming the North American market, vital for the company's sustainability under the aegis of the Ford Motor Company.

The Crisis of the Early 90s

In the early 1990s, Aston Martin faced an existential crisis. The production of the Virage V8 models, hand-built at the historic Newport Pagnell factory, was expensive and slow, resulting in prohibitive prices that severely limited sales volume. Ford, which had acquired the brand in 1987, urgently needed a product that could be manufactured in more significant volumes — hundreds or thousands, instead of tens — to justify the investment and guarantee the brand's future.

The TWR Solution and the Jaguar XJ41 Project

The solution to this impasse did not emerge internally, but rather through an external collaboration with Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR). The genesis of the DB7 is intrinsically linked to a canceled project from Jaguar, another brand in Ford's portfolio at the time. Jaguar had spent years developing a successor to the E-Type, codenamed XJ41 (Coupe) and XJ42 (Convertible). This project, designed to be the new "F-Type", became excessively heavy, complex, and expensive, leading Ford to cancel it in 1990 in favor of what would become the XK8.

Tom Walkinshaw, the visionary owner of TWR, saw an opportunity in the abandoned work of the XJ41. He proposed to Aston Martin a re-engineered version of that concept, adapted to use the Jaguar XJS platform — a proven, albeit aging, mechanical base that would allow for a drastic reduction in development costs. Designer Ian Callum, then working for TWR, was tasked with restyling the bodywork so that it exuded Aston Martin's DNA, moving away from the Jaguar aesthetic. The project received the code NPX (Newport Pagnell Experimental) and was greenlit by Ford, marking the beginning of a new era.

The development of the DB7 was a brilliant exercise in pragmatism. By utilizing the Jaguar XJS platform, Aston Martin was able to bring a car to market in record time and with a budget that was a fraction of what a "clean sheet" design would require. However, this imposed significant challenges, especially for the future Volante variant.

The Structure and the Convertible Challenge

The XJS chassis dated back to the mid-1970s. While competent, its adaptation for a modern GT required extensive work. The DB7's bodywork was built using a semi-structural steel monocoque, with the hood, front fenders, and trunk lid manufactured from composite materials (Resin Transfer Moulding - RTM) to save weight and allow for complex curves in the design.

For the Volante version, the removal of the hardtop — an essential component for structural integrity in monocoques — required substantial reinforcements. The engineering team had to add steel beams in the door sills, transverse reinforcements in the floorpan, and a more robust windshield structure. The goal was to maintain the torsional rigidity necessary for precise dynamic behavior, avoiding the "scuttle shake" common in convertibles of the era. Technical reports indicate that, despite these efforts, the Volante's chassis still exhibited some flexibility compared to the Coupe, a characteristic that would be mitigated, but never entirely eliminated, throughout the model's life.

Ian Callum's Signature

Ian Callum's design for the DB7 is widely considered a masterpiece. He managed to disguise the proportions inherited from the XJS with fluid and organic lines that defined a timeless elegance. For the Volante, Callum designed a beltline that rose smoothly towards the rear, giving the car a muscular stance even with the top down.

A frequently discussed design point on the Volante was the roof storage. Due to the space constraints imposed by the XJS fuel tank and rear suspension, it was not possible to create a compartment where the top would hide completely under a flush tonneau cover. Instead, the top, when folded, sat visibly "stacked" at the rear, covered by a leather or vinyl cover that had to be manually secured. Although it was a less elegant solution than that of its German rivals (such as the Mercedes SL), it became a distinctive feature of the model, harkening back to classic British convertibles.

The first generation of the DB7 Volante, equipped with the six-cylinder engine, represented Aston Martin's official return to large volumes and, crucially, to the United States market.

Launch and Market Strategy

While the DB7 Coupe was unveiled in 1993, the Volante version made its world debut only in January 1996, at the Detroit and Los Angeles Auto Shows. The choice of these locations was deliberate: North America was the primary target market for the convertible. Aston Martin had practically abandoned the US in previous years due to a lack of competitive products, and the Volante was the spearhead for the brand's renaissance in the region.

Technical Specifications: The "i6" Heart

The engine that powered this generation was a 3.2-liter (3,228 cc) inline-six unit. Although based on the Jaguar AJ6 block, the engine was so extensively modified by TWR that Aston Martin considered it a distinct unit.

• Forced Induction: TWR installed a water-cooled Eaton M90 supercharger, belt-driven, along with a Zytek multi-point electronic fuel injection system.
• Performance: This configuration produced 335 hp (bhp) at 5,500 rpm and a robust torque of 368 lb-ft (489 Nm) at 3,000 rpm.
• Transmission: Customers could opt for a 5-speed Getrag 290 manual gearbox or a 4-speed GM 4L80-E automatic. The automatic gearbox, while robust (originally designed for GM light trucks), did not offer the sophistication of the 5-speed gearboxes that the competition was beginning to use, but it suited the Volante's "cruiser" character in the American market.
• Suspension: Independent on all four wheels, with double wishbones front and rear, inherited and recalibrated from the Jaguar architecture.

Dynamics and Reception

On the road, the DB7 i6 Volante was praised for its ride comfort and the linear power delivery of the supercharged engine. It was not a hardcore sports car; it was a Grand Tourer (GT) capable of covering long distances with style. Critics pointed out the high weight (almost 1,900 kg) and the steering which, although precise, did not transmit as much feedback as a Porsche 911. However, the aesthetics and exclusivity of the Aston Martin brand compensated for any dynamic shortcomings against technically superior rivals.

Production Data and Identification

Production of the i6 Volante model took place at the Bloxham factory, Oxfordshire, a modern facility adapted specifically for the DB7.

The production of 879 units in less than three years was a resounding success by Aston Martin's standards, validating Ford's strategy and paving the way for something even more ambitious.

In 1999, the supercar landscape was changing. Ferrari had launched the 550 Maranello, and Jaguar was preparing to launch more powerful versions of the XK8. The DB7's six-cylinder engine, although competent, lacked the acoustic prestige and raw power needed to compete at the top of the food chain. Aston Martin's answer was the DB7 Vantage.

The introduction of the Vantage model marked the transition of the DB7 from a "baby Aston" to a true supercar. It was also the first time a mass-produced Aston Martin was equipped with a V12 engine, setting a precedent that lasts to this day.

The V12 Engine: Cosworth and Ford Engineering

The new heart of the DB7 Vantage was a naturally aspirated 6.0-liter (5,935 cc) V12. Developed in partnership with Ford Research and Cosworth, this engine was technically the union of two Ford Duratec V6 blocks, but with specific casting, cylinder heads, and internal components developed by Cosworth for Aston Martin.

• Power: The performance leap was notable. Power rose to 420 hp at 6,000 rpm and torque to 400 lb-ft at 5,000 rpm.
• Sound and Character: Unlike the whine of the i6's supercharger, the V12 offered a rich and complex soundtrack, transforming the sensory experience of driving the Volante with the top down.

Mechanical and Aesthetic Updates

The Vantage Volante was not just an engine swap; it was a near-complete re-engineering of the car.

• Reinforced Chassis: The suspension was completely revised with new springs, Bilstein monotube shock absorbers, and improved anti-dive geometry to handle the extra weight of the V12 and the higher speeds.
• Brakes: The braking system was upgraded to Brembo ventilated and cross-drilled discs on all four wheels (355mm front, 330mm rear), with four-piston calipers and Teves Mk20 ABS.
• Touchtronic Transmission: In addition to the new 6-speed Tremec T-56 manual gearbox, Aston Martin introduced the Touchtronic option. Based on the 5-speed ZF 5HP30 automatic transmission, this technology allowed the driver to shift gears manually via buttons on the steering wheel, a significant innovation for the time that increased engagement in sporty driving.
• Exterior Design: To distinguish the Vantage, Ian Callum introduced a larger, more aggressive front grille (to feed the V12's radiators), new integrated fog lights/indicators, and more pronounced side skirts. The wheels grew to 18 inches in diameter (previously 18 was optional or special, but became standard with wider Bridgestone S02 tires).

Production Data: Vantage Volante

The Vantage Volante proved to be even more popular than its predecessor, consolidating Aston Martin as a manufacturer of V12 GTs.

Throughout the life of the DB7 Volante, Aston Martin launched several special editions to maintain interest in the model and celebrate partnerships or historical events. These versions are highly sought after by collectors today due to their rarity and unique specifications.

1. Alfred Dunhill Edition (1998)

This edition was created to celebrate British elegance in partnership with the luxury house Alfred Dunhill.

• Base: DB7 i6 Volante (and Coupe).
• Production: Planned for 150 units, but only 79 were actually produced (combined number of Coupes and Volantes) due to lower-than-expected demand.
• Characteristics:
  • Exclusive metallic platinum silver paint ("Dunhill Silver").
  • Charcoal grey Connolly leather interior with silver piping.
  • Unique Detail: A humidor (cigar box) integrated into the center console, replacing standard storage compartments.
  • Dashboard clock with a design inspired by the Dunhill Millennium watch and exclusive wheels with center caps mimicking the watch design.

2. Neiman Marcus Edition (1998)

An ultra-exclusive edition commissioned for the famous "Christmas Book" of the American luxury department store Neiman Marcus.

• Base: DB7 i6 Volante.
• Production: Only 10 units, all Volantes and destined for the USA.
• Characteristics: Special "Jet Black" paint and interior with rare carbon fiber finishes on the dashboard and doors (instead of traditional wood). Included a custom set of travel luggage.

3. Stratstone Edition (1999)

Commissioned by the largest Aston Martin dealership group in the UK, Stratstone.

• Base: DB7 i6.
• Production: 19 units in total, being 10 Volantes and 9 Coupes.
• Characteristics: Special "Bowland Black" finish and "black-on-black" visual specification, creating a very aggressive aesthetic for the time.

4. Jubilee Limited Edition (2002)

Created to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee.

• Base: DB7 V12 Vantage Volante (and Coupe).
• Production: 24 units for Europe (19 for the UK, of which 10 were Volantes) and 26 units for North America.
• Characteristics: "Jubilee Blue" paint (rich and deep blue), Magnolia leather interior with Navy Blue piping, dark blue Wilton carpets, and Jubilee logos. Delivery in the UK took place at a special ceremony at Thornbury Castle.

5. Keswick Limited Edition (2002)

A rare series commissioned by the Lancaster Group.

• Base: DB7 V12 Vantage.
• Production: Only 10 units in total, split equally into 5 Volantes and 5 Coupes.
• Characteristics: "Ferrari Nero Daytona Black" color, charcoal leather interior, white instrument dials, and metallic finishes. 19-inch wheels as standard.

6. Anniversary Edition (2003)

The "Run-out model", celebrating the end of DB7 production and its 10th anniversary.

• Base: DB7 V12 Vantage Volante (and Coupe).
• Production: Aston Martin announced a production of 100 cars, but records indicate that only 55 were built (estimated 28 to 30 Volantes) before the assembly line was converted for the DB9.
• Characteristics:
  • Exclusive "Slate Blue" paint.
  • Two-tone interior in Caspian Blue and Arctic Blue leather.
  • Unique Detail: Seat center panels with a pleated design exclusive to this edition.
  • Full standard equipment: Touchtronic transmission, power-folding mirrors, premium sound system, and satellite navigation.
  • Numbered sill plaques and graphite grey brake calipers.

Technical Comparison and Production Analysis

Note on Total Production: The combined number of 2,665 Volante units represents a significant portion (about 38%) of the total 7,000 DB7s produced. This volume was crucial to amortize the costs of the Bloxham factory and validate Ford's business model for the brand.

The Savior of Bloxham

The Aston Martin DB7 Volante ended its production in December 2003, paving the way for the DB9 and the new era of the Gaydon factory. However, its impact endures.

• The Brand's Survival: Without the commercial success of the DB7 — and specifically the Volante in the American market — it is likely that Aston Martin would not have survived Ford's financial scrutiny in the late 90s. The car generated the cash flow necessary for the development of the aluminum VH platform that sustained the company in the following decades.
• Relative Democratization: The DB7 lowered the barrier to entry for Aston Martin ownership. Although it was still an expensive car, it was significantly more accessible than the hand-built V8 Virages, attracting a new generation of customers who had never considered the brand before.
• Controversy and Acceptance: For years, purists criticized the DB7 for its Jaguar roots and the use of parts-bin components from Ford (power window switches, keys, etc.). However, as time passed, this criticism softened. Today, the DB7 is recognized not for its humble origins, but for the engineering miracle that TWR and Ian Callum pulled off by transforming an aging platform into one of the most beautiful cars in modern history.

In summary, the DB7 Volante was the right car at the right time. It combined timeless British beauty with the industrial pragmatics necessary to survive in the modern world, leaving a legacy of elegance and power that defined Aston Martin for the 21st century.