1971 Aston Martin DBS V8

This timeless Aston Martin styling with its basic body and chassis design, continued in use relatively unchanged through to the 1988 introduction of the Virage. Destined to replace the DB6, which continued in production through late 1970, the DBS was both longer and wider than its predecessor and was intended to carry an all-new race-bred aluminium, quad-cam V-8 engine. With its chic bodywork, opulent interior and bespoke Aston Martin cachet, the DBS became Aston Martin's first "supercar."

This being a very early 1971 DBS means it sports the revered four-headlamp front of the traditional Aston Martin nose. Its chassis is a widened and stretched variant of the basic DB6 layout, with the live rear axle replaced by a de Dion setup providing improved ride and handling characteristics. As at the official launch in September 1969 this DBS is powered by the mostly hand-built, 5,340cc quad-cam V8 with abundant power and performance that eclipsed even the Vantage-spec DB6 predecessor. Mated to the precise Chrysler TorqueFlite automatic gearbox which received an overhaul in 2001 at the same time as the torque converter. The fuel injection system has likewise received an overhaul in 2009. It has a stainless steel exhaust and numerous past MOT's as well as freshly shod Avon tyres. This car shows 36,500 miles believed, by the previous owner of 12 years, to be genuine.

The vehicle is in good condition and a pleasure to drive with plenty of power on demand from the V8 unit. In the current ownership the engine has been fitted with a re-conditioned water pump, new radiator core, new water hoses and the brakes checked as a preliminary service. The car will be offered at sale with a fresh MOT following the expiration of the current certificate on 15th April 2015.