Happy times on the way for Aston Martin DB7 buyers

Time to look carefully at the DB7 market. Anglia Auctions sold two in June – a ’97 Volante in maroon with 55k miles and dealer history for £20,140 and a very fresh ’98 Coupé in Mendip Blue, 12-year ownership, large history file and 34k miles for £26,500. Both cars feel good value at this money. Also in June, CCA sold a ’95 Coupé in Jet Black with 72k miles for £15,400, while Barons drew £15,180 for a 2002 V12 Volante Vantage auto in Buckinghamshire Green with 96k.

Auction prices have fallen off over the last few months and even an exceptional car such as the mint 28k-mile 2000 Vantage Coupé that Historics sold in May made only £29k. I also see a softening reflected in some private ads such as the seller in Littlehampton offering a ‘superb’ Meteorite Silver ’95 auto coupé with 42k miles for a very reasonable £23,250. With negotiation, that one might sell for £20k. This downward step in values is caused by too many cars on the market, but their intrinsic appeal hasn’t changed – they’re still one of Ian Callum’s most inspired designs, radiate unmistakable Aston DNA and, if you can find a V12 Vantage manual, good for 186mph. Higher prices over the last couple of years means many were treated to expensive refurbs and quality servicing, so look for stamped histories and thick service portfolios. There are close on 200 DB7S for sale in the UK, so the market is in the buyer’s favour. We may even see a time in the next 12 months when early sub-60,000 3.2 auto coupés start popping up at £17k. Happy days. Watch and wait.