2001 Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Manual - Ex-'AML 1' Press Car

Highlights

• Former Aston Martin factory press car, originally registered as 'AML 1'
• Rare and sought-after six-speed manual V12 configuration
• Distinctive Grigio Titanio over Bordeaux leather colour combination
• Over £30,000 spent on maintenance and refurbishment in December 2025
• Accompanied by a file of invoices and the owner's handbook

The Appeal

It's impossible to overstate how significant the DB7 was for Aston Martin. This was the car that dragged the brand, its engineering, and manufacturing techniques into the 21st century. Developed in partnership with Jaguar and designed by Ian Callum, this stylish, long-legged grand tourer was a huge hit. When the DB7 debuted in 1994, Aston Martin had built fewer than 10,000 total cars over its entire 80-year history. By the time DB7 production wrapped up in 2004, Aston Martin had manufactured more than 7,000 units of this single model, making it the most successful and highest-produced Aston Martin ever at that time
The DB7 Vantage represents the pinnacle of the landmark grand tourer, pairing a naturally aspirated 5.9-litre V12 with the visceral engagement of a six-speed manual gearbox. Manual examples are increasingly coveted by driving enthusiasts, and the Vantage's sonorous twelve-cylinder engine rewards every downshift and full-throttle moment.

This 2001 car carries a distinguished provenance as Aston Martin's own factory press car, originally bearing the registration 'AML 1'. It is presented in the less-seen combination of Grigio Titanio over Bordeaux leather, with embossed Aston Martin crests on the seat backs, lending it a character that sets it apart from the more commonly seen silver-and-black examples. The vendor states that the car is in very good mechanical condition, and the recent expenditure of over £30,000 in December 2025 underscores the level of care invested. A history of main dealer servicing by Aston Martin Chichester, together with significant mechanical work by Trinity Engineering in 2011, further supports its well-maintained status. Its most recent MOT resulted in a first-time pass with no advisories.
The vendor says:
"The vehicle is probably one of the best mechanically maintained DB7s on the road. With the Hi-Flow Sports Cats, the vehicle is both very loud and very fast. It drives and sounds absolutely fantastic!"

Key Information

• Mileage: 61,262 miles (supported by MOT history)
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• Technical inspection status: MOT valid until 15 April 2027 (no advisories)
• Technical specs: 5,935cc naturally aspirated V12, six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
• Paperwork: Owner's handbook, file of invoices, and V5C registration document

The Detail

• Over £30,000 spent in December 2025 by Rikki Cann Ltd at 61,020 miles
• Work included replacement of the standard exhaust with a high-flow sports system, four ABS sensors, two new rear tyres, a new battery, air-conditioning recharge, and headlight polishing
• Much of the undercarriage was removed, cleaned, and powder-coated during the same visit
• All four wheel arches cleaned and treated with stone-chip protection
• Serviced in March 2022 by Aston Martin Chichester
• Serviced in March 2018 by Aston Martin, including renewal of engine oil, oil filter, wiper blades, and brake fluid
• Serviced in November 2016 by Aston Martin Chichester at 58,553 miles, including air conditioning service and replacement of engine oil, transmission oil, power steering pipe, and air conditioning compressor
• In 2011, at 51,741 miles, Trinity Engineering replaced pulleys and tensioner, drive belt, subframe mountings, and left-hand engine mounting at a cost of over £7,700
• Gearbox refitted, wheels refurbished, and clutch centre plate and release bearing also replaced in 2011
• Front and rear brake discs and radius arm bushes replaced in November 2010
• Most recent MOT on 16 April 2026 at 61,239 miles resulted in a first-time pass with no advisories
• Exterior presents with a few very small blemishes and stone chips, as expected for age
• The vendor describes the interior as being in very good condition with minor wear
• Hairline cracks noted on the veneer on the driver's door and dashboard, described as hardly noticeable
• Fitted with 18-inch multi-spoke body-coloured alloy wheels with red Aston Martin-branded brake callipers and Bridgestone Turanza tyres
• Supplied with one ignition key and remote, plus one aftermarket key and remote (aftermarket remote not currently coded)

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.