DB7 V12 Vantage ex Prototype Racecars
DB7 V12 Vantage ex Prototype Racecars

DB7 V12 Vantage ex Prototype Racecars

(1998 / 2004)

Back in 2004, Aston Martin took an unusual decision and sold off six engineering prototype DB7 Vantages for rebuilding for the race track. Before taking the cars away, the purchasers signed disclaimers promising that the cars would not be returned to the road. Each car received a new chassis number, AMWS R7 DP*, (Aston Martin Works Service Racing 7 Development Project) numbered from 001 to 006.

 

DB7 V12 Vantage ex Prototype Racecars

AMWS R7 001

Below is chassis 001, finished in classic Aston Martin Racing Green. It was offered for sale in the 2015 Aston Martin Bonhams Works auction in stripped out form, but despite the neat racing roundels, not quite ready for the track.

AMWS R7 003

Marsh Plant purchased a pair of DP cars, 002 & 003. Below Shows 003, offered for sale at the 2015 Aston Martin Bonhams Works auction. As can be clearly seen, the body shell is far from complete but is fitted with a prototype V12 engine with V12 Vanquish S inlet manifolds. The body shell has been developed by Ray Mallock Ltd (RML) and has been fitted with a complete roll cage.

AMWS R7 002

Chassis 002 was also purchased in 2004 by Marsh Plant and is the most developed of all the DB7 Vantage race cars. Like 003, it has been substantially re-enginerred for the track by RML and has a substantial roll cage fitted. The car has a race spec engine by Aston Engineering of Derby developed to produce 600 bhp, mated to a Hewland sequential gearbox. Downforce is generated with a substantial front splitter and a rear wing from a DBRS9. The lightweight body panels have been made in Carbon Kevlar Hybrid or even lighter full Kevlar composite material. This car, which has yet to be seen on the track in competition was also offered for sale at the 2015 Aston Martin Bonhams Works auction.

A pair of DB7 i6 race cars have also been constructed from factory ex-prototypes.