1969 Aston Martin DBS Saloon

3,995cc DOHC Vantage 6-Cylinder Engine
3 Dual-throat Weber Carburetors
282bhp at 5,500rpm
5-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Three owners from new
*Originally delivered to Connecticut
*Well optioned with Coolaire air conditioning, power steering, and more
*The last Aston Martin under Sir David Brown's leadership

THE ASTON MARTIN DBS

Introduced in 1967, the new DBS was the successor to the DB6 – it represented a new, very modern look for Aston Martin. Styled in-house by William 'Bill' Towns, the beautiful DBS caused quite a stir, Autocar magazine observing that: "Without the aid of an Italian stylist the Newport Pagnell team came up with something as modern, handsome and Italianate as anything from the Turin coachbuilders at that time."

The DBS was wider and had a lower profile than its predecessor, giving a more aggressive look and offering more cabin space. The engine was placed further back in the chassis, behind the front axle, resulting in an almost 50/50 weight ratio. Using a de Dion rear axle, the DBS exhibited excellent handling characteristics. Beneath its shapely exterior 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. The engine was the 4.0-liter 'six' of the concurrently produced DB6; an all-aluminum dual overhead cam unit, producing 282 horsepower at 5,500 rpm. A high-performance Vantage version of the legendary motor was also available. Trimmed with triple Weber carburetors, the Vantage-spec engine made 325 horsepower at 5,750 rpm, and would propel the luxurious Aston Martin to over 140 mph.

The interior was as usual luxuriously appointed with the finest Connolly hides available in best Aston Martin fashion. James Bond approved as well, using a DBS as his motorcar of choice in the 1969 film On Her Majesty's Secret Service, and again in the next Bond film Diamonds are Forever where a DBS sits in Q's famous workshop getting prepared for action. A superb expression of the automotive design its era, the Aston Martin DBS has become an icon of the marque, and also marks the last model produced under Sir David Brown's leadership at Aston Martin.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

The curves of the DB6 morphed into the creases of the DBS, and this example is special both for its short list of owners and original specification. According to copies of factory records, DBS/5417/LC was ordered new by Wallard Ward Malley, Jr., the president of The Edw. Malley Company. Malley's, New Haven's premier department store and a family business since 1848, afforded Wallace the means to buy his Aston, and the taste to specify all the right things. Finished in Fiesta Red over Black Connolly hides, Malley ensured he'd arrive at work looking cool thanks to a Coolaire air conditioning system. In addition to that, he'd be up-to-date with the news care of a Bosch New Yorker radio, safe thanks to front seat headrests and front and rear seat belts, and unruffled care of power-assisted steering. Delivered at the end of June 1969, Malley would only enjoy the car briefly before passing away in 1971. The estate would retain the car until April 25, 1973 when it was purchased by fellow Nutmeg State resident and banker Richard Hyman.

A dedicated enthusiast, Mr. Hyman would drive and enjoy his DBS for the rest of his life. The car was acquired by the current owner in 2011, two years after Mr. Hyman's passing. Largely original and still finished in its original color scheme, this three owner DBS has been frugally driven in the last decade and some recommissioning is recommended prior to active touring and use. This well optioned and luxurious grand routier is now ready to make its way to its fourth fortunate owner.