The DB7 is the best-looking car ever in Jeremy Clarkson’s book. When I first saw one, though, I was slightly disappointed, having become used to the sheer mass and brutal lines of the preceding Aston Martin V8s and Virages. In comparison, the DB7 looked a little delicate.

In nearly every way the Aston was also outgunned by its rivals: Porsches were faster, the Mercedes SL was better made and Ferraris more exotic. But the DB7 has endured and I have to agree it is a handsome car.

Introduced in September 1994, the supercharged 3.2 litre six-cylinder Aston Martin was available only as a coupé. The soft-top Volante arrived in January 1996, complete with electric roof and glass rear screen.

There’s a choice of manual or automatic transmission, with about 70% of buyers choosing the latter. Manuals are slightly cheaper second-hand but are harder to find.

In 1999 the 3.2 litre straight six was replaced by a 6 litre V12 and gearboxes became six-speed manuals and five-speed autos. But to me the earlier 3.2 supercharged models offer the best value second-hand and look as good as the V12.

Boot space is limited but not impossibly small. The rear seats are really token gestures and are best used by children for short runs only.

Unlike an SL, the DB7 Volante does not offer a hard top option and the roof does not even fold flat. Instead, owners must fit a leather or mohair tonneau to cover the bump. Always check its condition; a replacement can cost about £800.

Servicing is best carried out by an Aston Martin dealer to protect the car’s value. The standard servicing schedule is 7,500 miles or six months.


VALUES: Aston Martin DB7

Mileage 20,000
1994 M Trade £30,000; Retail £35,000
1996 P Trade £37,800; Retail £43,000
1999 T Trade £58,200; Retail £66,500

Mileage 40,000
1994 M Trade £28,100; Retail £33,000
1996 P Trade £35,200; Retail £40,250
1999 T Trade £53,700; Retail £62,000

Auto worth about £1,000 more than manual. Volante (convertible) introduced in Jan 96 worth about £5,000 more than the coupé. Source: estimates based on confidential CAP black book prices. 'Trade' is what a dealer would pay for your car, 'retail' is what you would pay a dealer

CHECK OUT

Going places Satellite navigation was a £5,000 option before 2002
Wheel improvement Sports steering wheel gives more kneeroom and is particularly desirable on later V12 models
Piped music Sports exhaust easily identified by larger tailpipes. Sounds great, costs £2,500 to replace
Windows pain On Volantes check seals carefully: they're prone to wear, causing leaks and wind noise
Cool customers Dealers will check and recharge the air-con at services, but a new condenser is £800
Six appeal Supercharged 3.2 litre engine was standard on pre-1999 models
Sound investment Optional premium audio pack offers more power and more speakers
Sitting pretty Seat leather needs to be treated every couple of years to restore it to as-new
The one to buy DB7, manual, 1994 M with 40,000 miles. £33,000 through a dealer, £30,000 privately