Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 164
1971 Aston Martin DBS V8 Sports Saloon Chassis no. DBSV8/10321/LC Engine no. V/540/022/EE
Sold for US$33,600 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 164
1971 Aston Martin DBS V8 Sports Saloon
1971 Aston Martin DBS V8 Sports Saloon
Chassis no. DBSV8/10321/LC
Engine no. V/540/022/EE
Chassis no. DBSV8/10321/LC
Engine no. V/540/022/EE
5,340 cc DOHC V8 Engine
Bosch Mechanical Fuel Injection
320bhp at 5,000rpm
3-Speed Torqueflite Automatic Transmission
Front Wishbones with Coil Springs, Rear De Dion Axle with Watts Link
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*Classic Aston Martin elegance with V8 grunt
*Equipped with air conditioning, automatic gearbox, and electric windows
*Canadian-delivered, left-hand-drive example
*Retains its original numbers-matching engine
*Accompanied by production records
*An ideal candidate for straightforward refurbishment
*In current ownership since 2010
*Requires recommissioning
THE ASTON MARTIN DBS V8
From the time Aston Martin began work on the DB6's replacement, the intention was for it to house the all-new Tadek Merak-designed quad-cam V8, but production delays meant that upon its launch, the DB6's proven and capable 4.0-liter six remained under the bonnet. Larger and more luxuriously appointed than the DB6, the heavier DBS disappointed some critics by virtue of its slightly reduced performance, but those criticisms quickly vanished when the superb V8 finally arrived in 1969. With an estimated 320 bhp available from its 5,340cc four-cam engine, the DBS V8 could reach 100mph in under 14 seconds, running on to a top speed of 160mph, earning it the crown of the fastest four-seat production car in the world in its day.
The DBS V8 evolved in 1972 to become simply known as the 'V8' with a redesigned front-end and other refinements. The series became Aston Martin's most successful model to date, surviving the changes of ownership and financial upheavals of the 1970s, to enjoy a record-breaking production run lasting from 1969 to 1988, with 2,919 cars sold.
Described by former Aston Martin Chairman Victor Gauntlett as "a stylish thoroughbred, beautifully built, luxurious, fast and immensely safe," the V8 and its variants are widely adored for their brute-in-a-suit character, and have rightfully earned their prominent place in Aston Martin lore.
THE CAR OFFERED
Chassis number 10321/LC is one of 402 DBS V8 models produced, and accompanying production records show this car is a left-drive export model, delivered new to Canada via long-time dealer Grand Touring Automobiles of Toronto, Ontario. The ledger lists options including Burnt Almond paint over natural leather, fuel injection, automatic transmission, electrical aerial, Fiamm horns, head rests, and more. The early history is not currently known, though registration records and Aston Martin Owner's Club rosters show the car was in the care of Mr. Guy Paul DiCenzo of Charlotte, North Carolina from 1992 through 2010, at which point it was acquired by Connecticut-based dealer Daniel Rapley. The current owner, a serial Aston Martin collector, acquired it through Mr. Rapley in 2010.
As offered, this DBS is in fair condition and would be an excellent basis for additional restoration and refurbishment work. It retains its original numbers-matching engine and has been repainted from its original Burnt Almond to an attractive metallic olive-green shade. The interior remains original and is generally well preserved although some areas require additional attention.
Please note that this DBS has been on long term static display in the current owner's collection. It has not been started while in Bonhams' care, and it will require recommissioning.
Additional information
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