This unique early DB7i6 coupe has been entirely covered in a thin layer of gold, palladium and platinum by Alchemist, a London-based luxury car customisation firm run by Frenchman, Jacques Blanc. It was commissioned by Prince Francesco Maria Sesto Ruspoli who since 2005, the head of Italys renowned Ruspoli family.
Gilding the DB7 was achieved by a small team of six master craftsmen and took four weeks to execute. The team used individual leaves of gold with those on the roof, bonnet and boot laid in a diamond-shaped basket weave pattern and parts of the car were even double-gilded to create an even more luxurious finish. Another more hard wearing precious metal, palladium was applied to both the front and rear bumpers, and platinum was used on the sills and wing mirrors. In order to protect the gold, preserve the finish and prevent peeling, the exterior of the DB7 was completed by several coats of bespoke invisible satin varnish. A small detail on the bonnet was the addition of 7 small brilliant cut diamonds.
The door cappings and facia, normally burr walnut of course, have also been guilded with 24 carat gold.
The car was put on the market in 2008 at the annual Bonhams Aston Martin sale, with proceeds going to fund the maintenance of Vignanellos exceptional Renaissance-era garden and the French Fair Trade charity, Artisans du Monde.
