Footnotes

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 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.'

A full four-seater, 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. Bigger and more luxuriously appointed than the DB6, the heavier DBS disappointed some by virtue of its slightly reduced performance, but there were no complaints when the V8 arrived in 1969. With an estimated 345bhp available from its 5,340cc, fuel-injected, four-cam motor, the DBS V8 could reach 100mph in under 14 seconds, running on to a top speed of 160mph -a staggering performance in those days and one which fully justified the claim that it was the fastest production car in the world. Even in automatic transmission form the V8 could reach 100mph in around 15 seconds and better 145mph flat-out.

Chassis number '10587' was prepared by the factory as a fuel-injected, automatic transmission model for the export market and sold new via Garage Mirabeau in France. The original colour scheme was Royal Claret metallic with black interior trim, and the car was delivered equipped with two door mirrors. The AMOC Register lists '10587' as still in France in 1978.

The current vendor purchased the Aston from Michael Olu Brinkert of Recklinghausen, Germany on 1stJuly 2008. It has since been on static display and will require recommissioning prior to road use.

A copy of the bill of sale is on file and the car also comes with its last French registration document.

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.