2008 ASTON MARTIN DBS - MANUAL

KEY FACTS

• A driver-focused early production example of the stunning DBS, which requires only some straightforward improvement.
• Power is derived from Aston’s hand-built 5.9-litre V12, with the AM11 variant installed in the DBS developing around 510bhp and powering the rear wheels via the very rare six-speed manual transmission.
• Maintenance performed in 2021 includes a service and remedial work by Aston Martin Works, and a full body respray using Aston Martin factory paint.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• It was specified with the 2+0 seating configuration.
• The car has electrically adjustable seats, full grain leather and Alcantara interior, and power-fold exterior mirrors.
• Carbon-fibre is used significantly throughout, from the visible flourishes on the front splitter, rear diffuser, wing mirror stalks and door cards, and also applied unseen to the bonnet, boot and front wings to further reduce weight over the DB9.
• The front grille is formed of five hand finished alloy slats.
• Originally fitted with carbon-ceramic brakes as standard, these have been removed in favour of steel discs following track use. Similarly, the exhaust has had the catalytic converters removed for circuit use.
• The seats were replaced in 2020 for identical OEM DBS-specific items from a donor car to refresh the interior.
• The car comes with its leather-bound owner’s guide, and the service book demonstrates a strong service history and maintenance performed by a technical race specialist more recently. The appropriate cherished ‘DBS’ registration is also included with the car.

CONDITION

• The body and paintwork appear in excellent condition owing to the recent respray, which included rectification of the common corrosion around the door handles. The front end has received an application of paint protection film, plus ceramic coating.
• The vendor reports the front bumper previously had a small impact with a hay bale while on track, which was repaired with a new Aston sourced bumper and grille.
• The 20-inch alloy wheels have also been recently refurbished and present very well.
• The interior is in good condition overall, benefitting from the aforementioned seat replacement, with the leather showing minimal creasing and the Alcantara seat pads looking fresh.
• The rest of the interior trim does show signs of age and use throughout, including minor scratches and scuffs to high-traffic areas.
• The car was most recently presented for MOT inspection in January 2021, with the odometer reading 56,294 miles. It failed on a number of defects, including a fault with the supplementary restraint system (SRS), exhaust emissions outside specified limits (due to the removal of the catalytic converters), worn front suspension bushes and minor issues with the headlights.
• The SRS system issue was rectified by Aston Martin Works in April 2021, and the other items listed would be straightforward to resolve.
• A few advisories were also noted on the MOT, mainly down to consumable items of tyres and brakes, which are to be expected given the recent track use.
• The next owner will need to rectify several items before re-submitting the car for an MOT test.

SERVICE HISTORY

• The most recent maintenance was conducted by Aston Martin Works in April 2021, where an oil service was conducted in addition to the replacement of the SRS and PDC wiring loom.
• Within the last two years, other maintenance has included replacement of the air-conditioning condenser and associated pipework, a new battery and new door gas struts.

SUMMARY

The Aston Martin DBS takes the handsome features of the DB9 and adds striking design details and mechanical revisions to form a lighter, more powerful, and quicker car than its sibling. This car is equipped with the very rare manual gearbox, making it an even more engaging experience to rev out its naturally aspirated V12. While it requires some straightforward mechanical work before being put through an MOT test to get back on the road, this is reflected in the car’s reserve price, and so represents a great opportunity to acquire a superb high-performance GT car.

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