Catherine Tejada
Sale Coordinator
LOT 7
1969 Aston Martin DBS Sports Saloon Chassis no. BS/5469/LC Engine no. 400/4344/S
Sold for US$40,320 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 7
1969 Aston Martin DBS Sports Saloon
1969 Aston Martin DBS Sports Saloon
Chassis no. BS/5469/LC
Engine no. 400/4344/S
Chassis no. BS/5469/LC
Engine no. 400/4344/S
3,995cc DOHC Inline Six-Cylinder Engine
Triple Stromberg Carburetors
280bhp at 4,500rpm
3-Speed Borg-Warner Automatic Transmission
Front Wishbones with Coil Springs, Rear De Dion Axle with Watts Link
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*The final Aston Martin model developed under David Brown's leadership
*One of 829 six-cylinder DBS coupes produced
*Optional automatic transmission
*Original US delivery example
*Requires recommissioning
THE ASTON MARTIN DBS
Introduced in 1967, the new DBS succeeded the outgoing DB6, representing a fresh and modern new look for Aston Martin. Styled in-house by William '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."
The DBS was wider and had a lower profile than its predecessor, giving a more aggressive look and offering more cabin space. While the styling marked a dramatic departure from the DB6, the underpinnings were heavily revised for the new car. While intended for Tadek Merak's all new quad-cam V8 engine, development was not completed in time, so the proven and capable twin-cam 4-liter inline-six returned. Engineers placed the engine further back in the chassis, behind the front axle, resulting in an almost 50/50 weight ratio. Using a de Dion rear axle, the DBS exhibited excellent handling characteristics.
The interior was luxuriously appointed with the finest Connolly hides available in traditional Aston Martin fashion. James Bond approved as well, using a DBS as his ride of choice in the 1969 film On Her Majesty's Secret Service, and again in the next Bond film Diamonds are Forever where a DBS sits in Q's famous workshop getting prepared for action. A superb expression of automotive design, the Aston Martin DBS has become an icon of the marque, and also marks the last model produced under Sir David Brown's leadership at Aston Martin.
THE CAR OFFERED
Accompanying production records show chassis 5469/LC is a left-drive US-specification car, delivered new to Dr. Robert D. Morris of Water Mill, New York, leaving the works finished in Caribbean Blue Pearl over Dark Blue Connolly Vaumol leather trim. Dr. Morris had his Aston nicely equipped for touring, with options including a Borg-Warner automatic transmission, air conditioning, Blaupunkt New Yorker radio, headrests, and rear lap belts. The car's history is not known from there, though it is presented today in preserved, largely original condition.
The twin overhead-cam inline-six retains the correct-type Stromberg carburetion and appears largely original and unmolested. Build records confirm it retains the original numbers-matching cylinder block. It represents an excellent opportunity to acquire a rare and collectible Aston Martin that is ready for its next custodian to make their mark.
Please note that this car has been in long-term dry storage on static display as part of a private collection. It has not been started while in Bonham's care and will require mechanical recommissioning.
Triple Stromberg Carburetors
280bhp at 4,500rpm
3-Speed Borg-Warner Automatic Transmission
Front Wishbones with Coil Springs, Rear De Dion Axle with Watts Link
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*The final Aston Martin model developed under David Brown's leadership
*One of 829 six-cylinder DBS coupes produced
*Optional automatic transmission
*Original US delivery example
*Requires recommissioning
THE ASTON MARTIN DBS
Introduced in 1967, the new DBS succeeded the outgoing DB6, representing a fresh and modern new look for Aston Martin. Styled in-house by William '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."
The DBS was wider and had a lower profile than its predecessor, giving a more aggressive look and offering more cabin space. While the styling marked a dramatic departure from the DB6, the underpinnings were heavily revised for the new car. While intended for Tadek Merak's all new quad-cam V8 engine, development was not completed in time, so the proven and capable twin-cam 4-liter inline-six returned. Engineers placed the engine further back in the chassis, behind the front axle, resulting in an almost 50/50 weight ratio. Using a de Dion rear axle, the DBS exhibited excellent handling characteristics.
The interior was luxuriously appointed with the finest Connolly hides available in traditional Aston Martin fashion. James Bond approved as well, using a DBS as his ride of choice in the 1969 film On Her Majesty's Secret Service, and again in the next Bond film Diamonds are Forever where a DBS sits in Q's famous workshop getting prepared for action. A superb expression of automotive design, the Aston Martin DBS has become an icon of the marque, and also marks the last model produced under Sir David Brown's leadership at Aston Martin.
THE CAR OFFERED
Accompanying production records show chassis 5469/LC is a left-drive US-specification car, delivered new to Dr. Robert D. Morris of Water Mill, New York, leaving the works finished in Caribbean Blue Pearl over Dark Blue Connolly Vaumol leather trim. Dr. Morris had his Aston nicely equipped for touring, with options including a Borg-Warner automatic transmission, air conditioning, Blaupunkt New Yorker radio, headrests, and rear lap belts. The car's history is not known from there, though it is presented today in preserved, largely original condition.
The twin overhead-cam inline-six retains the correct-type Stromberg carburetion and appears largely original and unmolested. Build records confirm it retains the original numbers-matching cylinder block. It represents an excellent opportunity to acquire a rare and collectible Aston Martin that is ready for its next custodian to make their mark.
Please note that this car has been in long-term dry storage on static display as part of a private collection. It has not been started while in Bonham's care and will require mechanical recommissioning.
Additional information
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