1971 Aston Martin DBS V8

Highlights

Very rare DBS V8 project for completion
One of only 402 factory DBS V8s
Much of the work already done
Lots of history carefully traced by vendor
Supplied with upgraded MOPAR engine

The Appeal

The Aston Martin DBS was ground-breaking for the firm, its modern fastback styling catapulting the firm into the Mustang era.

It was also meant to be new under the bonnet too where buyers would find the firm’s new Tadek Marek designed V8. Production delays meant that arrived two years later, transforming the DBS into a thoroughly modern machine. It was an engine so good that it made the DBS V8 the fastest production car in the world at the time and powered the firm’s cars until the 1990s.

Just 402 DBS V8s were factory built between 27th September 1969 and May 1972. These cars, with their blend of that engine and the early fastback aesthetics, are particularly sought after.

Here is one of them, a very interesting project for enthusiasts. Stripped for restoration, some of the work has already but it leaves scope for the buyer to make their mark. It is mostly complete, with options available for completion.

The History and Paperwork

UK car first DVLA registered on 8th November 1971
Nine owners
Current owner since 24th February 2023 who has begun the restoration process
The vendor has traced all the owners
He notes the car began life as rare Aegean Blue before later being painted red then silver
The DVLA notes a colour change to red on 17th October 2007
The original factory build sheet is provided enabling buyers to track originality
Original service manuals and folders included
Old magazines featuring the car in previous colour in the early 2000s
There is no MOT history available for the car

VIN records confirm that this is a genuine factory DBS V8, one of the last built before production ended in May 1972 when the car was replaced with the V8 coupe.

Since acquiring the car the vendor has begun what he describes as a ‘high level restoration’ which has included stripping the car back to bare metal and undertaking a careful metal refurbishment. His focus has been on bodywork originality.

He explains that the car is now sold ‘fully exposed’ to show its honesty. He has spent time tracking down the parts the car needs and also labelling all parts sourced and removed so that they can be easily reassembled.

We are told that from the A pillars back the car is now ready for light bodywork finishing and then preparation in primer. However the front still needs attention, including sourcing panels and repairing previous welding work. The vendor has a contact who can provide the missing panels for £1,500.

The engine supplied with the car is not the original Aston Martin V8. The car is supplied with what the vendor describes as a MOPAR V8, The vendor has invested heavily in performance parts for this engine so that it offers a lighter and more powerful experience than the original engine.

Part of the appeal of this car is that it could be rebuilt with this engine, exploring the potential of that motor, or fitted with a genuine factory V8, which should be relatively easy to source.

The Condition

This is obviously a restoration project with much work already done as detailed above
The front of the car is incomplete but the vendor has a source for these parts
The car is supplied with its original interior show in photos and patinated
The driver’s seat displays a small tear
The dashboard and dials are also included and in well kept, original condition
A new carpet set is supplied made, trimmed and cut to size by Aston Martin

The Mechanics

Supplied with a partially rebuilt MOPAR V8 incorporating performance parts
The vendor says he has invested significantly in upgrading this motor
The work can be completed by the vendor if required
The DVLA records the car as fitted with a 5.9litre engine
This car would originally have had a 5,340cc 320bhp fuel injected Aston Martin engine
In period these engines had reliability problems
Some buyers would replace them with more reliable and more common MOPAR engines
The car’s original gearbox is included

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.

✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.

Please see our FAQs here and our Terms & Conditions here