1972 Aston Martin DBS Vantage

This motor car is being sold as part of a private overseas collection. It has been imported under the Bonhams’ temporary admission customs bond. In addition to the ‘hammer’ price, the winning bidder must pay a bond release fee (£350) and also import tax/duty.

In the UK, cars over 30 years old are subject to the lower rate of 5% import tax on the final selling price if purchased by a private individual. Cars less than 30 years old will pay 10% duty + VAT as well as VAT. A company buying this car will always pay 10% duty + VAT as well as VAT on the ‘hammer’ price.

The winning bidder will receive a receipt for the final hammer value, and proof that HMRC fees are paid. If the car is subsequently exported abroad within 30 days then these fees are refundable upon proof of customs/tax payment in the other country.

The bond release fee (£350 payable direct, post-auction, to the CARS shipping company) will produce a NOVA from HMRC, this document is formal proof that all duties & taxes are paid in UK. The vehicle is not registered anywhere. You must register the vehicle with the DVLA. Upon request, The Market can suggest some companies who can help with this process.

This vehicle has been on static display in the Middle East for a number of years, and there is no history available beyond that displayed in our photography section. In all cases, the documents shown are photocopies, unless otherwise stated. We do not have the originals.

Unless otherwise stated, we have not tried to start or drive the car so cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality. It will require recommissioning prior to road use and is strictly sold ‘as seen’.

It is available for viewing by appointment weekdays 9am-5pm, and we advise you (or your appointed engineer) to inspect it at our HQ near Abingdon in Oxfordshire.

VIN: DBS/5819/RA.

Engine No: 400/4897/SVC.

In common with many vehicles from the vendor’s collection, this 1972 RHD manual Aston Martin DBS Vantage comes with little paperwork beyond whatever photocopied documents are shown in the gallery section.

It does, however, have a copy of an old UK registration document, a spec. sheet that confirms the chassis and engine are original and matching, an old MoT certificate, and a few AMOC record sheets.

Its mileage was recorded as being 68,034 on the occasion of its 1998 MoT test.

Today, the mileage is 69,843.

So, we feel secure in assuming that it’s had a fairly sedentary existence over the last 25 years.

The car takes power to the dashboard and the engine turns over.

However, we haven’t started or driven the car - not least because it doesn’t currently have either a brake or clutch pedal.

Consequently, our appraisal of it is limited to its cosmetic appearance – which leaves quite a lot to be desired but does, at least, attest to the car’s apparent authenticity and unrestored status.

From about a mile and a half away, the bodywork looks pristine.

Get a little closer and you’ll notice that the paint is cracked, peeling, split, blistering, flaking or just missing pretty much everywhere you look.

The original colour was ‘Cornish Gold’.

This could be the original paint, but we only say that because it’s very hard to put a name to whatever colour it is today, although ‘silver-ish’ seems as good a description as any.

There’s a sizeable dent on the o/s/f wing by the headlamp, and dents on the n/s rear and front wings.

There are scuffs, scrapes, scratches, marks and other blemishes wherever you rest your gaze.

The wire wheels need refurbishing and the chrome is dented, foxed and pitted in numerous places.

The front valance is missing.

The passenger door doesn’t open.

But it could be a lot worse.

Aside from the above flaws and the obvious rust and holes that can be seen in the sills, the bodywork is by no means in the grip of galloping rot and seems to have sufficient authenticity and integrity to one day launch a bid to recapture its former glory.

It’s a similar story of mixed fortunes on the inside.

The black leather upholstery may be creased, a little worn and a bit scuffed, but it’s not ripped or torn.

The dashboard, steering wheel and controls look to be in decent condition.

The headlining is intact, but heavily stained and spotted with mould.

The carpets – both on the floor and the bases of the door cards – have been attacked by some particularly voracious moths, as has the parcel shelf.

The boot, which has been largely disassembled, is pretty shabby.

We can’t make any claims about the functionality of switches, knobs, levers, toggles, buttons, dials or other electrics as we haven’t started or driven the car.

The engine and engine bay look to be in decent order and, aside from some unattached pipes and, we think, a missing air box, everything else appears to be in its right and proper place.

There is a good deal of rust, holes and bubbling in the sills.

Unless otherwise stated, this car comes with no history or service records beyond whatever photocopied documents are shown in the gallery.

No documents shown in the gallery in any way constitute any kind of current licensing or registration certification.

It must be registered in the country of your choice and you will need to contact the appropriate vehicle licensing agency for instructions on how to do this.

Yes, there’s clearly work to be done here – inside, outside and underneath.

But this is an authentic, manual, Aston Martin DBS Vantage, and that makes it a highly desirable car and one that we think is more than deserving of the attentions of an enthusiastic, patient and skilled restorer - provided, of course, that the engine, electrics and mechanicals prove to be amenable to recommissioning.

We’re confident to offer this car for auction with an estimate of £60,000 -£90,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions