Beschreibung
The DBS was the first time Astons venerable V8 appeared in a road car and this has to be the best incarnation – certainly the one most sought after by aficionados. Quad Headlamp, low bonnet bulge (only having to cover the fuel injectors, not towering Webers) and tapering tail – just as William Towns originally envisaged.
My car is RHD with a manual 5-speed ZF ‘box. It is finished in Storm Red with a beautifully patina’d Black leather interior. The front seats are fitted with the optional headrests and it also has a rear bench seat rather than the twin buckets which possibly makes it the only 5-seater Aston. Other sought-after options that are fitted are air conditioning and a micro-wire heated rear screen.
Earlier in its life it has a couple of engine changes (the first within 12 mths) and now it has engine 028 (fitted prior to '97), interestingly with plain cam covers (no Aston Martin Lagonda logo).
(Lots of) Thousands have been spent to get the car into excellent mechanical condition, with Andy Chapman overhauling the Fuel Injection system. The Gearbox was completely rebuilt around 1000 miles ago, and the engine has been refurbished. It drives brilliantly both around town where it is happy to pootle, but it loves the open road where it is fantastically responsive. I have recently had a new set of Avons and a Stainless exhaust system fitted. I also have a set of Harvey Bailey uprated springs and anti-roll bar which are available with the car.
There are 33 K registered miles (8K in the last 13 years), but the history prior to 1997 is sketchy. I understand that it was stored in Portugal for some years before being brought back to the UK and recommissioned, which is when I think the original Goodwood Green coachwork was resprayed Storm Red. This has aged well and the car still looks superb, turning heads wherever it goes. I keep it in a dry garage and try to avoid rainy days when I take it out. Naturally being pre-73 it is road fund license exempt, and it has an MOT certificate till November.
The ownership and driving experience were the realisation of an 8 year old’s dream, so why is it up for sale? I don't want to sell it but my son is off to University and other projects are vying for my time.
This car was featured in the January edition of Classic Cars as part of an Aston DB group test.
