Highlights
- One of only 70 six-cylinder Vantages produced
- Much-historied late Vantage that once belonged to Victor Bass
- Largely original and patinated example finished in its original specification of Cricket White over Black leather.
- The last of the original six-cylinder Aston Martin models
- Lots of history, including build sheets, BMIHT dating letter and invoices
The Appeal
It is well documented that the muscular looking, William Towns designed, Aston Martin DBS was always destined to be powered by the 5.3L V8 engine. There was a delay, however, in the completion of Tadek Marek’s iconic V8 so the DBS was launched in 1967 with the DB6’s 4.0L six-cylinder engine under the shapely bonnet. The V8 had arrived, however, by 1969 but there was still pent-up demand for the six-cylinder car. As a result, the V8 and I6 DBSs sold alongside each other until the model was officially discontinued in 1972. Then something strange happened in 1973. A model named the Aston Martin Vantage, a name previously reserved for high-performance versions of existing models, appeared. Only 70 of these rare cars were built before the V8 finally became the sole choice in the long-lived Aston Martin V8.
These rare cars standardised the more powerful 325bhp Vantage engine, previously only an option, and therefore adopted the name too. They also adopted the restyled twin headlight arrangement of the new V8.
This 1973 Vantage was one of the last to leave the factory and has had an interesting history. It is now fitted with the SVC-specification engine from a different car and is equipped with the triple SU carburettor set up. It has led an interesting life, including being owned by Aston Martin guru Victor Bass from the 1980s. Between 1986 and 2011, it was off the road, after which it was extensively renovated by specialists, including Nicholas Mee.
In more recent years, the car has been looked after by Vantage Engineering with nearly £3,000 of servicing and related work in 2022, since when it has covered a few miles. The history file includes a copy of the original build sheet, a useful BMIHT dating letter and various invoices.
This unique car comes to market in a very original patinated condition and it looks great in its very “of the period” Cricket White over Black Leather colour-way and sits on the original wire wheels.
Key Information
Registration no. DSC 777L
Chassis no. AM6045/RA
Engine no. 400/3647/SVC
- Mileage: 103,075 miles displayed on the odometer; the speedometer is noted as not working (figure is indicative only)
- Country of registration: United Kingdom
- Original UK home market right hand drive car
- Original specification
- 8 owners from new
- Technical inspection status: MOT exempt as a pre-1977 vehicle
- Technical specs: 4.0-litre straight-six (SVC Vantage specification) with triple SU carburettors, automatic transmission
- Paperwork: Copy build sheets, BMIHT dating letter, 1986 tax disc, MoTs from 2011 onwards, V5C registration document and assorted bills for works carried out
The Detail
- The current engine (400/3647/SVC) is not the original unit
- Engine rebuilt to SVC Vantage specification by the factory
- Triple SU carburettors are fitted in place of the original Weber carburettors
- Work is said to be documented with copies of the relevant build sheets
- Stored off the road from 1986 until 2011
- Serviced with Vantage Engineering in 2022, as shown in invoices
- The car presents with a genuine level of patina
- White paintwork in fair general condition with a few points to note in photos
- Bodywork shows flush panel fit and the underside can be checked in photos
- Black leather interior in good order with general patina typical of age
- Features factory steering wheel and period radio cassette
- Painted wire wheels with older Bridgestone tyres fitted
- Independent suspension all round with power steering
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