1972 Aston Martin V8 Series 2 Sports Saloon
Registration no. Not Registered
Chassis no. V8/10541/RCA
Engine no. V/540/419

Although always intended to house the new Tadek Marek-designed V8, the DBS first appeared with the 4.0-litre six of the concurrently produced DB6. Styled in-house by Bill Towns, the four-seater DBS employed a platform-type chassis with independent suspension all round: wishbone and coil-spring at the front, De Dion with Watts linkage at the rear. Bigger and more luxuriously appointed than the DB6, the heavier DBS disappointed some by virtue of its slightly reduced performance, but there were no complaints when the V8 arrived in 1969. With an estimated 320bhp available from its 5,340cc, fuel-injected, four-cam motor, the DBS V8 could reach 100mph in under 14 seconds, running on to a top speed of 160mph - a staggering performance in those days and one which fully justified the claim that it was the fastest production car in the world. Even in automatic transmission form the V8 could reach 100mph in around 15 seconds and better 145mph flat-out.

In 1972 the acquisition of Aston Martin by Company Developments brought with it a change of name for the V8-engined cars: out went DBS V8, in came AM V8. This new Series 2 was readily distinguishable by its restyled front that now featured two instead of four headlamps and recalled the looks of the earlier DB six-cylinder cars. Arguably the most elegant of all 'single headlight' Aston Martin V8s, this first version (generally known as the Series 2) retained many details of the original four-headlight DBS V8: chrome instrument bezels and switch gear, chrome headlight surrounds, lower bonnet scoop, and no side lamps. Electronic ignition and air conditioning were now standard.

Only 289 examples were made between April 1972 and July 1973. With an estimated 320bhp on tap, these Bosch fuel-injected cars were also the most powerful of all standard V8s, only bettered by the V8 Vantage introduced in 1977.

This right-hand drive automatic transmission Series 2 was delivered new in the UK via H R Owen Ltd and left the factory finished in Cromwellian Buff with black leather interior. For several years the car belonged to Dutch AMOC member, Mr H S Kielstra, owner of several other Aston Martins, and was purchased in the Netherlands by the current owner in November 2012. The Aston Martin will require recommissioning having since been on static display since then.

Accompanying documentation consists of a copies of the 2012 sales agreement; factory build details; AMOC Register entries; and Netherlands technical inspection reports, plus an (original) old Dutch registration document.

Please note that if this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. It will also require a NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrival) and an additional fee of £250 (plus VAT) will be charged on the Invoice to prepare the NOVA. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.