1970 Aston Martin DBS V8 Sports Saloon
Chassis no. DBSV8/10097/LC
Engine no. V/540/089 (See Text)

Although always intended to house the new Tadek Marek-designed V8 engine, the Aston Martin DBS first appeared with the 4.0-litre 'six' of the concurrently produced DB6. Styled in-house by Bill Towns, the beautiful DBS caused quite a stir. A full four-seater, the 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 345bhp 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.

Chassis number '10097' was built as a fuel-injected, manual transmission model for the Swiss market and delivered new to Albe (England) Limited for Guido Bertoglio of Viganello, Switzerland. The original colour scheme was Platinum with Terra Cotta interior trim, and the car was delivered equipped with a Voxson stereo/radio, air conditioning, Marchal spot and fog lamps, two Continental-type mirrors, Continental parts kit, Bray engine heater, Fiamm horns, and a Waso steering column lock. The factory records show a replacement engine was fitted in August 1971, only 8 months and 13,985 km into the car's life. The engine is stamped with the original engine number in the correct font and location, indicating that either a blank block was re-stamped with the original number or that the 'new engine' salvaged the original block.

In 1977 Mr Bertoglio sold the car to a Mr Ribolzi, who took it with him when he moved from Switzerland to Monaco. In 2002 Mr Ribolzi sold the Aston to Mr Thomas Maechler, who brought the car back to Switzerland and kept it until 2009. The current owner purchased the DBS (by then restored) in February 2012 from noted Aston Martin collector Mr Daniel Waltenberg. The DBS had been advertised for sale by Legendary Astons, a copy of whose advertisement is on file. Restoration works listed therein include a re-spray in Cumberland Grey; a complete overhaul of the heating and ventilation system; re-spray of air boxes and cosmetic upgrading of he engine bay; refurbishing the GKN alloy wheels; and fitting MSD ignition and a Harvey Bailey handling kit. Parts renewed include the front screen, sills, carpets, and steering wheel, the latter handmade with a wooden rim.
Stored since its acquisition in 2012, the car will require re-commissioning before further use. Accompanying documentation consists of copies of the following: factory guarantee form, 2012 sales contract, and the aforementioned advertisement.

Please note that this vehicle is not offered with an original registration document, bidders should satisfy themselves as to registration requirements in their own jurisdiction. Please contact the department for further information.

Please note that if this vehicle is to be imported into Switzerland, Swiss Customs charges (Duty, Car Tax and VAT) will apply at roughly 12.5% of the Purchase Price. Included in this is the Swiss Duty which is calculated on the weight of the vehicle and shall be CHF 15 per 100 kg. Also included is Swiss Car Tax at 4% and this is calculated on the total Purchase Price (Hammer + Buyers Premium). Swiss VAT will then be applicable on the aggregated amount of the Hammer Price, Buyer's Premium, Swiss Duty and Swiss Car Tax at a rate of 7.7%.
Please note that customs rates to other countries shall vary. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.