• One of only 70 built
• Delivered new in the UK
• Present ownership since 2012
• Offered for restoration

Although the Aston Martin DBS was always intended to house the new Tadek Marek-designed V8 engine, when it first appeared in October 1967 the car was fitted 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".

After Sir David Brown's departure in 1972, DBS production continued under new owners, Company Developments. The car was restyled with a two-headlamp front end but mechanically remained much as before, while for a brief period the six-cylinder engine continued to be offered alongside the new V8. The six-cylinder DBS was renamed 'Vantage', a departure from traditional practice as the term had hitherto been used to denote the high-performance engine option. To further confuse matters, all but two Vantages ('6067' and '6068') had the 'SVC' Vantage high-performance engine. Only 70 of these six-cylinder Vantages were produced between May 1972 and July 1973, making the model one of the rarer of post-war Aston Martins.

The fifth Vantage produced, 'AM/6005/RA' was sold new via Sawbridge Park Motors Ltd on 15th September 1972, leaving the factory finished in Raven Black and equipped with automatic transmission. Previously registered 'TNR 350L' (according to the AMOC Register), the car was subsequently converted to manual transmission and re-sprayed in blue metallic.

The current vendor purchased the car at Bonhams' sale at Aston Martin Works Service in May 2012 (Lot 248). At that time the Vantage was registered in France and was said to have last visited Aston Martin Works Service in 2006 with its then owner, who advised us in 2012 that the engine was seized, the rear bodywork damaged and the chassis in need of repair. Since its acquisition by our vendor the car has been on static display as part of their extensive private collection in the Middle East. Offered for restoration and sold strictly as viewed, it comes with copies of the 2012 purchase invoice and its old French Carte Grise.

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.