2010 Aston Martin DBS Coupé

A mere 2,536 DBS V12 Coupes were built between 2007 and 2012, the majority (1,815) destined for various export markets. This superb example is one of that 1,815 having been originally supplied to New Zealand receiving its pre-delivery inspection at the hands of Aston Martin, Auckland in August 2010. This example was specified in Touchtronic 2, semi-automatic specification combined with the “2+0” seating configuration.

The first lucky owner covered a mere 24,800 kilometres on the salt free roads of New Zealand between August 2010 and mid-2023. At that stage current owner, Barry, re-imported the DBS to the UK with it being registered here for the first time in August 2023.

On the day of our shoot the DBS’s electronic odometer recorded 26,026 kilometres (16,172 miles) meaning a mere 1,200 km or so have been covered in current ownership. The Aston Martin is now ready for its third owner and is reported by the current keeper as in immaculate condition in every respect.

The sublime Marek Reichman design of the DBS represents a reimaging of the DB9 aesthetic overlayed with a more muscular and performance orientated persona. The usual Aston Martin approach to fit and finish was, of course, employed at the then new Gaydon factory. The visibly textured weave of the numerous carbon fibre composite body panels was deemed unsuitable for an Aston Martin, for example. Gaydon’s answer was to deploy a patented Surface Veil process which applied a 200 micron layer of epoxy and glass to give the ultra-smooth finish associated with an Aston Martin.

Our example presents in glorious Onyx Black which is notable for its high metallic flake content as well as the generous size of those flakes. Our photographer has captured the paintwork’s iridescent qualities very expertly, too, particularly around those muscular rear haunches.

Given the DBS’s charmed life to date on salt free roads, its low mileage and diligent ownership, it’s a case of “nothing to see here” in terms of faults or imperfections. Both that beguiling paintwork and the exquisite, extruded aluminium, composite and carbon fibre bodywork serve to underscore the vendor’s description of the car being in immaculate condition in every respect.

This DBS is hunkered down the optional forged aluminium 10 spoke wheels which are diamond turned with an accompanying graphite painted finish. These are 8.5 x 20 inch items to the front and 11 x 20 inch at the rear. These immaculately presented wheels are shod in factory specified Pirelli P-Zero tyres which are date stamped from 2020 at the front and 2018 at the rear.

Those highly specified rims afford a tantalising view of the even more highly specified braking system. The discs, the size of some manhole covers, are Brembo 398mm ventilated carbon ceramic items at the front. These are mercilessly squeezed by six piston monoblock callipers. The rears are only slightly less military grade, boasting Brembo 360mm ventilated carbon ceramic discs with four piston monoblock callipers. It’s enough to make one ponder if Bond needed to swerve at all to avoid Lynd. Surely he could have just figuratively stood the DBS on its nose given the braking firepower at his behest.

Our car’s cabin is sumptuously finished in well-chosen blend of semi-aniline leather and Alcantara with optional Piano Black fascia trim. Belying the car’s age and much like the exterior treatment of the car, everything in here seems surprisingly contemporary. Of course, pristine but also luxurious yet sporting in equal measure.

The high-backed sports seats feature embroidered DBS motifs, and a stitched “hourglass” design adds interest and contrast. As you would expect from such a premium offering the seats are 10 way electrically adjusted and feature a three-position memory function and multi-stage heating. Being a “2+0” configuration car, the rear seats are... absent in favour of a couple of lipped luggage shelves.

The “Touchtronic 2” semi-automatic transmission is operated by a series of buttons mounted on the centre console. The etched glass “ECU” (Emotional Control Unit – Aston’s slightly Roger Moore-esque acronym) sits at the centre of this array. Magnesium steering wheel mounted gear change paddles provide manual control of the six-speed transmission if and when required. Another key feature is the Bang & Olufsen Beo Sound audio system with a whopping 974W power output. A selection of easy-listening CDs is even thoughtfully provided for your listening pleasure (although the guttural howl of the mighty V12 is a very tempting alternative).

A decently sized and shaped boot – for a supercar – is present and is nicely fitted with obligatory warning triangle and large, stowed, non Q-Branch umbrella.

Our DBS is fitted with the muscular 5.9 litre, V12 engine, a fourth-generation iteration of the Vanquish engine and originally rated at 510 bhp in this configuration. Perhaps more significant was the 420 lb-ft of torque with over 80% of it available from just a leisurely 1,500 rpm. This output served to give the DBS around a 300 bhp/tonne power to weight ratio, good for a 0-60 mph time in the high fours and a 180+ mph top speed. The power is delivered to the rear wheels via a six-speed ZF 6HP26 automatic gearbox which is engaged via dash buttons but can be manually overridden if required via steering wheel mounted paddles.

From a mechanical perspective, of course, this car is essentially a nicely run-in example and so should be considered in prime mechanical condition throughout. The car has enjoyed a regular and diligent dealer based service history regardless of its modest use. On its return to the motherland in September 2023 it enjoyed a full service at the hands of Aston Martin Nottingham, a mere 1,200 or so kilometres ago.

Lifting the lightweight bonnet reveals the automotive equivalent of He-Man’s six-pack, adding an appropriate sense of drama even to the engine bay. The condition, of course, appears faultless and the expected data and final inspection plates are present and entirely legible. The underside of the DBS is mostly obscured by covers, fairings and acoustic matting. There are no real visual clues here to the DBS’s sophisticated ADS (Active Damping System) complete with hard-core track mode.

Given the very modest mileage covered by this DBS, there is less paperwork on-hand than you would usually expect from a 14-year-old car that would more typically have covered many more miles in the hands of more owners than this one has.

The impressively leather bound, and padded owner’s manual is present in its signature long and thin landscape orientation. This also contains the car’s impressive service record. This consists of nine service stamps from Aston Martin Auckland and one from Aston Martin Nottingham. There are also Auckland originated stamps for the PDI, anti-corrosion warranty checks, and a front axle brake pad change. Aston Martin Auckland have also documented two recall actions.

The remainder of the archive includes the advisory free current MoT which valid until July 2025, together with some HMRC import paperwork and an invoice for the Aston Martin Nottingham service. This also notes a Cat 5 tracker being fitted at that stage.

The advent of Daniel Craig as Bond in 2006 proved to be the perfect promotional partnership for the new DBS. Craig’s brooding and brutal persona was a million miles from the beige safari suits and exploding cufflinks of yore. And so it was with the DBS. It took the DB9’s very personable character and added menace, drama and jeopardy. This was now a serious Aston for serious drivers and, as a result, seriously desirable.

It remains hard to imagine a better example of the species than this fine DBS. Its combination of light use, diligent maintenance and stealthy livery makes it the perfect automotive companion for those that “talk quietly but carry a big, V12 sized stick.”

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £50,000 - £55,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the seller in Willington. To make a booking, please use the Enquire about this Vehicle button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions please email or call us, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.​