• UK market model
• Manual transmission
• Dry stored since acquisition in 2012
• Requires re-commissioning

Although always intended to house the new Tadek Marek-designed V8, the Bill Towns-styled DBS first appeared with the 4.0-litre six of the concurrently produced DB6. 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.

The acquisition of Aston Martin by Company Developments in 1972 brought with it a change of name for the V8-engined cars: out went DBS V8, in came AM V8. This new Series 2 was readily distinguishable by its re-styled front which now featured two instead of four headlamps and recalled the looks of the earlier DB six-cylinder cars. Electronic ignition and air conditioning were now standard. Introduced in 1973, the Series 3 employed a quartet of Weber 42 DCNF carburettors instead of the previous Bosch mechanical fuel injection, the change bringing with it increased torque and necessitating a larger bonnet bulge. Despite the switch, fuel economy improved and even in automatic-transmission form the Weber-equipped car proved almost as quick as the preceding manual version.

Built for the UK market, this manual transmission Series 3 V8 was originally finished in Cornish Gold with a natural leather interior. The AMOC Register (2000) lists the car as follows: KKJ 779N, R D Barnes, 1983 Goodwood (Waits) 1st.

The Aston spent all its life in the UK before being exported to Greece in 2011 and registered there. The current vendor purchased the car at Bonhams' sale at the RAF Museum, Hendon in April 2012 (Lot 310) and exported it. At that time we said: "The body and engine were restored by marque experts in the UK in 2006 (see bills on file totalling circa £13,700) since when the Aston has covered only a few thousand miles. New brakes and Dunlop tyres were fitted and various other works carried out to coincide with the Aston's participation in the 2011 Historic Acropolis Regularity Rally." (The aforementioned bills have since been lost). The recorded mileage when sold in 2012 was 37,000 miles and is now circa 40,500. Dry stored since acquisition, the car will require re-commissioning before further use and is sold strictly as viewed.

Please note that this vehicle is not offered with a registration document, bidders should satisfy themselves as to registration requirements in their own jurisdiction. Please contact the department for further information.

Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.