1971 Aston Martin DBS – Project Profile

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Dale Vinten

We’ve said it numerous times before but one of the great things about this wonderful site is the sheer width, breadth and depth of diversity when it comes to classic vehicles. We’ve had everything on here, whether it be via our classified ads, from our army of traders, or getting something over the line in an auction, we’ve seen a lot of cool stuff and found new homes for countless classics, including many a DBS. And even a plane!

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We’re not naming names but lesser sites might perhaps struggle to offer as much choice as we do, and a case in point is our Project Profile series here in the Car & Classic mag. When people think of project cars they tend to dwell on the cheaper end of the spectrum. Those lower value cars and bikes that, even when fully restored, may not fetch a huge amount when it comes to selling. That’s not to say the love isn’t there, or the nostalgia, but the very word “project”, for many, evokes mental images of down at heel Fords, rusty old VW buses and field-dwelling French runabouts. Yes, we’ve had our fair share of those, we’re not elitist by any stretch and we celebrate them all, but we’ve also had some pretty exotic fare, too.

From 911s and Lister Storms to Ferraris and Facel Vegas there have been some tasty treats in this series over the years and the latest in that long and distinguished list of posh projects and ritzy restos is this 1971 Aston Martin DBS. Nice.

What is it?

Originally launched alongside the DB6 in 1967 and intended as its replacement, the DBS initially shared Tadek Marek’s legendary DOHC straight-six, with the DBS V8 joining the party in ’69. The car we have here is an original DBS with the aforementioned six pot in 4.0-litre form, an engine that has been fully rebuilt by race specialists Kent Auto Developments to original specs.

Designed in-house by William Towns rather than by AM’s usual partner Carrozzeria Touring, which had recently gone out of business, the DBS remains a stylish and capable grand tourer with prices for good example reflecting its desirability and so the potential here is clear for all to see.

Why is it a project?

As you’ve no doubt deciphered from the photos, this DBS needs a bit of work, but before you go crying into your overdraft things are nowhere near as bad as they would at first seem.

A substantial amount of money has already been spent with marque specialists and most of the big jobs are done. This includes the best part of £35,000 for the restoration of the chassis and shell alone, not to mention the engine rebuild we touched on above, AND the seats and interior leather have all been restored and retrimmed to an incredibly high standard in suitably luxurious biscuit hide. Not only that but the vendor reckons all the parts are there, too, including all trim, glass and bumpers, so the next owner will be able to get stuck straight into the remaining jobs rather than have to faff about hunting for hard-to-find bits and bobs.

So what’s left then? Well, without wanting to come across as glib, it just needs painting and putting back together. Easy peasy…

What should you look for?

Because we’re good to you and this is a Car & Classic auction it’s all laid out in black and white for your reading pleasure and accompanied by more photos than you can shake a stick shift at. Not only have we seen the car and written an in-depth listing but the aforementioned resto work has been fully documented and the results of both an engine compression test and leak down test have also been recorded.

Should you wish to know more or ask any questions you can use our new auction comments system to chat directly with the seller and don’t forget, there’s also a “Request a viewing” button too. So get out there and have a nosey around before chucking in your bid.

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What should you do with it?

With so many people obsessing over DB models with a number tacked to the end you should dare to be different and go for a DBS. This DBS, in fact. Winter is well on the way and this would make an excellent (and relatively simple) project in time for next summer. With everything there to complete the build, as well as a huge amount of time and money having already been invested, this is essentially Lego for grown ups. All that’s really left to do is decide what colour you want to paint it…

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