The car was imported into New Zealand from the UK by a returning Kiwi in 1983. I am the third New Zealand owner and acquired the car in 2007 in original condition but with a tired engine. After driving it for 18 months, in early 2009 I took the car off the road and began a complete bare metal nut and bolt restoration over 13 years (extensive photo history and receipts file: all new fasteners in stainless steel throughout, except where higher tensile required, or chrome screws). Any rust (minimal) was addressed (in driver’s side footwell - above master cylinders - and sills, metal replaced with new where appropriate. Sills and other chassis cavities rust proofed). Two-pot epoxy to underside, engine bay and boot, and textured black overcoat on top of that in wheel arches. “Lizard Skin” heat and acoustic paint systems (two separate treatments) to interior. Re-painted period-correct AM “Old English Pewter” (was originally Fiesta Red, then Roman Purple). New OEM headlining (and re-trimmed sun visors), new Wilton carpets and re-trimmed leather where required with correct OEM Connolly Vaumol black leather. Re-finished dashboard/ glovebox.
Many upgrades including:
• Engine fully rebuilt to 4. 2 litres (block machined by specialist JMB Services in UK plus many JMB improved parts in rebuild).
• 5 speed ZF gearbox, and LSD, rebuilt.
• Conversion to efi with Jenvey Heritage Throttle Bodies (designed to look like the original Webers. All original fuel system parts, including Webers, still with car), twin electric fans (does not overheat in traffic in NZ summer).
• EPAS from GTC Engineering, and new smaller (15inch) steering wheel.
• Uprated wiper motor (with intermittent function).
• Uprated brake boosters and new brake lines throughout.
• Quikfit retractable seat belts.
• Music connectivity from phone through hidden head unit in customised centre console.
• New stainless steel exhaust, with improved and “Jet-coated” headers.
• New stainless steel bumpers.
• New heat deflectors.
• New screens front and rear.
• All new rubber seals everywhere.
• Harvey Bailey suspension (including Konis and uprated sway bar) plus Aston Engineering improved lever arm dampers at rear (original Armstrong Selectarides still with car).
• Anything shiny that needed re-plating (if it was not replaced) has been, with surfaces as per original.
Very strong performer, handles exceptionally well.
I had a DBSV8, but always admired the earlier DB cars and this came available. It is a magnificent cockpit and, with all the subtle improvements, drives extremely well. Apex English classic.
