1969 Aston Martin DBS Vantage Sports Saloon
Chassis no. DBS/5199/L
Engine no. 400/4905/SVC

Styled in-house by Bill Towns, the beautiful DBS was Aston Martin's first all-mew model for many years and caused quite a stir on its arrival in 1967, 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."

Although always intended to house the new Tadek Marek-designed V8 engine, the Aston Martin DBS first appeared with the 4.0-litre 'six' of the concurrently produced DB6. This well proven engine was available in standard tune, producing 282bhp or, as a no cost option, to Vantage specification with triple Weber 45DCOE carburettors, special camshafts, and a higher compression ratio, in which form its maximum was raised to 325bhp.

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, though 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 the 1969 motion picture, On Her Majesty's Secret Service, starring George Lazenby as the eponymous secret agent.

This DBS Vantage was built as a left-hand drive, manual transmission export model for France, having been ordered by one George Mortimer McCook of Paris, and before despatch was registered in the UK as 'TLK 112G'. The accompanying copy guarantee form records the original colour scheme as Jaguar Opalescent Blue with red Connolly leather interior trim, and lists the following items of non-standard equipment: power assisted steering, Motorola radio, Fiamm horns, Marchal fog and spot lamps, and Coolaire air conditioning.

Mr McCook took the DBS with him to the USA in the late 1980s, and in 1993 his widow sold the car to its next owner, Marc Anderson of New York, who stored it for the next 13 years. Third owner Joshua Mazer of Annapolis, Maryland acquired the Aston in 2006 and had it restored (details on file) before selling it on to the fourth owner, Jens Ole Petersen of Herlev, Denmark in March 2007. By 2007 the car had lost its original engine (400/3739/SVC) and was fitted with a correct type Vantage engine from a later car, numbered 400/4905/SVC. The current owner purchased the car from dealer Michael Brinkert on 30th September 2007. The related invoice is on file and the Aston also comes with a Maryland Certificate of Title and copies of the aforementioned purchase invoice and guarantee form. On static display since acquisition, the car will require re-commissioning before returning to the road.

Please note that if this vehicle is to be imported into Switzerland, Swiss Customs charges (Duty, Car Tax and VAT) will apply at roughly 12.5% of the Purchase Price. Included in this is the Swiss Duty which is calculated on the weight of the vehicle and shall be CHF 15 per 100 kg. Also included is Swiss Car Tax at 4% and this is calculated on the total Purchase Price (Hammer + Buyers Premium). Swiss VAT will then be applicable on the aggregated amount of the Hammer Price, Buyer's Premium, Swiss Duty and Swiss Car Tax at a rate of 7.7%.
Please note that customs rates to other countries shall vary. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.