Desirable classic British grand tourer, specified with the sought-after manual gearbox
Matching-numbers example, under current ownership since 2021
Stored in a dehumidified Carcoon for the past five years while still seeing regular use
Recommissioned prior to the current ownership, and subsequently benefiting from substantial mechanical expenditure
MOT-exempt and ULEZ-compliant
The Appeal
Introduced in 1967, the Aston Martin DBS marked a major departure from its DB5 and DB6 predecessors. Penned by William Towns, its crisp, modern styling brought a more contemporary look to the marque’s grand touring lineup, while a spacious, luxurious cabin reinforced its credentials as a proper refined long-distance cruiser. It would also prove to be the final model developed under David Brown’s ownership, bringing an end to one of the most significant chapters in Aston Martin’s history.
Power came from Tadek Marek’s celebrated straight-six engine, giving the DBS strong performance and effortless touring ability. The Vantage specification further sharpened the car, and today these early six-cylinder DBS models are increasingly valued for blending classic Aston Martin character with a more modern driving feel than the DB-series cars that came before them.
Finished in a tasteful colour combination and specified with the desirable manual gearbox, this matching-numbers DBS Vantage makes a particularly strong presentation. It also spent part of its life in New Zealand before returning to the UK. Recommissioned prior to the current ownership, it has since benefited from a range of mechanical work, including attention to the carburettors, fuel system, power steering, and suspension.
The seller notes that the car can either be enjoyed as it stands or further developed by a future owner looking to take it to the next level. Either way, it’s an appealing opportunity to acquire one of Aston Martin’s most distinctive grand tourers—combining handsome styling, long-legged touring manners, and real road presence.
The vendor says:
"Over the past five years this DBS Vantage car has given us many happy motoring miles. I originally bought this car on the basis of its Vantage specification and ZF manual gearbox as I wanted an engaging driving experience. The further suspension upgrades undertaken during my ownership have only served to further improve the handling dynamics and have helped create a real driver's DBS."
15-inch wire wheels, secured with chrome triple-eared knock-offs
Specification includes electric windows and a Motorola radio
Recommissioned prior to the current ownership
Regularly exercised throughout the current ownership
Stored within a dehumidified Carcoon
The seller notes that certain areas of the paintwork and bodywork would benefit from cosmetic attention
Cabin showing a pleasing level of patina, including age-related creasing to the seat upholstery
This DBS Vantage is finished in an attractive color scheme, with the white paintwork showing off its lines and handsome styling. While it has been stored within a dehumidified ‘Carcoon’ during the current ownership, the seller has noted that areas of the bodywork would benefit from cosmetic attention, and these can be seen in the supplied photographs. The insides of the wheel arches, the bonnet scoop, and around the door handles are a few areas that show their age upon close inspection, but regardless, the car still makes a strong overall presentation.
Moving inside, the seats show age-related creasing and patina across their surfaces, and evidently haven’t been retrimmed. Some may want to retrim them for a factory-fresh look, while others will choose to show off that time-earned patina—or perhaps apply a leather treatment and re-Connolly to help feed the surfaces. As stated by the seller, the choice is there to enjoy the car “as is,” or carry out a more exacting overhaul. image.png1.04 MB
The Mechanics
Tadek Marek-designed 4.0-liter inline-six
Triple Weber carburettors
Vantage-spec engine produces 325 bhp and 290 lb-ft of torque
ZF five-speed manual gearbox
Seller notes that the vehicle is in good mechanical condition—engine starts readily and pulls strongly, brakes are effective, power steering works well, and water temperature/oil temperature/oil pressure are steady
Substantial mechanical expenditure carried out during the seller’s stewardship
Carburettors stripped, cleaned, and rebuilt with new gaskets and seals
Replacement fuel pump, filter, and pipe
Fuel tank removed and cleaned
Fuel pickup and reserve solenoid serviced
Replacement spark plugs and points
Brake master cylinder and servos rebuilt
Front and rear brake calipers rebuilt
Engine serviced and tuned
Power steering system repaired
Front suspension refreshed, including upgraded springs and anti-roll bar (original springs retained and supplied)
Tadek Marek is one of the most well-known and respected names among automobile engineers—and for good reason. Born in Kraków, he worked for Fiat and GM before World War II, during which he then fled to Britain and contributed to the Allied tank design before joining Aston Martin in 1954 and designing the innovative all-alloy twin-cam straight-six that powered the DB4, DB5, DB6, and this very DBS Vantage.
As an original factory Vantage-spec car, the engine has triple Webers, a higher compression ratio, and hotter camshafts fitted, all of which help free up an extra 43 bhp, bringing the total output to 325 bhp. Two gearbox choices were available, and the original owner of WNV 974H made the inspired decision of selecting the driver-focused ZF manual gearbox.
This example was recommissioned prior to the seller’s purchase in 2021, and further substantial work has been carried out in the years since. The seller notes that the car drives, runs, steers, stops, and changes gear well. image.png1.3 MB BEFORE YOU BUY
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