Aston Martin DB9

Aston Martin DB9

The 2003 Aston Martin DB9 was a watershed moment for the storied British marque, representing the first car to use the new VH (Vertical/Horizontal) bonded aluminum platform developed under the leadership of Henrik Fisker (exterior design) and Ian Callum. The DB9 replaced the DB7 and established a design language and engineering foundation that would define Aston Martin for more than a decade.

The DB9's 5.9-liter V12, developed jointly with Ford (Aston Martin's then-parent company), produced 450 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 420 lb-ft of torque. The engine was a masterpiece of refinement, delivering its substantial output with a smoothness and sophistication that befitted a grand touring car of the highest order. At idle, the V12 produced a subtle, cultured rumble; at full throttle, it built to a magnificent crescendo that was distinctly Aston Martin -- powerful but never crude.

The VH platform was a bonded and riveted aluminum structure that was both lighter and stiffer than a conventional steel monocoque. The technology, derived from aerospace construction methods, gave the DB9 a structural rigidity that translated directly into superior ride quality and handling precision. The aluminum body panels further reduced weight, contributing to a curb weight that was competitive with significantly smaller sports cars.

Ian Callum's exterior design is widely considered one of the finest automotive designs of the 21st century. The long, swooping hood, muscular rear haunches, elegant roofline, and distinctive front grille created a car that was unmistakably Aston Martin while also looking thoroughly modern. The proportions were classic grand tourer -- long hood, set-back cabin, abbreviated trunk -- and the overall effect was one of effortless elegance.

The DB9 was available with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed Touchtronic automatic (later upgraded to a six-speed Touchtronic 2). The manual gearbox was well-suited to the V12's broad powerband, though the automatic was the more popular choice among buyers who valued the DB9 primarily as a grand tourer rather than a sports car.

Driving the DB9 is an experience that combines British refinement with genuine performance. The V12 provides effortless acceleration, the ride quality is supple and composed, and the interior -- with its hand-stitched leather, real wood, and attention to detail -- creates an ambiance that is both luxurious and sporting. The DB9 is a car that makes long journeys a pleasure rather than an endurance test, while still offering the performance to excite on a winding road.

The DB9 was produced from 2004 to 2016, making it one of Aston Martin's longest-running models. Today, it represents one of the most accessible ways to own a modern V12 Aston Martin, with early examples available at prices that belie the car's quality and beauty.