
Richard Stafford
Senior Specialist, Head of Research
LOT 29 *N
1968 Aston Martin DBS Sports Saloon Registration no. not UK registered Chassis no. DBS/5013/R
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 William Towns, the beautiful DBS caused quite a stir, Autocar magazine observing: "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."
Assessing the virtues of Aston's new flagship, Autocar judged it superior to the DB6 in many areas, the bigger DBS offering four full-sized seats in addition to transformed handling and roadholding courtesy of the new rear suspension and standardised power steering.
This DBS was originally registered on 10th May 1968 in Cheshire with the registration 'CMB 180F'. Its copy guarantee form shows that the Aston was delivered via Wilmslow Garages and first owned by a Mr PWA Sutton of Sussex. The original colour scheme was Kingfisher Blue with dark blue interior trim, and the car left the factory equipped with power assisted steering; a Motorola radio; and front seat belts.
In 1999 the DBS was extensively rebuilt by marque specialists Chris Shenton Engineering. The restoration included an engine rebuild (stripped to the bare block); inspection of the gearbox; chassis repaired wherever necessary and Waxoyled; brakes fully reconditioned; and the electrics overhauled. The preceding owner purchased the Aston in August 2002 from the proprietor of a Nissan main dealership in Dublin, ROI where it was registered 'ZV 6338'. The car was maintained regularly in Dublin, the most significant work done being cylinder head gasket replacement in October 2003 and conversion to unleaded compatibility by specialists South Cerney Engineering. The clutch was replaced in 2011.
The current owner purchased the DBS at Bonhams' sale at the RAF Museum, Hendon in April 2012 (Lot 355) and subsequently exported the car. As such, it now attracts the low import duty rate of 5% if it is to remain in the UK. Having been stored for the intervening period, the car may require some re-commissioning prior to road use.













































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Senior Specialist, Head of Research
| * | Import low rate |
| VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium. | |
| N | NOVA declaration |
| If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (CARS) to undertake the NOVA on the Buyer's behalf. A fee of £350 + VAT to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice. |