• Factory-converted from fuel injection to Weber carburettors
• Present ownership since 2011
• Dry stored since acquisition
• Requires recommissioning

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

Originally fuel injected, '10368' was returned to the factory in September 1979 for conversion to Weber carburettor induction. The original low-line bonnet was retained and therefore continues to match that of a standard DBS V8. The factory's bill for this and other work was £21,300.

First registered 'JUV 20K', the car was originally owned by a Ms Pamela Erdman of London W1 and had been in the immediately preceding owner's hands for 17 years when it was purchased by the current vendor at Bonhams' sale at Aston Martin Works Service in May 2011, it was subsequently exported. At that time we said: 'While in the vendor's possession it has been maintained by Tony Christie, a well respected engineer and Aston enthusiast. An ongoing programme of steady improvement has included a re-spray, changing the colour from the original black to Balmoral Green, resulting in an attractive example of the early four-headlamp V8. The Aston is only offered for sale because increasing family commitments, plus the owner's age, leave fewer opportunities to sample its delights.' Sadly there are no invoices on file for this previous work.

Since its acquisition by our vendor the DBS has been kept on static display as part of his extensive private collection. Recommissioning will be required before further use. Accompanying documentation consists of copies of the 2011 auction invoice and the car's last UK V5C Registration Certificate (for 'WRV 91K').

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.