Peak torque comes in at 3,000rpm and you can rev the engine up to 5,500rpm, which doesn’t sound like a particularly wide power band, but don’t forget, this is a five-speed manual with a 165mph top speed, so in typical grand tourer fashion, the gearing is long. The precise-feeling gearshift is a really rewarding aspect of the DB7, too.
There’s also the sound the Aston makes. The supercharger takes over proceedings with a whine that somewhat overshadows the surprisingly burbly exhaust note that has subtle tones of Jaguar’s classic XK six. However, at speed the DB7’s engine is wonderfully smooth.
The DB7’s ability as a grand tourer is obvious from the moment you set off. The suspension is noticeably soft and while you feel most of the DB7’s not-inconsiderable 1,725kg weight in the bends, the steering loads up after an initial vagueness at the straight-ahead. Later Volantes and V12 models had a stiffer set-up, but the overall compliance of the supercharged DB7 does give you the confidence that it’ll cross continents without much fuss.
As with any Aston Martin, the way the DB7 drives is only part of the reason you’d have it on your wishlist. On a limited budget from parent company Ford, legendary car designer Ian Callum really came up with the goods when he drew its shape. It’s easy to overlook the rear lights borrowed from the Mazda 323F and various window switches and door handles that also appear in the MX-5 and Escort Cosworth here, because as a whole the DB7 was, and still is, a beautiful machine.
| Model: | Aston Martin DB7 |
| Years: | 1994-1999 |
| Engine: | 3.2-litre 6cyl in-line, supercharged |
| Power/torque: | 335bhp/489Nm |
| Transmission: | Five-speed manual, rear-wheel drive |
| 0-62mph/ top speed: | 5.8 seconds/165mph |
| Price new: | £78,500 |
| Value today: | £24,995 for the car here, available to buy at Stratton Motor Company, Norwich |
Volvo 850
For a completely different take on the nineties performance car, we head north to Sweden and the company that made its name as a safety pioneer. In an attempt to earn some street cred, Volvo went radical, teaming up with the TWR racing team to enter the 850 Estate in the British Touring Car Championship. There was modest success, but the cars themselves became legendary, and the roadgoing version, the 850 T5-R, has earned a similar reputation.
