KEY FACTS
- This Aston Martin DBS is a fantastic example of the late 1960s sporting GT, finished in a handsome color combination and with a superb history file.
- Under the hood is the numbers-matching 4.0L straight-six, driving the rear wheels through the original five-speed ZF manual transmission.
- The engine was fully rebuilt between 2006 and 2008, and was upgraded to triple Weber ‘Vantage’ tune at this point, so should now produce around 310bhp.
- Just 803 examples of the six-cylinder DBS were built, and this is understood to be one of only 130 left-hand drive cars equipped with the manual gearbox.
EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES
- The Aston Martin DBS was the successor to the DB6, and introduced crisper and more muscular body styling by Williams Town, which would go on to define the marque’s road car aesthetic for the next 25 years.
- This is a genuine ‘Series 1’ six-cylinder variant of the DBS, which can be identified by its smaller front air dam and rectangular corners of the lower grille, as well as the louvres in the C-pillar behind the rear side windows.
- Records show that this car was manufactured in February 1969, and was delivered to Aston Martins Sales Inc. in New York, NY. The history file shows ownership in Pennsylvania, followed by a long stint in Texas with multiple keepers, including a Mr Ridley of Mesquite, who had custody of this beautiful Aston Martin for some 30 years.
- While originally fitted with SU carburettors and producing around 280bhp in standard tune, this car was upgraded to ‘Vantage’ engine specification in 2008 with triple Weber carburettors, a higher compression ratio and revised cams. In the period, this tune was reported to produce 310bhp-325bhp.
- Other equipment includes air conditioning, power windows, power assisted steering, Fiamm horns, rear lap belts, headrests and a radio.
- Accompanying the car is a complete ownership history from new, plus factory books and tools, a factory build sheet and BMIHT (British Motor Industry Heritage Trust) certificate, and extensive service records.
CONDITION
- There is no known prior bodywork damage.
- In 2020, some corrosion in the lower rocker panels was cut out as a preventative measure, with new metal welded in, and refinished in Dubonnet Rosso with chrome cover panels. This was all carried out by Metalcraft Racing in Houston, TX.
- Its Dubonnet Rosso finish is evidently an older repaint but remains in good condition, and received some recent paint correction work in 2020. There are various small rock chips from road use, and the fuel filler flap edges and driver’s door edge have been touched up. The seller also notes a small dimple in the chromed front bumper, but overall it retains an impressive appearance.
- The leather upholstery and the carpeting have been renewed, and they are in excellent overall condition, with the former showing just some minor wrinkling on the seat base, but no significant wear. The dashboard, wood veneer inlays, and the headlining are all believed to be original and are also in great shape.
- At present, all of the electrics work as intended, though the seller does remind bidders that the quality of classic Aston Martin electrics could mean minor faults in the future.
SERVICE HISTORY
- The trade seller is offering this DBS for sale after it was traded in against a rare V8 Vantage ‘Fliptail’. Prior to this transaction, the previous owner had intended to keep the DBS, and commissioned Autosport Designs to perform some $30,000 of maintenance on the vehicle.
- This work included fitment of the Harvey Bailey handling kit and a telescopic Koni rear shock absorber conversion, servicing of the front suspension with new tie rods and ball joints, and new upper and lower control arm bushings and brake reaction mounts.
- Autosport supplied and fitted new wire wheels and tires, and carried out corner balancing and alignment. The air conditioning was serviced, a power steering pump leak was repaired, and the steering rack and power steering systems were removed and fully serviced including new rubber boots. The water pump was replaced, and the radiator was rebuilt and re-cored. The air-conditioning system was also serviced.
- New door and window rubber gaskets and seals were installed, and a new passenger side mirror was added. Cibie yellow fog lights were also supplied and fitted. Inside, the rear window shelf carpet was replaced, the carpet around the transmission tunnel was reglued, and the A-pillar trim covers were re-secured. A new Moto-Lita steering wheel was also installed.
- The driver’s side engine mount bracket was repaired, the speedometer was calibrated, the carburettors were inspected and the ignition timing was reset. New fluids, filters, and spark plugs were fitted, and the car was road tested.
- Prior to this, it is understood that the car had a tune-up in February 2019, and more significant maintenance in late 2017, when the fuel, ignition, braking and air conditioning systems were all serviced.
- Between 2006 and 2008, this DBS was given a full engine rebuild, completed by Richard Wright of Dallas, TX. During this work, the SU carburettor and standard cam setup was also upgraded to the ‘Vantage’ style triple Weber and higher compression configuration.
SUMMARY
This Aston Martin DBS is a smart, usable example of a rare 1960s performance car. It has particularly well-documented provenance, not to mention detailed history of its maintenance and refurbishment, and is considered by the seller to be one of the most well cared-for examples they have seen. This is a great choice for someone who wants to get out and drive a classic Aston Martin rather than simply exhibit it on a show lawn. It is fresh from a major maintenance visit, and is ready to delight from behind the wheel.
The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.