The six-cylinder DB7 (based on the Jaguar AJ6 engine) was positioned as an "entry-level" model below the hand-built V8 Virage introduced a few years earlier.

The DB7, known internally as the XX project, was made mostly with resources from Jaguar Cars and had the financial backing of the Ford Motor Company, owner of Aston Martin from 1988 to 2007.

He initially wanted to engage Peter Stevens to design such a car but he refused due to his on going projects at the time.

A project codenamed the XJ41/42 (41 for the coupé, 42 for the convertible) was already in development stage in the company, mooted to be called the F-Type when completed and was designed by Keith Helfet.

Seeing the potential of the abandoned project, Walkinshaw based his concept on the XJ41 and tasked Ian Callum to design his envisioned body around the XJ41.

Due to a limited financial backing at the time, the final product shared many components from other marques owned by Ford.

The convertible Volante version was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show held in Detroit in 1996.

Works Service provided a special Driving Dynamics package, which greatly enhanced performance and handling for drivers who wanted more than what the standard configuration offered.

It was essentially an improved version of the Vantage, with its V12 engine now having a power output of 441 PS (324 kW; 435 hp) and 410 lb⋅ft (556 N⋅m) of torque for the manual GT, although the GTA retained the engine having a power output of 426 PS (313 kW; 420 hp) and 400 lb⋅ft (542 N⋅m) of torque of the standard DB7 Vantage.

This resulted in dramatically improved mid-range performance and defined the different character of the DB7 GT compared to the DB7 Vantage (see table below[8]).

Aesthetically, compared to the Vantage it has a mesh front grille, vents in the bonnet (hood), a boot (trunk) spoiler, an aluminium gear lever, optional carbon fibre interior trim and new wheels.

[7] (48 - 113 Km/h) (80 - 113 Km/h) (80 - 113 Km/h) (80 - 113 Km/h) A number of special-edition DB7 cars were built: Two special edition variants were made at the end of the DB7's production run, the DB7 Zagato and DB AR1.

[10] The DB7 Zagato was introduced at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in August 2002 and later shown at the Paris Motor Show the following October.

[11] Other features include a unique Analine leather interior not found on the normal DB7 and Zagato styled five-spoke alloy wheels.

It is based on the DB7 Vantage Volante and features a unique body designed by Zagato in collaboration with Henrik Fisker that is very similar to the previous coupé variant, but retaining a full-length chassis.

Collectors elsewhere in the world have attempted to remedy this, but long-time DB AR1 owner Robert Stockman commissioned Zagato to construct a small folding convertible top.

The resulting electrically operated unit is very slight, referred to as a "shelter" rather than a roof by Andrea Zagato, and hides behind the seats when not in use.

[9] TWR owner Tom Walkinshaw commissioned a one-off model in 1996 for his ownership based on the Aston Martin DB7.

Power was transferred to the rear wheels by an AP racing twin-plate clutch and the engine was mated to a 6-speed Borg Warner T-56 manual transmission.

The car was fitted with wider Yokohama tyres for enhanced grip and to handle the power of the engine and had specially designed 20-spoke alloy wheels.