In the late 1960s, Aston Martin set out to redefine luxury sports cars with the introduction of the DBS, positioning itself as the successor to the iconic DB6. The DBS and DB6 coexisted for three years, showcasing the brand’s commitment to evolution rather than abrupt transitions. This graceful coupé, produced from 1967 to 1972, marked the end of an era under the visionary leadership of David Brown.
The DBS was born out of necessity when Touring of Milan, commissioned to design the DB6’s replacement, closed its doors after producing two prototypes. Swiftly, William Towns took the reins, shaping the DBS with a vision for modernity. Departing from the traditional Aston Martin aesthetic, the DBS featured a fastback rear end and a squared-off front grille, capturing the essence of late-sixties automotive design trends. Yet, it retained iconic Aston elements like the bonnet scoop, knock-off wire wheels, and side air vents, paying homage to the brand’s heritage.
Under the hood, the DBS housed a potent 4.0 L straight-six engine, delivering a claimed 280 bhp. An optional Vantage engine, equipped with Italian-made Weber carburettors, boasted an impressive 325 bhp. This power, combined with a weight of 1,588 kg, ensured a thrilling driving experience. The DBS became the final Aston Martin developed under David Brown’s influential tenure.
The story continued in 1969 when the DBS evolved into the DBS V8, realizing its destiny with a 5340 cc V8 engine. This variant earned the title of the world’s fastest four-seater production car at the time. Sporting light alloy wheels and ventilated brake discs, the DBS V8 offered both automatic transmission and a ZF 5-speed manual gearbox. Production continued until May 1972, after which it transformed into the Aston Martin V8 with a single headlamp front end.
In a brief resurrection of the Lagonda name in 1969, a four-door prototype of the DBS emerged. Chassis MP230/1, retained by the factory until 1972, became Sir David Brown’s personal car. Equipped initially with a prototype 5.0L V8, it later adopted an early 5.3L production quad carb version. Subsequently, seven Lagonda four-door saloons, based on the 1969 prototype, graced the roads between 1974 and 1976, featuring a Lagonda “horseshoe” grille and a distinctive single-headlight treatment.
The Aston Martin DBS legacy transcends mere automotive engineering; it encapsulates an era of sophistication, power, and seamless transitions. Today, these timeless classics continue to captivate enthusiasts, embodying the spirit of Aston Martin’s pursuit of automotive perfection.
