Description
Aston Martin DBS | 1968
Highlights:
- Rare early DBS 6 Vantage, chassis number 47
- Fitted with DB5 engine and modern Tremec T5 gearbox
- Mechanical rebuild and stainless steel exhaust
- Original Connolly leather interior with patina
- Painted in factory-correct Tungsten Silver over restored bare metal
The seller offers for sale a 1968 Aston Martin DBS 6 Vantage, presented as a well-preserved and carefully rebuilt example of one of Aston Martin’s transitional models. Originally purchased in 1997 from renowned UK Aston Martin specialist as a rolling chassis, the car has undergone a long-term restoration and mechanical overhaul while maintaining much of its originality. It now features a 4.0-litre inline-six engine sourced from an Aston Martin DB5 (engine no. 400-1581) and a new Tremec T5 manual gearbox with new bell housing, clutch, and propshaft.
Mechanically, the car has received extensive work: the engine was disassembled, bored to first oversize with new Hepworth pistons, and fitted with new bearings, valve springs, unleaded valve seats, and a resealed water pump. The differential was overhauled in 2024 with new seals and adjusted backlash. Other mechanical enhancements include a high-torque starter, electronic ignition, dual SU fuel pump, a full stainless steel exhaust, new master brake cylinder, overhauled rear brake servo, and refurbished brake calipers. Though originally a Vantage model fitted with Webers, the current setup uses SU carburettors for better fuel economy, with conversion back to Webers still possible.
The body was stripped to bare metal in the Netherlands, corroded sills were replaced, and the vehicle was repainted in Aston Martin’s Tungsten Silver in 2007 following suspension and axle work. The original Connolly leather interior in black remains intact, showing expected patina. The dashboard veneer has a small blemish, and while all instruments, lights, and electric windows function correctly, the radio requires repair.
The Aston Martin DBS debuted in 1967 as a replacement for the DB6, designed under the direction of William Towns. Unlike its predecessors, the DBS introduced a more angular, modern body while initially retaining the famed straight-six engine before the DBS V8 arrived in 1969. The early DBS models like this one are especially prized for their dual character—classic Aston power underpinned by a grand tourer’s body with updated design language. The “Vantage” spec indicated higher-performance setups, often featuring triple Weber carburettors and tuned cams.
What makes this example even more significant is its blend of originality and reliability-focused upgrades. The presence of a DB5 engine adds both performance credibility and collector intrigue, and the modern Tremec gearbox improves everyday usability while preserving the car’s classic feel. Few DBS examples feature this combination of originality, sympathetic restoration, and functional upgrades.
Only 787 DBS 6-cylinder models were built, and those with documented restorations and factory-correct details are increasingly sought after.
Condition of the Bodywork and Paint
4. Very Good: Small dents or scratches; may require minimal bodywork or paint correction.
Condition of the Interior
4. Very Good: Clean with minimal wear; may need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Technical Condition
4. Very Good: Mechanically solid, with possible minor maintenance required.
Overall Condition
4. Very Good Condition: Shows only minimal wear and is ready to drive at any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.
All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.
Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.
This car is currently located in Zeeland province, the Netherlands.
This car drives, brakes and shifts.
The car has a Dutch registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.
The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.
Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.
