• Rare interim model
• Desirable manual transmission
• Formerly registered in Germany
• Dry stored since acquisition
• Requires recommissioning

Styled in-house by Bill Towns, the beautiful DBS was Aston Martin's first all-mew model for many years and caused quite a stir on its arrival in 1967, 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."

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. This well proven engine was available in standard tune, producing 282bhp or, as a no cost option, to Vantage specification with triple Weber 45DCOE carburettors, special camshafts, and a higher compression ratio, in which form its maximum was raised to 325bhp.

Beneath its shapely exterior 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. Larger and more luxuriously appointed than the DB6, the DBS was, inevitably, heavier, though the Vantage version's top speed of 140mph and a standing quarter-mile time of 16.3 seconds were highly respectable figures nonetheless. 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."

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.

This particular DBS Vantage was delivered new to Plough Motors (Stroud Valley) Ltd on 23rd September 1970, and left the factory finished in Caribbean Pearl with dark blue interior trim. The accompanying copy guarantee form confirms that the car was built to 'ZF Vantage' specification. Unfortunately, nothing is else known about the Aston's history apart from the fact that copy registration documents on file show it has been registered in Germany. Dry stored since acquisition by the current vendor, the car will require recommissioning before returning to the road.

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.