Description
Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire
Viewing: Tues 8th April from 12pm
Auction: Wed 9th April from 9am
Location: IWM Duxford Airfield, Cambridge CB22 4QR
1971 Aston Martin DBS V8
1 of just 405 V8 DBS examples
Estimate
£85, 000 - £95, 000
Registration No: GPH 554K
Chassis No: DBSV8/ 10256/ RC
MOT: Exempt
Lavished with extensive restoration work by Phoenix Car Restoration
Just 5, 000 miles covered since the completion of the works
Excellent condition throughout and said by the vendor to drive very well
Delightful colour combination of Signal Red paintwork with Cream interior hide
1 of just of only 405 DBS V8s produced
Although always intended to house the new Tadek Marek-designed V8 engine, the Aston Martin DBS first appeared with the 4. 0-litre 'six' of the concurrently produced DB6. Styled in-house by Bill Towns, the beautiful newcomer caused quite a stir. A full four-seater, the DBS employed a platform-type chassis with independent suspension all round: wishbone and coil-spring at the front, De Dion with Watts linkage at the rear. Bigger and more luxuriously appointed than the DB6, the heavier DBS disappointed some by virtue of its slightly reduced performance, but there were no complaints when the V8 arrived in 1969. With an estimated 345bhp available from its 5, 340cc, fuel-injected, four-cam motor, the DBS V8 could reach 100mph in under 14 seconds, running on to a top speed of 160mph - a staggering performance in those days and one which fully justified the claim that it was the fastest production car in the world. Even in automatic transmission form the V8 could reach 100mph in around 15 seconds and better 145mph flat-out. 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. With only 405 built in two years, the original DBS V8 is now highly sought after by collectors.
Manufactured in 1971, chassis ‘10256’ was supplied new to the United Kingdom being first registered as ‘GPH 554K’ on the 6th of August that year. Finished in the delightful colour combination of Signal Red paintwork with contrasting Cream hide interior upholstery, the interior is completed by a bespoke Walnut dashboard and door cappings. Earlier corrosion problems associated with this model of Aston Martin have all been professionally eradicated through extensive restoration work by Phoenix Car Restoration in 2001, with just 5, 000 miles covered since the completion of the restoration works. More recently, further works have included a bare metal repaint and a complete re-trim of the interior, with the Aston Martin now presenting in excellent condition throughout. The DBS has been subject to continuous maintenance and improvement by the five previous owners, with the Aston Martin aficionado vendor commenting that the DBS is one of the best of these models he has seen! The vendor goes on to inform us that the Aston is excellent to drive, and is accompanied by a very comprehensive history file that documents diligent maintenance and improvement, with meticulous records kept. Worthy of close inspection, the DBS V8 would be an excellent addition to any collection or for pressing into use by an enthusiast!
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
