After some 10 changes of ownership in the intervening 88 years the newest Aston Martin, the DB7 Volante, still meets its original specs.

Aston Martin DB7 Volante.

Made famous by James Bond in the 007 movies back in the 1960s, the Aston Martin brand name is once again relatively unknown in the United States. It’s a pity, because this rich person’s plaything is a one-of-a-kind automobile, a head turner, fast, gorgeous and expensive.

These cars are in scarce supply. So it was through the kindness of Steve Cushman — the Port Commissioner, civic activist, philanthropist and, yes, car dealer — that I was allowed the opportunity take home with us, and cruise around a few days, Cushman’s personal DB7. (He telephoned and asked if I was interested. That was easy to answer.)

During a recent road test it seemed that about half of San Diego’s population looked at it and smiled. Young children especially adored it. This car brought the young out in droves to gawk and say, “this is way cooool.” No kidding, we’re talking about 5- to 12-year-olds, not teen-agers. Ford, take note: there’s a message here.

Yes, Ford Motor Co. owns Aston Martin. But that’s not a bad thing. One task Ford does well is take over small high-end auto companies, invest in them and reinvigorate them. Aston Martin might well have vanished were it not for Ford.

Its survival is fortunate. This DB7 Volante convertible is quite simply a breathtakingly beautiful automobile

Driving it is a rush that few other cars can deliver. Top down, sweeping down San Diego back country roads, listening to the virile roar from the highly complex and ultramodern Cosworth designed quad cam 6.0 liter 420 hp V-12 engine is better than ... well, put it this way, than most pleasures in life. Zero to 60 in less than five seconds is no mean trick. The car takes corners flat with a pretty decent ride.

This is a vehicle with but a single purpose and no frivolous distractions to dilute the delivery of driving pleasure. No garage door openers, no seat memory, no cupholders, but a great engine, great brakes and great looks.

This doesn’t come cheap. Wannabe owners will need $153,000 to capture one. (Now we understand why only 16,000 of them have been built since 1913, and only 700 last year.)

How fast is it? I didn’t try to find out, but test tracks suggest a top speed in excess of 185 mph, close to Formula 1 speeds. For those of us who remember the James Bond movies of the 1960s, 007 would get away from Dr. No in this Aston Martin DB7.

The soft top powers itself up and down flawlessly, but buttoning the cover in place when the top is down takes a little more dexterity. The rear seats are just for show — even kids might have some difficulty finding comfort back there. The seats would be better off in the trunk, which is quite a decent size.

The instruments are simple, practical and businesslike, displaying all the right info for driving fast. Starting the engine requires a turn of the key and in 1950s style a push on a large red button. The interior is rich Connolly leather and wood, but not overdone. In fact, compared to other luxury sport cars this one is underdone. It has but a single purpose, to go fast and look good.

Don’t buy one of these for the fuel consumption. Moving this 4,000-plus pound car has its penalties, estimated at 11 mpg in the city and 18 to 19 mpg on the highway. Another penalty is a $3,700 gas guzzler tax.

The only option is a five-speed Touchtronic automatic transmission for $5,500. No other options are offered, not even cruise control. One can only guess that cruising is not what this car is about. Standard equipment includes power heated front seats, an automatic climate control system, an AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD changer. You can buy color-keyed luggage and a golf umbrella for this car.

If you want a unique, ego-building, smile-making, beautiful and seriously fast car, and you have just won the lottery, or are just very fortunate to have lots of money, this could be the car for you.

Talk to the experts at Cush Jaguar/Aston Martin in Kearny Mesa.

Motoring since 1952, Austin Lynas has owned 54 cars and at one time raced mini-sedans in England. An aerospace engineer, he was instrumental in developing the anti-skid systems used in British military aircraft that preceded today’s ABS systems. Lynas can be reached by e-mail at osten@aol.com.