Lot 061: 1970 ASTON MARTIN DBS

Introduced at the October 1967 Motor Show, the DBS broke important new ground for Aston. Although, similar to that of the concurrent DB6, its steel platform chassis boasted a repositioned front crossmember, longer wheelbase, wider track and perfect 50:50 weight distribution. Further benefiting from the adoption of a DeDion rear axle and standardised power steering, the newcomer was widely praised for its polished ride / handling. Styled in-house by William Towns, the aluminium-bodied four-seater exuded a road presence that few rivals caught in its quad headlights could match. Although, intended to be the first V8-powered Aston, a series of teething troubles meant that the DBS went into production with the proven Tadek Marek-designed 3995cc DOHC straight-six. Credited with developing 282bhp and 288lbft (or 325bhp and 290lbft in Vantage tune), this legendary powerplant was allied to either five-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission. Reputedly capable of circa 140mph, the DBS was phased out in 1972 by which time just 787 are thought to have been made. Reportedly the subject of a 'bare metal' bodywork restoration and extensive engine overhaul circa 1991 (or so assorted file photographs would indicate), 'ABW 58H' is further understood to have gained a replacement rack (2000), two new brake servos (2003) and reconditioned alternator / fresh battery (2005) etc before entering the current (AMOC member) ownership in February 2006. Covering approximately 500 miles since then - 400 on a single journey during which it is said to have "held 75-80 lbs oil pressure at high speed" and not to have "overheated in heavy traffic" - this manual DBS is offered for sale with history file and MOT certificate valid until February 2008.