Desirable classic British grand tourer, specified with the sought-after manual gearbox
Matching-numbers example, under current ownership since 2021
Stored within a dehumidified Carcoon over last five years while continuing to see regular use
Recommissioned prior to current ownership, and subsequently benefitting from substantial mechanical expenditure
MOT-exempt and ULEZ-compliant
The Appeal
Introduced in 1967, the Aston Martin DBS represented a significant departure from its DB5 and DB6 predecessors. Penned by William Towns, its crisp, modern styling brought a more contemporary look to the marque’s grand touring range, while a spacious and luxurious cabin reinforced its credentials as a refined long-distance cruiser. It would also prove to be the final model developed under the ownership of David Brown, marking the end of one of the most significant chapters in Aston Martin’s history.
Power came from Tadek Marek’s celebrated straight-six engine, which endowed the DBS with strong performance and effortless touring ability. The Vantage specification further enhanced the package, and today these early six-cylinder DBS models are increasingly appreciated for combining classic Aston Martin character with a more modern driving experience than the DB-series cars that preceded them.
Finished in a tasteful colour combination and specified with the desirable manual gearbox, this matching-numbers DBS Vantage presents particularly well. It also spent part of its life in New Zealand before returning to the UK. Recommissioned prior to current ownership, it has since benefited from a range of mechanical works, including attention to the carburettors, fuel system, power steering and suspension.
The seller notes that the car may either be enjoyed as it stands or developed further by a future owner seeking to take it to the next level. Either way, it represents an appealing opportunity to acquire one of Aston Martin’s most distinctive grand tourers, combining handsome styling, long-legged touring ability and considerable road presence.
The vendor says:
"Over the past five years this DBS Vantage car has given us many happy motoring miles. I originally bought this car on the basis of its Vantage specification and ZF manual gearbox as I wanted an engaging driving experience. The further suspension upgrades undertaken during my ownership have only served to further improve the handling dynamics and have helped create a real driver's DBS."
15-inch wire wheels, secured with chrome triple-eared knock-offs
Specification includes electric windows and a Motorola radio
Recommissioned prior to current ownership
Regularly exercised throughout current ownership
Stored within a dehumidified Carcoon
The seller notes that certain areas of the paintwork and bodywork would benefit from cosmetic attention
Cabin displaying a pleasing level of patina, including age-related creasing to the seat upholstery
This DBS Vantage is finished in an attractive colour scheme, with the white paintwork showing off its lines and handsome styling. Whilst it has been stored within a dehumidified ‘Carcoon’ through current ownership, the seller has noted that areas of the bodywork would benefit from cosmetic attention, and these are visible in the supplied photographs. The insides of the wheel arches, the bonnet scoop, and around the door handles are some areas that show its years on close inspection, but regardless the car presents well overall.
Moving inside, the seats show age-related creasing and patina across their surfaces, and evidently have not been retrimmed. Some may wish to retrim them for a factory-fresh look, whereas others will elect to show off that time-earned patina or perhaps apply a leather treatment and re-Connolising to help feed the surfaces. As stated by the seller, the choice is there to enjoy the car ‘as is’ or carry out a more exacting overhaul. image.png1.04 MB
The Mechanics
Tadek Marek-designed 4.0-litre inline-six
Triple Weber carburettors
Vantage-spec engine produces 325bhp and 290lb-ft of torque
ZF five-speed manual gearbox
Seller notes that the vehicle is in good mechanical condition – engine starts keenly and pulls strongly, brakes are effective, power steering works well, water temperature/oil temperature/oil pressure are steady
Substantial mechanical expenditure undertaken during the seller’s stewardship
Carburettors stripped, cleaned and rebuilt with new gaskets and seals
Replacement fuel pump, filter, and pipe
Fuel tank removed and cleaned
Fuel pickup and reserve solenoid serviced
Replacement spark plugs and points
Brake master cylinder and servos rebuilt
Front and rear brake callipers rebuilt
Engine serviced and tuned
Power steering system repaired
Front suspension refreshed, including upgraded springs and anti-roll bar (original springs retained and supplied)
Tadek Marek is one of the most well-known and recognised names amongst automobile engineers, and for good reason. Born in Kraków, he worked for Fiat and GM before World War II, during which he then fled to Britain and contributed to the Allied tank design before joining Aston Martin in 1954 and designing the innovative all-alloy twin-cam straight-six that powered the DB4, DB5, DB6, and this very DBS Vantage.
As an original factory Vantage-spec car, the engine has triple Webers, a higher compression ratio, and hotter camshafts are fitted, all of which help liberate an extra 43bhp, making the total power output 325bhp. A choice of two gearboxes were available, and the original owner of WNV 974H made the inspired choice of selecting the driver-focused ZF manual gearbox.
This example was recommissioned prior to the seller’s purchase in 2021, and further substantial work has been carried out in those subsequent years. The seller notes that the car drives, runs, steers, stops, and changes gear well. image.png1.3 MB BEFORE YOU BUY
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