Op-Ed: The DB9 Still Looks More Classy Than Aston Martin’s New Models

Aston Martin is in the middle of a revolution, attempting to draw new buyers in with a fresh design language – and it seems that this plan is working very nicely indeed for the British automaker.

The DB11, for example, is a handsome vehicle. It’s got the right lines, swoops, and curves, and they’re all in the right places. I’m especially fond of the front end with the sculpted clamshell hood. The vertical lines on the grille help contrast the edges that flow from the front of the vehicle to the back. It’s an amazing car, and it’s also enjoyable to drive, which adds to its allure.

It’s not just the DB11, though, as the new Vantage is a looker, too. It’s funny, because I really like the front end of the DB11, but I’m more of a fan of the back end on the Vantage. The top part of the rear end looks like a curvier T, while the bottom of the rear fascia has an M-shaped part. There are so many jagged edges, hard lines and curves at the back. And I love them all.

Are Aston Martin’s new vehicles pretty? Absolutely. But are they prettier than the brand’s previous machines, and more specifically the DB9? I don’t think so.

The DB9 was launched in 2003 as a replacement to the DB7. The grand tourer utilized an all-new chassis and an Ian Callum-designed body that made good use of aluminum. The car was powered by the same 6.0-liter V12 as the DB7, but was more powerful, as its output was upped to 444 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. Since the DB9 came out at a time when dual-clutch transmissions weren’t all the rage, it could be ordered with a six-speed manual gearbox.

The original DB9 wasn’t just quick (it had a zero to 60 mph time of roughly 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 186 mph), but it was also breathtakingly gorgeous. Even when you look at today’s grand tourers, like the Bentley Continental GT, Lexus LC500 and Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe, there’s something about the DB9 that makes it stand out.

It’s not overly aggressive but has clean lines that have allowed the car to age incredibly well. The DB9 has no bad angle, which is something that can’t be said about a lot of new vehicles. The front end is beautiful, the rear end is beautiful, the profile is beautiful: I guess that makes it one the prettiest cars ever been made.

Besides being good-looking, the DB9 also helped Aston Martin through a tough time. Ford got rid of the British automaker in 2006, making it hard to come out with anything entirely new. In a bit of a bind, Aston turned to making different cars that were based on the DB9’s platform, which is how the DBS, among others, came to light.

While the design of the DB9 has passed the test of time, the prices have plummeted. You can find clean examples with roughly 20k miles for less than $50,000, like this example on eBay.

It won’t be the fastest car on the road for $50k or the best to drive spiritedly, but it’ll be the best-looking. And if you’re planning a cross-country trip, few cars will be able to eat up the miles like the DB9. When you think about it, maybe $50,000 isn’t a lot of money for this stunning grand tourer after all.