1970 Aston Martin DBS V8

Please note that the photographs were taken by the seller

Highlights 

• Powerful and handsome British GT

• Rare and highly desirable model

• Professionally rebuilt 315bhp, 5.3-litre naturally-aspirated V8 engine

• Excellent service history

• Well-maintained

• In wonderful condition throughout

• Upgraded suspension

• Long, advisory-free MOT

• Historic vehicle status

Overview

Name a decade when Aston Martin hasn't produced good cars. Go on, we'll wait. And no, the Cygnet doesn't count. Perhaps one of the most consistent manufacturers in terms of design and desirability, the list of Aston Martin models reads like a highlight reel, except that it's pretty much every car the company has ever produced. From the early pre-war racers to the current crop of cutting edge GTs and sports cars, the list is long and distinguished and the original DBS that dominated the late '60s and early '70s sits proudly among them.

Debuting in 1967 and ushering in an updated design language, the William Towns-styled DBS took inspiration from the then current crop of American muscle cars and it still looks stunning today, ageing like a fine Tempranillo. Conceived very much with a V8 at its heart, the original DBS initially carried over the six-cylinder from the DB6 but it wasn't until the arrival of Tadek Marek’s venerable new quad-cam, fuel-injected 5.3-litre V8 a year later that the true potential of the DBS was realised and the car remains an excellent grand tourer to this day. 

With just a shade over 400 ever produced, the DBS V8 is a rare find indeed, especially in as good a condition as this particular 1970 example, with the vendor reporting that the car is driving well and in excellent mechanical health. Resplendent in a particularly fetching shade of olive green (the same colour as featured in "On Her Majesty's Secret Service", no less)  with a beautifully contrasting Champagne leather interior this DBS certainly looks the part and comes to market complete with a heap of supporting paperwork, including three service books full of stamps dating back to 1970, as well as a clean MOT until June next year, proving this Aston has clearly been cherished and very well maintained.

History and documentation

• 1970 model year

• Initially destined for Jersey, it was registered in the UK in March 1973

• V5C present and correct in the vendor's name

• Registered as an historic vehicle

• In current ownership since 2007

• Two registered former keepers

• Original book pack and certificate of ownership

• Two sets of keys

• Aston Martin Heritage Trust certificate

• Documented speedometer change to a kph unit at 55,658 miles by Aston Martin specialists Davron Jul 2006

• Excellent service history with service books showing inspections at the following intervals (although with some inconsistencies): service at 1,209 miles (1970), service at 2,000 miles (1970), service at 3,302 miles (1970), service at 963 miles (1971), service at 9,525 miles (1972), service at 12,075 miles (1973), service at 15,649 miles (1979), service at 19,002 miles (1980), service at 21,515 miles (1981), service at 23,498 miles (1981), service at 26,254 miles (1982 – main dealer), service at 27,632 miles (1982), service at 29,843 miles (1982) service at 32,641 miles (1983 – main dealer), service at 34,750 miles (1983 – main dealer), service at 36,646 miles (1984), service at 39,212 miles (1985 – main dealer), service at 42,341 miles (1997 – main dealer), service at 43,557 miles (2002 – specialist), service at 50,165 miles (2004 – specialist), service at 52,741 miles (2005 – specialist), service at 44,564 miles (2006 – specialist), service at 42,101 miles (2007 – specialist), service at 9,784 miles (2007), service at 14,674 miles (2008 – specialist), service at 20,746 miles (2010 – specialist), service at 24,546 miles (2011 – specialist), service at 25,463 miles (2012 – specialist), service at 31,055 miles (2014), service at 33,323 miles (2015 – specialist), service at 33,434 miles (2017 – specialist), service at 36,142 miles (2017 – specialist), service at 38,199 miles (2019 – specialist), service at 42,136 miles (no date – main dealer), service at 40,315 miles (2019 – main dealer), service at 42,634 miles (2021 – specialist), service at 46,925 miles (2023 – specialist), service at 48,002 miles (2024 – specialist)

• 52,038 indicated miles; estimated actual total mileage, reading between the lines of the speedo swap, circa 87,000 miles

• Numerous supporting specialist invoices for repairs, parts, servicing and maintenance including an engine rebuild dated Aug 2008 by Davron

• HPI clear

• Advisory-free MOT until 03 June 2027

• London ULEZ compliant

Interior

• The Champagne Connolly leather interior looks to be in excellent overall condition

• Clean and well presented throughout

• No evidence of any major damage

• Some light wear here and there as highlighted in the photos

• Vendor reports that everything works

• New leather fitted to the front seats and centre console by marque specialists Trinity Engineering Sep 2020

• Small gap in the leather on the bottom of the offside pillar as highlighted in the photos

• Headlining has not sagged

• New carpets fitted 2017 by marque specialists Davron

• Speedometer replaced with a kph unit Jul 2006

• JVC aftermarket stereo head unit

• Factory air conditioning

• Boot space is clean and tidy

• Spare wheel, jack and tool kit included

• Engine bay looks clean and presents very well

Exterior

• Olive green paintwork is in great shape overall

• Panel gaps are uniform around the car

• No evidence of any major scratches, dents or dings

• Specialist invoice for paint repair to the rear end dated 22 Jan 2025

• Some small areas of bubbling around the windscreen and in the driver's door jamb

• All brightwork and trim pieces look to be in excellent condition 

• Windows and light lenses appear free from issue

• LED headlight upgrade

• Classic style silver on black number plates

• 15” wheels all look to be in very good condition with no signs of any kerb damage

• Avon Turbosteel 70 tyres all round that the vendor informs us have plenty of miles left

• Chassis repair work carried out May 2016 by Aston Martin specialists Davron

• The underneath appears to be in excellent shape and appears to be no evidence of any fluid leaks

Mechanical

• 315bhp, 5.3-litre V8 engine (rebuilt in 2008 by marque specialists Davron)

• Three-speed automatic gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• 0-60mph in 6.5s

• 160mph top speed

• Specialist suspension refresh and upgrade Sep 2020

• No mechanical issues to report

• The vendor informs us that the car starts perfectly from cold or when warm and drives excellently

Summary

Stunning to look at, excellent to drive and with a soundtrack to die for the Aston Martin DBS V8 is one of the most alluring models to come out of Newport Pagnell and this 1970 example is a truly wonderful representation of the marque. With an extensive service history as well as a fully rebuilt engine and some choice upgrades, it's not only a lovely car but also a potentially shrewd investment.  

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in North West London.