• One of only 405 built
• Delivered new in the UK
• Automatic transmission
• Offered from long-term dry storage
• Requires re-commissioning

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 newcomer caused quite a stir. 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. Although less well known as such than the earlier 'DB' series, the DBS is yet another 'James Bond' Aston Martin, having featured in the 1969 motion picture, On Her Majesty's Secret Service, starring George Lazenby as the eponymous secret agent. With only 405 built in two years, the original DBS V8 is now highly sought after by collectors.

Chassis number '10196' was built as a fuel-injected, automatic transmission model for the UK market and delivered new via Eton Motor Group to a Mr F Williams of Essex. The Aston was first registered as 'EMG 7J' and the original colour scheme was Seychelles Blue with grey interior trim. The AMOC Register (2000) lists several concours awards achieved by '10196' with Mr & Mrs J Cope between 1979 and 1994.
The current owner purchased the Aston Martin in 2009 from marque specialists Nicholas Mee & Co Ltd, whose advertisement is on file. This advertisement states that the car 'has benefited from "no expense spared" maintenance and been multi featured in Aston Martin publications, various magazines and posters'. It was also stated that the DBS had been 'fitted with upgraded suspension' and was 'in excellent driving condition'. Dry stored since acquisition, the car will require re-commissioning before further use and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Accompanying documentation includes copies of factory build sheets and the aforementioned advertisement.

Please note that this vehicle is only offered with a photocopy of its old 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.