Aston Martin DBS Sports Saloon, 1970
Aston Martin DBS I
Aston Martin DBS I•
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Chassis No.: DBS/5059/LAC
Engine No.: 400/3679/S
US$89,600 USD | Sold
- Original US Delivered, Left Hand Drive, ZF manual example
- Engine no. 400/3679/S
- 3,996cc DOHC Inline Six
- Triple SU Carburetors
- 282bhp at 5,500rpm
- 5-speed ZF Manual Transmission
- 4-Wheel Independent Suspension
- 4-Wheel Disc Brakes
- Delivered new to Melvin Zurn of Erie, Pennsylvania
- Original left-hand drive, 5-speed ZF manual
- Fresh from over a decade of static display
- Accompanied by copies of Aston Martin build records Previewing in Bedford Hills, New York by appointment. Please contact motors.us@bonhams.com for scheduling.
- THE ASTON MARTIN DBS
Introduced in 1967, the new DBS was the successor to the DB6 – it represented a new, very modern look for Aston Martin. Styled in-house by William 'Bill' Towns, the beautiful DBS caused quite a stir, Autocar
magazine observing that: "Without the aid of an Italian stylist the Newport Pagnell team came up with something as modern, handsome and Italianate as anything from the Turin coachbuilders at that time."
The DBS was wider and had a lower profile than its predecessor, giving a more aggressive look and offering more cabin space. The engine was placed further back in the chassis, behind the front axle, resulting in an almost 50/50 weight ratio. Using a de Dion rear axle, the DBS exhibited excellent handling characteristics.
The interior was as usual luxuriously appointed with the finest Connolly hides available in best Aston Martin fashion. James Bond approved as well, using a DBS as his motorcar of choice in the 1969 film On Her Majesty's Secret Service, and again in the next Bond film Diamonds are Forever where a DBS sits in Q's famous workshop getting prepared for action. A superb expression of automotive design, the Aston Martin DBS has become an icon of the marque, and also marks the last model produced under Sir David Brown's leadership at Aston Martin.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
This DBS was ordered new by Melvin Zurn of Erie, Pennsylvania in the early summer of 1968. Melvin's father John had founded the family business, Zurn Industries, and when the torch was passed to the next generation in the 1930s, Melvin and his brother Everett helped turn the company into one of the premier plumbing and environmental controls manufacturers. The success of the business allowed Melvin and his son Frank each order a brand-new DBS (
Frank's DBS was sold by Bonhams as well
). Both father and son richly optioned their cars with air conditioning, power steering, rear lap belts, and Fiam horns—but the elder Zurn smartly opted for the ZF 5-speed manual over the Borg Warner automatic his son specified. Finished in Goodwood Green over Natural Connolly hides, this would be the 59th of the 802 DBS examples built.
The interim history of this DBS is yet unknown, but the car appears to be largely original save for a quality repaint in red, fitment of a more modern stereo in place of the old Bosch Koln unit, and other minor changes. Spending the majority of its life in the United States, it currently shows 65,636 miles on the odometer, but the original mileage is not known. Acquired by the seller over a decade ago, it has been on static display since purchase and will require recommissioning prior to active use.
Accompanied by copies of its Aston Martin build records and original jack, it is offered today as the perfect basis for restoration or refurbishment. Please note, the title will be in transit.
Cost
329,056 AED
