Description
First presented in September 1967, the DBS was designed by William Towns, who had joined Aston Martin a year earlier. Developed from the DB6, the DBS was initially designed to accommodate the new V8 engine designed by Tadek Marek, an engine that had raced in experimental form in the Aston Martin Lola. To accommodate the width of a V8 engine, the DB6's steel chassis was widened and the wheelbase lengthened to allow the engine to be lowered behind the front crossmember. Although 15 centimetres wider than the DB6, it was both lower and shorter, giving it a powerful, compact appearance. The standard engine produced 282bhp, while 325bhp was claimed for the Vantage. A Dion rear axle was fitted with a limited-slip differential. The DBS was produced from October 1967 to May 1972, during which time 787 cars were produced. In 1972 David Brown sold Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd. to Company Developments Ltd. In April of the same year, a revised version of the DBS and the DBS V8 were announced. The DBS V8 became the AM V8 and the DBS became this car, the AM Vantage. Between 1972 and 1974, 70 AM Vantages were produced, and in terms of basic specification, the AM Vantage was identical to its predecessor, the DBS. However, a number of detailed changes were made: the manual gearbox ratios were identical to those of the DBS V8 and AM V8. It has three carburettors, special camshafts, a compression ratio of 9. 4:1 and a power output of 325 bhp at 5, 750 rpm. Although demand was concentrated on the AM V8, demand for the 6-cylinder car necessitated the production of 70 AM Vantages, so this right-hand drive example is one of 70 produced. It was delivered new on 31 August 1973 in London. It is all the more rare in that it is fitted with the ZF 5-speed manual gearbox and has a complete file documenting its history over more than fifty years, the combination of service, maintenance and MOT records corresponding to the mileage recorded. Despite being a Vantage specification engine, it is fitted with SU HD8 carburettors fitted in 1976 as a replacement for Weber carburettors. The service records start in 1976 when the mileage was 24, 235 miles and confirm regular and thorough work throughout its life by authorised Aston Martin dealers R S Williams and Hyde Vale Garage, as well as Aston Martin specialists DIR Services, Promech Automotive and Ken Shergold. There is a well-documented summary and photographic record of a thorough restoration of the chassis and side members in 1992.
Sold in 2010 by Byron International, this AM Vantage was acquired by the current owner who had a number of works carried out: Restoration of the chassis, rocker panels, front and rear under-fenders and door sills Complete overhaul of the brakes New stainless steel exhausts Work on the electrical system Overhaul of the on-board instruments Engine maintenance and overhaul Refurbishment of the cooling system (new radiator) ... The car is matching number: Chassis: AM/ 6059/ RA Engine/ engine: 400/ 4966/ SVC
