1968 Aston Martin DBS Sports Saloon

3,995cc DOHC Vantage-Spec 6-Cylinder Engine (see text)
3 Dual-Throat Weber 45DCOE9 Carburetors (see text)
282bhp at 5,500rpm
5-Speed ZF Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Delivered new to Pennsylvania
*Original left drive, 5-speed manual
*The 65th DBS built
*The last Aston Martin under Sir David Brown's leadership

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This DBS was ordered new by Everett Zurn of Erie, Pennsylvania in the early summer of 1968. Everett's father John had founded the family business, Zurn Industries, and when the torch was passed to the next generation in the 1930s, Everett and his brother Melvin helped turn the company into one of the premier plumbing and environmental controls manufacturers. The success of the business allowed Everett, his brother Melvin, and Melvin's son Frank each order a brand-new DBS (Bonhams has also sold Frank's DBS as well as Melvin's DBS ). Like his brother Melvin, Everett richly optioned his car with air conditioning, power steering, rear lap belts, and Fiam horns, and a ZF 5-speed manual. Finished in Persian Blue over Grey Connolly hides, this would be the 65th of the 802 DBS examples built.

The interim history of this DBS is yet unknown, but the car eventually found its way to the United Kingdom where it was subject to an extensive restoration with a reported 14,000 original miles on the clock. While the car was being restored, the original, numbers matching motor was uprated to Vantage spec. It is understood a number of other drivability improvements were also undertaken including upgrades to the ignition, suspension, cooling system, and exhaust. Records of the work completed are not currently with the car.

The DBS later made its way back to the United States, ending up in Boca Raton, Florida. Interestingly, while the car may have been in a warm weather climate, the previous owner didn't like the look of the A/C compressor under the hood, but the evaporator and expansion valve along with a larger condenser are in place while the bracket and wiring for the compressor remain. It is understood that extensive records documented the restoration of the car, but those unfortunately have not remained with the car.

Acquired by the seller in June 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, it will no doubt provide many happy miles once it has been properly sorted.