• Automatic transmission
• Present ownership since circa 2012
• Kept in dry storage since acquisition
• Requires recommissioning

Although always intended to house the new Tadek Marek-designed V8 engine, the Aston Martin DBS was launched in October 1967 with the 4.0-litre 'six' of the concurrently produced DB6. Styled in-house by William Towns, the beautiful DBS caused quite a stir, Autocar magazine observing: "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."

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 but 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 On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969) and, albeit briefly, Diamonds Are Forever (1971).

Copies of factory paperwork on file show that right-hand drive chassis '5754/R' was delivered new to a Mr D Pickerill of Glasgow, with a subsequent owner, Mr Sid Segal noted in December 1971. It was finished in Dubonnet Rosso with Natural interior trim and equipped with automatic transmission. It was delivered new with an MPH speedometer but appears to have a KMH one fitted now, it is unknown when this change was made. The only other paperwork is a photocopy of the Aston's last (part) V5C document listing Classic Cars Peter Jarvis as owner from 14th April 2008, and a photocopy Middle Eastern registration card issued in July 2012, which is believed to be when our vendor acquired the DBS. Kept in dry storage as part of the vendor's extensive private collection in the Middle East, the car will require recommissioning before returning to the road.

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.