Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Voltage V12

Aston Martin introduced a high performance version of its popular DB7 in 1999, the DB7 Vantage. For many years (since the DB2 in 1950) Aston has always offered a "Vantage" version of its standard car usually offering improved performance and handling.

The DB7 was subtlety restyled into Vantage form by designer Ian Callum and features a new grille, bumpers, larger wheels (wider at the back) and a revised interior. The original 3.2 litre supercharged six has been replaced by a 6.0 litre, 420bhp V12, built for Aston by Cosworth. Transmission choices included standard 6 speed manual, 5 speed auto or an optional 5 speed "Touchtronic" auto box.

Performance for the convertible DB7 Vantage Volante is limited to 165mph with a 0-60 time of 5.1 seconds. The Volante features a power operated hood which is fully lined and has a glass read window. Aston Martin build around 1,000 DB7 Vantages a year at its Bloxham assembly plant in Oxfordshire, around 45% of these are Volante's.