Aston Martin DBS Sports Saloon, 1968
Aston Martin DBS I
Aston Martin DBS I•
•31 views
Chassis No.: DBS/5149/R
Engine No.: 400/3694/S
£59,800 GBP | Sold
- Offered without reserve
- Original colour combination
- Desirable ZF five-speed manual gearbox
- Matching engine and chassis numbers
- Stored since acquisition in 2008
- Requires recommissioning
Although always intended to house the new Tadek Marek-designed V8 engine, the Aston Martin DBS was launched in October 1967 with the 4.0-litre 'six' of the concurrently produced DB6. Styled in-house by William Towns, the beautiful DBS caused quite a stir, Autocar magazine observing that it was
"as modern, handsome and Italianate as anything from the Turin coachbuilders..."
Assessing the virtues of Aston's new flagship, Autocar
judged it superior to the DB6 in many areas, the bigger DBS offering four full-sized seats in addition to transformed handling and roadholding courtesy of the new rear suspension and standardised power steering.
"Turning to matters other than performance, we really were most tremendously impressed by the DBS,"
enthused
magazine.
"The interior, especially merits praise not only for its uniquely satisfying aesthetics and superb finish (way, way ahead of any Italian rival in this respect) but also for the thought that has gone into the ergonomics of its layout."
Although less well known as such than the earlier 'DB' series, the DBS is yet another 'James Bond' Aston Martin, having featured in the 1969 motion picture, On Her Majesty's Secret Service
, starring George Lazenby as the eponymous secret agent.
This example's accompanying copy guarantee form confirms that it was built in right-hand drive configuration with the five-speed ZF manual gearbox. The original colour scheme was Aquamarine with black Connolly leather trim, and the DBS left the Newport Pagnell factory equipped with a Motorola radio and Fiamm horns. The accompanying copy guarantee form also reveals that the Aston was retailed via H R Owen and sold new to J K Collier, Esq of Kent.
The current owner purchased the DBS from Dutch Aston Martin specialists Noble House in December 2008, since when it has been kept on static display; recommissioning will be required before the car returns to the road. A copy of the sales invoice is on file and the DBS also comes with an original expired Netherlands registration document.
Please note that if this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. It will also require a NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrival) and an additional fee of £250 (plus VAT) will be charged on the Invoice to prepare the NOVA. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.
Cost
290,807 AED
