Aston Martin DBS Vantage

Some motor cars transcend their mechanical purpose. They become symbols of an era when the journey mattered more than the destination; when crossing Europe at speed was an exercise in effortless elegance, with an Aston Martin sweeping through the Highlands or along the Côte d’Azur, its straight-six singing beneath a long bonnet while leather and walnut quietly acquired the patina of time.
The DBS is one of those rare automobiles.
Introduced in 1967, it marked the beginning of a new chapter in Aston Martin’s history. Penned by the talented William Towns, it moved away from the voluptuous curves of the DB4, DB5 and DB6, embracing a cleaner, more contemporary design while preserving the understated sophistication that had become synonymous with Newport Pagnell.
The DBS also secured its place in popular culture when it appeared alongside George Lazenby in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Although James Bond famously drives his DB5 in the film, the presence of the DBS perfectly symbolised Aston Martin’s transition into a new generation—modern, confident and effortlessly elegant. It remains one of the most iconic British grand tourers ever produced.
Beneath its beautifully proportioned bonnet lies Tadek Marek’s celebrated 4.0-litre straight-six engine. In Vantage specification, breathing through three twin-choke Weber carburettors, it produces approximately 325 bhp, enough to propel the car beyond 150 mph—remarkable performance for the late 1960s. Yet figures alone fail to capture its true character. The DBS Vantage is defined by its remarkable balance: refined, immensely capable and wonderfully composed over long distances, combining performance with the comfort expected of a true Grand Tourer.
Produced in exceptionally small numbers, the DBS Vantage is today regarded as one of the rarest and most desirable six-cylinder Aston Martins ever built. Left-hand-drive examples are rarer still, with only 72 believed to have left the Newport Pagnell factory, making them highly sought after by discerning collectors worldwide.
The 1968 Aston Martin DBS Vantage offered here represents one of those exceptionally rare cars. Its chassis number confirms it to be an original factory-built left-hand-drive example, adding another layer of exclusivity to an already highly desirable model.
Formerly part of the private collection of a distinguished collector, this DBS has always benefited from meticulous care. With the intention of preserving it to the highest possible standard, its previous owner entrusted the car to Atelier des Coteaux—one of Europe’s leading specialists in historic motor cars—for an extensive programme of mechanical and technical recommissioning representing an investment in excess of €55,000 (excluding VAT).
The work carried out included the installation of electronic ignition, five new tyres, complete wheel balancing, a new fuel pump, replacement steering rack gaiters, new front brake pads, numerous oil seals—including gearbox and differential output seals—as well as the renewal of several suspension bushes and all drive belts. Particular attention was also given to the electrical system, ensuring reliability worthy of a car intended to be driven rather than merely admired.
The trio of Weber carburettors has since been carefully tuned by the technicians at Atelier des Coteaux, allowing the magnificent Aston Martin straight-six to deliver the smoothness, flexibility and unmistakable soundtrack for which it has become renowned.
Cosmetically, the car presents beautifully in its recently refinished British Racing Green coachwork—a colour that perfectly complements William Towns’ restrained and elegant design. The original black interior has been exceptionally well preserved, retaining the authentic atmosphere that defines the finest British Grand Tourers of the period, where Connolly leather, polished walnut and understated craftsmanship combine in perfect harmony.
Today, this DBS Vantage is ready to be enjoyed exactly as its creators intended. More than simply a rare Aston Martin, it represents an era when luxury was defined not by extravagance, but by craftsmanship, engineering excellence and understated sophistication.
It is an automobile for those who understand that a truly great Aston Martin is never merely owned—it is cherished, driven, and ultimately passed on to the next custodian.

Year1968BodyCoupéColorBritish Racing GreenTransmissionManualEngine Size3.995 cm3Power325hpPriceUpon Request