Aston Martin DB9
Restoring and improving the performance of a once neglected gentleman’s Grand Tour Race Car, a 2005 Aston Martin DB9.
“Money may not buy happiness, but I’d rather cry in an Aston Martin than in a Prius.”― John Vento
Project Summary
The Aston Martin DB9, the British grand tourer, captivated its new owner back at the 2003 Frankfurt auto show. The Aston Martin DB9 bears an aluminum construction, powered by a 5.9-litre V12. The DB9 was designed by Ian Callum and Henrik Fisker and boy did they get the proportions spot on.
The vehicle was purchased in disarray from a salvage company in Arizona and was shipped to Washington for restoration and enhancements. The car was marred from a front end collision that damaged the front and underside and left the car in an undrivable/unstartable state. Once the car arrived in our garage, we got to work on repairs, interior enhancements, performance modifications, and reliability improvements.
The restoration began with testing the electronics and mechanical components that were limiting engine/transmission/computer function. Next, we set about removing all damaged body panels (hood, quarter panels, bumper, rear bumper, undertray, etc.) and assessing any frame or substructure damage. The interior had significant heat and sun damage, which we replaced, modified, and repaired.
For more details about each of the projects, please see the project sections below.
Projects
| Category | Item | Description | Project Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Transmission Fluid Change | Replacement of ZF6HP26 transmission filter, pan, and fluid | Project Details |
| Transmission | Rear Differential Fluid Change | Replacement of differential gear fluid and internal filter | |
| Engine | Oil Change | Replacement of oil and oil filter | |
| Exhaust | Exhaust Resonator Replacement | Replacement of DB9 exhaust with custom crossover exhaust | |
| Bodywork | Body Panel Restoration | Hood, bumper, rear bumper, and quarter panels damage replacement | |
| Bodywork | Grille and Mesh Customization | Grille and mesh restoration and customization | |
| Interior | Leather Interior Panel Restoration | Removal of interior panels, replacement of damaged sections/clips and replacement /reconditioning of leather | |
| Interior | LED Interior Update and General Improvements | Replace all interior and external running lights with LEDs |