The 1997 Aston Martin DB7 I6 Volante Manual holds a special place in the history of Aston Martin, bridging the gap between the brand's classic hand-built GT cars and the more modern, mass-produced models of the 21st century. Below is an overview of its story and significance: Development and Introduction Reviving the Brand: By the late 1980s and early 1990s, Aston Martin was struggling financially and needed a more accessible model to expand its customer base. The DB7 was envisioned as a car that could provide Aston Martin’s hallmark luxury and performance but at a more competitive price point. Ian Callum’s Design: The DB7 was designed by Ian Callum, who later became one of the most influential car designers of his era. The DB7 was noted for its sleek and elegant styling, combining modern aerodynamics with traditional Aston Martin design cues, such as the signature grille and sweeping lines. Platform Sharing: The DB7 shared its underpinnings with the Jaguar XJ-S, which helped reduce development costs. Jaguar and Aston Martin were both owned by Ford at the time, which facilitated resource sharing. The Inline-6 Engine Engine Heritage: The DB7 I6 (Inline-6) was powered by a 3.2-liter supercharged inline-six engine producing 335 hp and 361 lb-ft of torque. This engine was developed by Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR) and used an Eaton supercharger, giving the car strong performance while maintaining refinement. Performance: Paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox (a Getrag unit), the DB7 I6 offered enthusiasts a traditional, engaging driving experience. The car could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 6 seconds and had a top speed of 165 mph. The Volante (Convertible) Luxury Open-Top Motoring: The Volante (Aston Martin's term for convertible models) debuted at the 1996 North American International Auto Show. It featured a fully automatic power-folding soft top, making it as luxurious as it was stylish. Structural Reinforcements: To maintain rigidity after the roof was removed, the Volante received additional chassis reinforcements. While it was slightly heavier than the coupe, the Volante offered a quintessentially British grand touring experience. 1997 Model and Significance Manual Gearbox: The 1997 DB7 I6 Volante Manual is especially noteworthy because relatively few Aston Martins of the era were equipped with manual transmissions, especially in the convertible configuration. This made the car more appealing to purists. Rare and Collectible: Only a small number of DB7 Volantes were equipped with the inline-six engine and manual transmission, as most buyers opted for the automatic. This rarity has made these cars highly sought after by collectors. Legacy Resurgence of Aston Martin: The DB7 is credited with saving Aston Martin. Its relatively high production numbers (around 7,000 units for the I6 variant, including both coupes and convertibles) helped stabilize the company financially. Foundation for Future Models: The DB7 laid the groundwork for modern Aston Martins, including the DB9 and the more exclusive Vanquish. It re-established the brand as a serious competitor in the luxury sports car market. Timeless Design: Even today, the DB7 is admired for its timeless design and remains one of Ian Callum's most celebrated works. The 1997 Aston Martin DB7 I6 Volante Manual represents a pivotal moment in Aston Martin's history, embodying a perfect blend of heritage and modernity. Its rarity, design, and driving experience make it a symbol of Aston Martin's resilience and commitment to creating iconic grand tourers. This very Rare MANUAL 5 speed gear box. One of only 150 LHD and RHD examples produced. This Aston Martin Volante comes to us in very fine order having been always garaged from new. The car is finished in unmarked metallic silver/grey metallic paintwork along with a black mohair convertible roof, the alcantara roof lining is unmarked. To the interior are charcoal black hides again in very lovely condition. The story continues under the bonnet with a simply immaculate engine bay. This is a lady owned car that has been properly looked after coming as it does with 17 service stamps in the book. The car has just turned 51,000 miles and was last serviced by noted specialists Davron of Salisbury at 50861 Miles. A further £1154 was spent in June of 2023 including a set of new tyres and a replaced supercharger belt. To sum up this is a rare low mile MANUAL gear box car and is in impeccable order throughout. It is in stock now and ready for immediate viewings.