1973 ASTON-MARTIN DBS V8 SALOON                  Registrati...

Hammer

£42,000

1973 ASTON-MARTIN DBS V8 SALOON                 

Registration Number: TYY 529L
Chassis Number: V810565RCA
Engine Number: V/540/1438
Recorded Mileage: 12,000 miles    
                   
- The 65th Series 2 V8 produced
- In dry storage for over 30 years
- Running and driving after recently part-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.

In 1972 the acquisition of Aston Martin by Company Developments brought with it a change of name for the V8-engined cars: out went DBS V8, in came AM V8. This new Series 2 was readily distinguishable by its restyled front that now featured two instead of four headlamps and recalled the looks of the earlier DB six-cylinder cars. Electronic ignition and air conditioning were now standard.

The 65th Series 2 V8 produced, '10565' was delivered new on 4th August 1973, finished in a very fashionable shade at the time of Burnt Almond with a complementing Tan leather interior. The Aston remains in highly original order, with no obvious modifications and also retaining a period radio/cassette player. Previously registered ‘2 BLW’ as of 1983, we also noticed an older service sticker for R.S.Williams on the rear screen. As we understand the previous owner lived nearby it would be logical to assume he used his local specialist for servicing work. The current recorded mileage is approximately 12,000 miles, although we as yet are unable to confirm if this is the correct mileage from new.

After a prolonged dry hibernation of around 30 years, recently the car was carefully checked over, the brakes were attended to, and it has been started and driven short distances on private roads. Offered for further recommissioning or restoration, and with its period instruction book and UK V5C, this is a fine prospect for the Aston-Martin enthusiast or professional restorer.