Aston Martin DB7 i6 VOLANTE ALFRED DUNHILL

In June 1997 Aston Martin unveiled a unique DB7 derivative that had been produced for Alfred Dunhill, the leading British company specialising in men's clothing and a range of luxury goods including writing implements, lighters, timepieces and fragrances. The car used design cues from many Alfred Dunhill products for the instruments, the interior appointments, various fittings and the exterior finish; in particular, elements of the 'Millennium' range of watches and the AD 2000 pen collection which were being launched later that year. Special platinum metallic paintwork was chosen for the exterior and also for the wheels, the centres of which were inspired by the design of the Dunhill Millennium watch. The interior was upholstered in a contrasting Charcoal Connolly hide piped in silver grey, the traditional Aston Martin walnut veneers being replaced with brushed aluminium panels. Although the accompanying press release stated that the Alfred Dunhill DB7 was a unique model and not for sale, it was announced in December 1997 that production of up to 150 similar examples would begin in 1998, no doubt in response to demands from prospective customers. Two versions were to be offered a smoking and non smoking; the latter featuring a Dunhill grooming kit instead of the humidor. In the event, only 80-or-so Dunhill cars had been completed in both coupe and Volante convertible versions before the DB7 was discontinued which makes this EXTREMELY collectable. The wonderful DB7 Dunhill Edition offered here is number 57 of 150 and is supplied with all bookpacks, spare keys, the press release and a superb service record detailing 24 service stamps (many of which are Works Service) and 15 MOTs. This is all supported by original invoices and original literature. My own car....