Aston martin DB7 GT
Some background pilfered from various sites on the web about Aston Martin…
By the 1990s, Ford’s considerable efforts had begun to pay off. The handsome DB7 debuted mid-decade and was a hit with both critics and buyers. Aston Martin’s fortunes continued to soar in the 2000s, with the launch of the successful V12 Vanquish, the DB9 and the V8 Vantage. Still, subsequent financial trouble at Ford led to the sale of Aston Martin in 2007 to a group of investors, which include a pair of Kuwaiti investment companies.
V12 GT and GTA
In 2002, a new variant was launched, named V12 GT or V12 GTA when equipped with an automatic transmission. It was essentially an improved version of the Vantage, its V12 engine producing 435 bhp (324 kW; 441 PS) and 410 lb·ft (560 N·m) of torque. Aesthetically, compared to the Vantage it has a mesh front grille, vents in the bonnet (hood), a boot (trunk) spoiler, an aluminium gear lever, optional carbon fibre trim and new wheels. It also has 355 mm (14.0 in) front and 330 mm (13.0 in) rear vented disc brakes made by Brembo. When being tested by Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear in 2003, he demonstrated the car’s ability to pull away in fourth gear and continue until it hit the rev limiter at a speedometer indicated 135 mph* (217 km/h).
Aston’s recent models include the exotic DBS (a more muscular version of the DB9), the four-door, four-seat Rapide, the Virage (which slots in between the DB9 and DBS) and a pair of ultra-low-production sports cars – the V12 Zagato (named after the design house that penned its body) and the One-77 (only 77 produced with a price of nearly $2 million each). As you’d guess by now, the current Aston Martin lineup comprises some of the world’s most desirable cars.
* Remember the DB7 GT is fitted with a 6 Speed!
And for all you chumps that call it an ‘Austin Martin’ learn how to read.
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DB7 GT At Dealer
The next few shots are when I went to look at the car at Cole Imports in Walnut Creek, CA. I had found the car online and the pictures of the interior were so badly taken it looked yellow and black. I decided to call and found out it was Gray and Black with Carbon Fiber Trim! The car was brand new but 2 years old. Price was negotiable and I flew in with a check book burning a hole in my pocket. Car was beautiful.
A few things to note, if you are tall this car is not for you. I’m 5’8″ (and shrinking) and it fits me nicely. Tall or large people will not find it well suited I’m thinking.
Some interesting things, the car does not come with a spare tire, no room for it in the ‘Boot’. My car came with the optional rain umbrella so I’m covered with that and the can of fix-a-flat.
The car has exhaust cut outs for the rear resonators, which lets the car sing when you get on it.
The transmission is a variant of a T56, fitted with a dual disc clutch.
Fixing the car is expensive, as is maintenance, but I think it’s worth it.
DB7 GT Engine
The engine is also like artwork. Reminds me the first time I saw the BMW V12’a in 1990’s. Pop the ‘Bonnet’ and this is what you see. It’s packed in pretty tightly and I suspect with the increased horsepower and heat generated the necessity for the vents in the hood.