A masterpiece in design, an iconic howling V12, and a badge that symbolizes British legacy, the DB9 is a still-affordable must-have future classic.
The iconic British automaker Aston Martin was once a struggling financial entity, a company that struggled to make ends meet even after relaunching its flagship DB7 as a GT model in the early 2000s. Something needed to be done. After the turn of the millennia, James Bond’s manufacturer of choice decided to risk it all by investing in a new manufacturing plant to design a wholly new replacement for the DB7.
And so, in 2003, Aston Martin revealed the all-new DB9. Little did they know just how successful the car would become. Hailed as one of the most important Aston Martin models ever to be produced, the DB9 was a stunning luxury car through and through. It was designed to be a worthy successor to the previous DB7.
Fast-forward 20 years later, and in 2023 the DB9 model – having previously suffered serious depreciation – is now starting to climb in value. But should those looking to invest in a future classic take the risk by purchasing a first-generation DB9? We tell you.
The Original DB9 Has A Timeless And Beautiful Design
One of the main reasons why the DB9 will be a future classic car is down to the genius design of the car itself. Unlike most contemporary grand tourers, the DB9 has a clean, sleek, and elegant style. The design language is traditional Aston Martin while also being a timeless and contemporary aesthetic.
Even at 20 years of age, the DB9 looks as if it could have been designed yesterday. Already, the DB9 dominates its competition in this department. It is made evident by a survey in the United Kingdom listing the DB9 as one of the nation’s favorite cars.
There are no sharp angles, tall spoilers, massive air ducts, or ostentatious splitters. The 2+2 coupe design radiates style, sophistication, and subtlety. The perfect ingredients for those looking for a future classic investment. Even the interior, with its high-quality leather, sharp aluminum dials, and traditional wood trim, offers luxury and comfort to its occupants without being claustrophobic or garish in design. The DB9 is a truly timeless machine.
Aston Martin DB9 Had A Powerful And Soulful V12 Engine
While those in the cabin jet-set to the South of France in luxury, the party piece of the DB9 is what gets them to their destination earlier than the TGV express. The powertrain of the DB9, its iconic 5.9-Liter naturally aspirated V12, produced a handsome 444 HP allowing it to reach a top speed of 186 MPH, should its driver wish. This Aston had grunt and packs sports car power that was plentiful for any grand tour.
Power is one thing, but the cherry on top is the noise. The DB9’s V12 engine has one of the most iconic and best-sounding howls ever produced by a powertrain. A soulful yet brutish bark from its naturally aspirated block that triumphs over most engines of today. The noise alone should persuade any future investor into grabbing a DB9 before it’s too late.
How Rare Is The Aston Martin DB9?
For a car to be a future classic, it must have rarity. It must be exclusive, an uncommon event that provides an experience every time you see or hear or drive the machine. The DB9 ticks all these boxes. Between the production years of 2004 to 2016, around 16,500 DB9 models were put into production.
Most were automatic models, perfect for a European grand tour. But if a lucky investor was to find a factory DB9 manual edition, exclusivity will be achieved, as only 385 manual coupes were made. It’s safe to say the DB9 is not a typical mass-produced car. It’s a rare and drivable piece of art.
How Much Does An Aston Martin DB9 Cost?
So, the DB9 is a rare masterpiece in design, is luxurious and comfortable, and has an all-time incredible Aston Martin engine soundtrack. If an investor is persuaded by this, luck is currently on their side, as the DB9 remains to be an affordable bargain for what it offers. Prices are still relatively cheap compared to the original list price. The $80,000 average auction price of the DB9, as per Classis.com, indicates this. But prices are slowly rising, and the market is beginning to recognize just how special and significant the DB9 is.
With the internal combustion engine facing environmental regulatory challenges across the globe, the DB9 will go down as a high-point of the early 2000s era of the conventional automobile. It is one of the most beautiful-looking and sounding cars to ever exist. With a timeless and beautiful design combined with the legendary Aston Martin V12 engine, the DB9 will no doubt be a desirable machine for those in the future.
For those in the here and now though, the DB9 is an investment asset. A 2-seater ultra-fast luxury grand tourer from the days of old, where automakers were less concerned about emissions and more focussed on style, beauty, power, and comfort. In other words, the perfect principles underpin the Aston Martin DB9.
