1998 Aston Martin DB7 Volante
Registration no. YCZ 6400
Chassis no. SCFAA3115WK201904

'Aston Martin is back with its most promising product since the DB4 35 years ago. It's the best looking British sportscar since the E-Type and an imperious chassis, gutsy engine and sumptuous cabin mean its talents are much more than skin-deep. Classic GTs come no finer this side of a Ferrari 456GT. Even without the emotional knee-jerk reaction to a car of such beauty, the DB7 is a triumph. In nigh-on every area of engine and chassis performance it has what it takes to hold its own against the opposition and, in many spheres, shows them the way home.' - Autocar

It was the company's 1987 acquisition by Ford that ensured the future of Aston Martin, and the former's takeover of Jaguar two years later that made possible the revival of the DB line, dormant since the end of DB6 production in 1970. Brilliantly styled by Ian Callum in a manner reminiscent of the traditional Aston Martin, the body was notable for employing numerous composite panels in its construction. The chosen engine was a 3.2-litre version of Jaguar's twin-cam, four-valves-per-cylinder AJ-6 unit, which was endowed with a suitable power output courtesy of a water-cooled Eaton supercharger. The result was 335bhp and a top speed of 160mph, a performance that put the DB7 on a par with rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz 500SL and Porsche 928. A Volante followed some three years later.

An automatic transmission model, this DB7 Volante was originally retailed by Charles Hurst Aston Martin of Belfast, from whom it was purchased by the current vendor in October 2004. There are two previous owners. Since acquisition the car has covered fewer than 4,000 miles, almost entirely on short journeys in dry salt-free weather, and been maintained exclusively by Charles Hurst Aston Martin (the current odometer reading is circa 30,500).

A major (30,000-mile) service was carried out in 2015. The front shock absorbers were replaced that same year and all four tyres – still in 'as new' condition – renewed. Some smaller items have been renewed also and the interior upholstery treated twice annually with leather balm. The spare wheel is unused and the original cotton gloves and plastic wrapper (for use in wheel changing) are included. The car also comes with the original tonneau cover, original handbook, a fitted after-market cover, a spare key, and an extensive history file, commencing with the vendor's ownership.

This DB7 has been registered with the Aston Martin Owner's Club from 2004 and has been in storage at Charles Hurst Aston Martin since October 2016, the subsequent acquisition of another car and limited space at the vendor's home having forced its relocation. Offered with a V5C and current MOT expiring 20th March 2020, 'YCZ 6400' represents an excellent opportunity to acquire a well-maintained low-mileage example of this soft-top Aston Martin that can only become increasingly collectible, and is described by the vendor as in excellent condition having been used sparingly and only during the summer months.