Footnotes

Although always intended to house the new Tadek Marek-designed V8 engine, the Aston Martin DBS was launched in October 1967 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.

"Turning to matters other than performance, we really were most tremendously impressed by the DBS," enthused Car magazine. "The interior, especially merits praise not only for its uniquely satisfying aesthetics and superb finish (way, way ahead of any Italian rival in this respect) but also for the thought that has gone into the ergonomics of its layout."

According to its accompanying (copy) guarantee form, left-hand drive chassis number '5558/L' was delivered new in March 1970 via Garage Mirabeau to M Jean Chereau of Avranches, France. The form confirms that the DBS was built to 'ZF Vantage' specification and that it was originally finished in Olive with black Connolly leather interior. The AMOC Register records the DBS as still resident in France in 1999. The current vendor purchased the Aston from The Gallery, Aaldering Classic & Sportscars, Brummen in February 2010. It has since been on static display and will require recommissioning prior to road use.

Accompanying documentation includes the bill of sale; a copy Netherlands registration document; and the aforementioned guarantee form copy.

Please note that if this vehicle remains within the Netherlands the reduced rate of Import VAT at 9% will be charged on the hammer price. Please note that if you purchase as an EU Company, the VAT amount will be calculated based on your registered country's rate. Import rates to other EU Countries may vary and an administration fee will be charged to prepare the necessary customs clearances. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.