Despite the ever-intensifying blitz of breakthroughs, innovations, and technological one-upmanship that takes place on a weekly basis in the automotive world, classic cars will forever remain important. Be it the more elegant design language, the more rugged approach to performance, or just plain sentimentality, people will always have a soft spot for the classics. A shining example of this paradigm is the 1968 Aston Martin DBS, which is a true alchemy of form and function. Even better, one is up for auction right now at RM Sotheby’s.
Fans of the James Bond series would recognize this car as the same model used in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service in 1969. First introduced in 1967, the Aston Martin DBS foreshadowed the automaker’s future design elements by employing more modern, sharper body styling. The first-generation DBS featured a 4.0L, twin-camshaft, inline-six engine, although this particular model sports an augmented Vantage “type C” specification engine, number 400/2343/VC. This model’s inline-six is fed by three SU carburetors, which increase its performance, specifically at lower speeds. It was further optioned with desirable, non-standard features, including a ZF five-speed manual transmission, power steering, and a Motorola radio. While this Aston Martin DBS was being refurbished in Belgium, the owner requested its original Fiesta Red exterior be changed to a darker Dubonnet Rosso (wine red), while the original natural Connolly leather interior was refinished in Sand leather. We can’t argue with the results.
Furthermore, the current owner of this model went to great lengths to ensure this DBS would run in tip-top shape. Aside from replacing the starter, repairing the power steering, and refurbishing the suspension, he also paid to have the engine removed, disassembled, and rebuilt over the course of 2019 to 2020. All in all, this gorgeous piece of automotive history is in prime condition and would be a fine addition to any collector’s collection. The 1968 Aston Martin DBS is being sold through RM Sotheby’s as part of their December Open Roads auction, where bidding has reached €67,000 (~$75,589) as of this writing with just under two days to go.
