1969 Aston Martin DBS Sports Saloon

3,996cc DOHC Inline Six
3 Dual-Throat Weber Carburetors
282bhp at 5,500rpm
5-Speed Manual Transmission (see text)
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Delivered new to FM-radio pioneers WDVR
*Original left-hand drive
*Many modern updates to the cool, intake and electrical system
*Accompanied by copies of Aston Martin build records

Previewing in Bedford Hills, New York by appointment. Please contact [email protected] for scheduling.

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.

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 automotive design, 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

According to the copies of Aston Martin build records accompanying this machine, was ordered new in November of 1969 by the WDVR Radio Station. Why was a radio station buying an Aston? Well, WDVR may have only been on the air for six years by the time they sought a DBS but had already changed the industry by becoming one of the first FM stations to broadcast 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Proving the short-wave, higher quality FM-band's usefulness, WDVR would become one of the first FM stations to gross over $1 million a year and the first to do a big money ($101,000) giveaway, in addition to placing professionally produced TV ad spots. An offer of from United Artists $3.3 million to buy the station—an astounding amount at the time—was turned down. It appears flushness of the offer, while not accepted, was enough to get the powers that be to their local Aston dealer.

Ordered for the US market, the car was to be delivered to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where WDVR dominated the airwaves. The DBS was specified with air conditioning, dual rear lap belts and dual headrests, 12-pint antifreeze system to withstand northeastern American winters, and Fiam horns. It goes without saying that an AM/FM Bosch 'New Yorker' radio was included. Finished in a fetching combination of Aquamarine over Dark Blue Connolly hides with matching Dark Blue carpets and a Grey headliner, the build record further specifies the car to have been ordered new with a Borg Warner automatic transmission. The production record, however, does not list this feature and given that the car currently has a 5-speed manual, it appears it may have in fact been delivered new with the triple pedal set up.

The interim history of this DBS is yet unknown, but the car appears to be largely original with a nice, lived in interior. Formerly owned by an Aston Martin Owner's Club member, it was clearly enjoyed in that ownership given the modern Alpine stereo and door speakers (no doubt to better listen to WDVR), upgraded airbox and filter, aluminum radiator with electric fan, and modern alternator. A Steel Wings sticker graces the airbox, likely indicating much of the work was carried out by the Aston Martin specialists there—but no records accompany the car to verify this. Currently showing 52,262 miles on the odometer, the original mileage is not known. Acquired by the seller in August of 2007, it has been on static display since purchase and will require recommissioning prior to active use.

Accompanied by copies of its Aston Martin build records, its is ready for its next enthusiastic owner to get it back on the road and crank up the tunes.