Aston Martin DBS V8, 1972
Chassis No.: DBSV810385RCA Engine No.: V540339 Registration: DPP 827K From 1970 through to 1972, Aston's flagship model was the DBS V8. Although the body and name was shared with the six-cylinder DBS, the V8 sold for much more. The V8 engine had begun development in the mid-sixties when it was first used in a Lola Sports racing car with a view to replacing the six-cylinder unit which had been in production since the DB4 in 1958. Aston Martin had converted a DB5 with an early V8 engine which was used for many thousands of development miles by the factory to create a usable and powerful eight-cylinder engine to be used in the new the DBS model that was due for production in 1968. Unfortunately the engine wasn't ready in time for the launch of the DBS and went on sale fitted with the six-cylinder engine used in the DB6. In 1971, the DBS V8 was launched, fitted with the long awaited Tadek Marek designed V8; an engine which powered all Aston Martin models until the launch of the DB7 in the early nineties. The body was a modern reinterpretation of the traditional Aston Martin look, with a squared-off grille and four headlights. Distinguishing features of the V8 model are the larger front air dam and lack of wire wheels, although some six-cylinder DBS cars also used the V8's alloy wheels. A DBS V8 was to be used by Roger Moore in the television show, ‘The Persuaders’. Originally registered on 21st February 1972, this stunning Aston Martin is finished in the delightful colour combination of black with black leather interior. Purchased by the vendor in February 2015, the car immediately underwent a five-year restoration project resulting in one of the finest DBS’s available anywhere today. The car was stripped to bare metal and any corroded areas cut-out and refabricated as necessary. The V8 engine was rebuilt as was the automatic gearbox. The brakes have been completely overhauled as has the front and rear suspension. The fuel injectors are new and the fuel injection pump has been refurbished. The starter motor, radiator and air conditioning have all been refurbished accordingly. New hoses, windscreen and rubbers, and tyres have all been fitted. The gauges have been refurbished and the chromework, of which there is plenty, has either been renewed or refurbished. The interior has been renovated but where possible the original leather retained, resulting in a delightful patina. In 1989, the history file confirms the mileage at that time to be 67,748 hence the current odometer reading of 72,357 could well be correct, although not warranted. Supplied with a registration document and a good history folder, the car has recently been tuned by Northampton Motorsports although it should be pointed out it has only done a few hundred miles since being fully rebuilt so it was only taken to 4,000rpm. This was the last model to be produced under the David Brown regime and, as with the earlier DB models, is fast becoming a very collectable and appreciating classic. https://www.historics.co.uk/auction/lot/?lot=4990&au=81
