Aston Martin DB7

"Short of rowing for Oxford at the Henley Regatta with a double Tanqueray and tonic balanced on your knee, there are few experiences more acutely British than climbing into an Aston Martin DB7." As Car and Driver reported in September 1996, the DB7 set new standards for the world's most famous brand and went on to become the most successful Aston ever, with more than 7,000 made before it was replaced by the DB9 in 2003. Impeccably styled by Ian Callum, the DB7 is also widely considered to be one of the most beautiful cars of all time.

Put together like no Aston before, each bodyshell took five days to complete before being shipped off to Rolls-Royce for a paint job so deep you could drown in it. The engines were based on proven Jaguar units but were assembled and reworked by Tom Walkinshaw Racing. The 24-valve in-line six displaces only 3.2 litres, but with some 15psi of supercharged atmosphere rammed down its intakes, it produces a massive 335bhp at 5,750rpm, sufficient to hurl the Aston to 60 in just 5.7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 165mph. It also sounds wonderful with a spine-tingling wail as the supercharger spools up to do its work. The handling also inspires confidence and was specially developed for British roads, while the ride is superb for such a sporting model.

Subtle touches abound, like tiny tubes that funnel air-conditioned breezes to each headlamp nacelle, keeping the lenses fog-free. And before you close the doors, the side glass drops a half-inch to ease the process, then rises again to provide a perfect seal. Best of all, some 16 years down the line and the car still has a fine reputation for reliability, a rare quality in a supercar of this performance.

First registered in March 1999, this particular car has had just four owners from new and has covered only 56,000 miles. The service book records eight service stamps to date, the first two at the supplying dealer HWM, the next three at the Aston Martin Works in Newport Pagnell and the last three at Aston specialists Puddleduck of Warwickshire, the latest at 48,839 miles. Since then the car has had an oil service at a non-specialist garage.

Always garaged in the current six years ownership and used on high days and holidays only, it is said to be in very good condition throughout and to drive beautifully. Fitted with a Lifetime Tracker device for added peace of mind and reduced insurance costs, it comes with all its original handbooks, is currently taxed and has an MOT until January 2011. Fast, practical and classically handsome, this is the kind of car that every petrolhead dreams of owning at least once in their life – "Get Q on the line, Miss Moneypenny, I think I need a new motor..."

Please note the personalised number shown will be replaced by an age-related plate prior to the sale.