What the car is and where it came from
A grand tourer produced from 1967 to 1972. Designed by William Towns after Touring of Milan’s involvement ended. Intended as the DB6’s successor—though both ran concurrently—and the last model developed under David Brown’s control.
How it works, in terms someone would actually use
It is a four-seat grand tourer with a fastback rear and squared front grille. It uses the same 4.0 L engine as the DB6. Its body was designed by William Towns in 1967, after Touring of Milan’s prototypes were abandoned.
What it gets right
It delivers visual modernity without sacrificing grand touring proportions. The fastback and squared grille are coherent, purposeful departures—not stylistic stunts.
What it does not
It does not introduce new powertrain architecture. It does not increase engine capacity over the DB6. It does not abandon the DB6’s mechanical layout.
What it changed
It replaced Touring’s unproduced DB6 successor with a modernist, angular silhouette. It marked the end of David Brown’s era and the start of Towns’ influence at Aston Martin.
Who it is for, and who it is not
It is for those who study how design responds to corporate transition. It is not for those seeking technical evolution or driving novelty.
Is it worth your time
Yes—if you care about the pivot point where Aston Martin’s design language broke from its past. No—if you expect performance innovation or engineering departure.
