1970
Other
Petrol
46,156 Miles
Bahama Yellow
Black
DBSV8/10016/R
FVJ719J
Auto
Used
August 2nd 1970
Not In Free Circulation
Make: Aston Martin
Model: DBSV8
First registered: 03/08/1970
Chassis no: DBSV8/10016/R
Mileage: 46,156
Transmission: Auto
Matching Numbers: Yes
Current colour combination: Bahama Yellow with Black
Original colour combination: Bahama Yellow with Dark Brown (VM890)
Originally intended to house the Tadek Marek-designed V8, the DBS initially appeared with the same 4.0-litre six as housed in the DB6. Designed by Bill Towns, the four-seater DBS changed the look of David Brown’s brand. The softer shapes of the previous DB cars were scrapped, and a new muscular modern look was born. The new larger and more luxurious style of the DBS did originally lower the performance, with its predecessor remaining the quicker of the two models. However, when the V8 engine was introduced in 1969 everything changed.
The DBS V8 had an increased power, an estimated 345bhp. As Andrew Noakes accentuated within his Aston Martin DB book, the DBS V8 boasted a top speed of 160mph with an ability to accelerate 0-60mph in just 6 seconds. It’s also worth noting that, “Porsche obtained comparable performance figures five years later from the 911 Turbo, and was acclaimed as making one of the world’s greatest supercars!” (Motorsport Magazine, 2023). Simply put, this Aston Martin had perhaps been undervalued given that it was once the fastest production car in the world. Nonetheless, people are starting to take notice and this is one of the reasons for the sharp rise in monetary value over the past two decades.
A lot like the DB4, DB5 and DB6, Aston Martin DBS V8’s were built by hand at the Newport Pagnell factory. The body was clearly influenced by the American market and designed to have a more modern look. However, some trademark Aston design features still remained. The bonnet scoop and side air vents with stainless steel brightwork to name just two. It’s these unique stylings that gave the “Mustang” look an aura of individuality and Aston Martin style. The stunning spacious interiors were also trimmed in fully-grained Connolly leather and included modern amenities such as electric windows.
The build sheet reveals that this very early Aston Martin DBS V8 was ordered in Bahama Yellow over Dark Brown (VM890) by Plough Motors. DBSV8/10016/R was first delivered to a business in Shrewsbury named Ashley, Ashley & Newbrook Ltd. The original green log book is still present the car, along with the original instruction book. Both of which are a refreshing inclusion given that many 50-year-old cars often have little history from their early years. The DBS V8’s early servicing and maintenance work are also well documented on the build sheet between 1970 and 1972, with the car appearing to change hands just once before 1975.
In 1975, Mr Frederick Paul Brightmore purchased DBSV8/10016/R for a fee of £1950 (roughly the same price as a semi-detached house in Kidlington, Oxford, at the time). A lovely written letter by Mr Brightmore paints a perfect picture of his 40-year ownership between 1975 and 2015. For the first 10 years, Mr Brightmore drove the car, adding 8000 miles. However, Mr Brightmore was a keen mechanic and from 1987 onwards he admitted that he only used it sparingly whilst making repairs to the car. Despite being only driven occasionally, the engine oil and filter were still replaced multiple times during this period.
According to Mr Brightmore’s letter, DBSV8/10016/R benefited from a long list of repairs. The radiator was re-cored and the exhaust was replaced. New brake cylinders, brake pads, pistons, seals, and brake pipes were fitted. The doors were removed and repaired, with new sections fitted. All the carpets were removed and remade. The servos were stripped, cleaned, and rebuilt. New door frame seals were fitted, along with new ignition coils, plugs, filters, and a new battery. Finally, a lot of the chrome was removed, re-chromed and refitted. In 2015, DBSV8/10016/R was listed for sale privately by Mr Brightmore.
The GOV.UK Trade Registration document within the history folder confirms that Stratton Motor Company purchased the car in 2016. The car was then stored at their premises. In 2020, the DBS V8 was sold to the current custodian. One of the first decisions they made was to have the DBS V8 resprayed in its original colour of Bahama Yellow, of which only 9 were manufactured in this livery. Following this the interior was completely restored, which included the introduction of black leather, giving DBSV8/10016/R the same look as Roger Moore’s DBS in “The Persuaders!”
Since 2020 the client has spent circa £30,000 recommissioning the DBS V8 with Aston Martin specialists Stratton Motor Company. A further £30,000 was also spent on a retrim and a repaint, taking the total spend to over £60,000 between 2020 and 2022. In 2023, a further £6177.11 was spent with Richards of England, this included an up-to-date MOT (July). A more in-depth breakdown of the work completed at both Stratton Motor Company and Richards of England can be found on their website.
