1969 Aston Martin DBS

Bonhams|Cars Online presents a 1969 example of the Aston Martin DBS. The remarkably shiny, red LHD car is a late-model straight-six-powered car. Complete with matching numbers, this 1969 Aston Martin DBS has just 70k miles on the clock. As you'd be able to see in the detailed photo gallery below, the car still has Lucas lights, wire-spoke wheels (which were available only on the pre-DBS V8 models), a rather neat interior (complete with the standard wood-rim steering wheel and black dashboard), and the optional automatic gearbox.

The DBS marked a change in overall styling for Aston Martin with William Towns being in charge of the design. In comparison with the preceding models, the DBS was more angular, distinctly more muscular, and looked a lot more modern. There's not much difference between the early DBSs and the DBS V8, but it's impossible to miss the wire-spoke wheels, the absence of any lettering on the fins, etc.

We've been extremely fortunate to list some great Aston Martins on Cars Online and this is expected to be no different. From the photos, this 1969 Aston Martin DBS appears to have a pretty clean bodywork with fairly nice paint. It's not entirely blemish-free, but it looks good. The chrome trims don't show their age, a sign that there's a possibility it's been worked on sometime in the past. On the whole, it looks like a decent exterior — if not impeccable.

The Aston Martin DBS was a GT, so the rear seats do have some purpose, even if they're most likely going to be used to hold the weekend luggage for a leisure trip. The boot is big, too, so it's definitely going to be more than a weekend's bags! The mix of leather and wood keeps the luxury quotient high whereas the modern design is what sets it apart from the DB6.

The interior complements the rather nice exterior. There's not much to fault on the inside; the seats do have wear. The door cards don't look the tightest, and the roof can do with a quick cleanup, largely because it's light-colored, unlike many DBSs of the time. All the buttons and knobs appear to be present where they are expected to be, and apart from some use-related wear, there's not much in terms of visible damage, either.

The Aston Martin DBS was powered by a 4-litre straight-six engine, which was, like the platform, derived from the DB6. But it wasn't a DB6 clone, the DBS — it was lower and wider, and had a De Dion rear suspension. The rear-wheel-drive car could be specced with either a ZF manual gearbox or a Borg and Warner automatic. The claimed performance by Aston Martin suggests just about 7 seconds to reach 60 mph from a standstill and a max speed of 140 mph. Impressive then and impressive now.

The Aston Martin DBS was on sale for a little more than five years, after which it was replaced by the Aston Martin V8. The straight-six-engined model was available in the standard and a very limited Vantage form. The latter was more focused and rare, but one wouldn't miss out on much if they picked up the DBS. And that remains the case even now. This 1969 car's odometer reads 70808 miles.

While the DBS is an amazing car, buying one doesn't mean you'd need to take another mortgage. It offers great performance, has looks to die for, and come with a decently luxurious cabin that you wouldn't want to trade with a new car's. There's a lot that the DBS does right as a classic, and it sure is bound to turn some heads too. Especially in this magnificent shade of red. It leaves an impression, doesn't it?

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL BIDDERS

It should be noted that this vehicle has been on static display for several years and we have no history available beyond that shown in the photography section.

We have not started or driven this vehicle so we cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality. The vehicle will require recommissioning prior to road use and is sold ‘as seen’.

Please note that the title for this vehicle is in transit.

Buyers should expect the title within 30 business days following the sale; however, please note that for reasons beyond Bonhams/The Market control, including any delays in lien releases by lien holder and/or delays by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) in certain states, there are instances where the Buyer may not receive the title within 30 business days and, in those circumstances, Bonhams/The Market will work to provide the titles to the Buyer as soon as possible.

If a Lot is rendered “Title in Transit”, it is unlikely that the Buyers will receive the title in the mail within 30 business days following the auction/sale; however, Bonhams/The Market will work to provide the titles to the Buyer as soon as possible.

The Buyer acknowledges that delays in transferring titles including, due to delays at government Motor Vehicle departments, happen from time-to-time and, the Buyer will hold both Bonhams/Market and the Consignor harmless from any allegations of damages arising out of government or other delays.

Please note it is the responsibility of the Buyer to transfer ownership in compliance with their jurisdictional rules and regulations.