Despite falling long ago for the mystique of Aston Martin (in Geraldton’s old walk-in theatre, when I saw 007 drive an Aston DB6 in pursuit of Goldfinger), I had never driven one - till now.

The offer from Barbagallo Sport’s Ray Hunter of putting myself at the wheel of an Aston Martin DB7 (if only for a short time) was my chance to find out at last; do these attractive British thoroughbreds really match their near-legendary status?

The DB7’s sensual styling, all soft curves and purposeful lines but retaining Aston’s trademark front fender vents, actually tends to mask the dynamics promised by its supercharged 3.2 litre in-line six cylinder engine, driving the rear wheels.

Inside is wall-to-wall Connolly leather and a dashboard that reeks of traditional British `class’ with its grey instrument faces and polished burr walnut. Of course Aston Martin and Jaguar, who contributed more than a little to the DB7, are both now owned by Ford, but this is no Falcon.

Certainly not in terms of space, my gangly frame taking some time to get comfortable in the snug fitting cabin because, despite its length of over 4.6 metres of width and more than 1.8, this is a car with which you are meant to get intimate.

But with the power seats and steering tilt adjusted ( it would be easier if the steering wheel had reach adjustment as well), I felt intimate enough to start the engine.

The advantage of supercharging over turbocharging is immediate power delivery, and the DB7’s belt-driven supercharger gives access even at low rpm to a generous handful of the 251kW of power and 498Nm of torque, sending the big coupe forward in an adrenalin-pumping rush.

"The Power and the glory"

The Aston is surprisingly far quieter than expected on the road, and the ride comfort is an even greater surprise considering the hectares of 245/45ZR18 rubber on each wheel.

Tyres with such a low profile could be expected to give a harsh ride, but so supple is the suspension that any jarring is soaked up long before it can reach the occupants, yet without compromising the car’s roadholding and handling.

The rear seats make it a definite 2+2 rather than a full four-seater, and its boot is big enough for a couple of overnight bags (just), but for style and sophistication the Aston Martin DB7 sits in a heady atmosphere occupied by few cars.

Fantasy was finally reality. Yes, I know that 007 now drives a BMW Z3 but, climbing reluctantly from the DB7, I had to resist the urge to go to the nearest bar and order "a vodka martini - shaken, not stirred."