Searching around the garage here at MotorMartin Towers this morning, I was very disappointed to not discover an ageing, classic British GT car amongst the half used bags of compost and, rather bizarrely, a box of tiles that don’t appear to match any of those up in the Towers. Strange. When it became apparent that I was wasting my time, and after much soul searching, I returned to the news desk to make up for the earlier folly where I discovered a the following report.
An early Aston Martin DBS, which has been sleeping in a barn since 1986, is set to be offered for sale at Silverstone Auctions’ May Sale, at the Silverstone race circuit, on Friday 20th May. So not much time to get those savings in order I’m afraid.
Silverstone Auctions have proudly informed MotorMartin that this right-hand drive DBS is the definition of a true barn find. Despite three decades collecting dust, it still exudes Aston Martin’s iconic presence and style. Delivered new to its first owner in Surrey on 5th November 1968, it was finished in mink bronze with a red Connolly leather interior, and the specification included a Motorola Radio, Borg Warner automatic gearbox, power assisted steering, fog and spot lamps, and air conditioning. Just amazing.
Two years later the car was subsequently purchased by a Mr. Pasqua and travelled down the Channel to be registered in Jersey in April 1970. Residing on the island just nine miles long and five miles wide, it was in regular use up until 1986, when with just 30,565 miles on the clock the owner chose to roll his Aston Martin into a barn where it has stayed ever since.
Today this iconic motor car is in close to original condition, still with its original paint colour and interior, but now in need of a full restoration with its mechanical condition unknown. The original 6-cylinder engine number 400/3728/S is mated to an automatic gearbox as previously stated and the car is essentially complete. One of just 787 examples produced, it will now be offered at auction with a sale estimate of £50,000 to £60,000 which, in MotorMartin’s eyes, could be considered something of a bargain for an Aston with so much history and in such a remarkable condition.
Speaking ahead of the sale, Nick Whale, managing director of Silverstone Auctions commented to MotorMartin, “This is one of the most exciting barn finds of the year so far. Having been left untouched for the last 30 years this DBS certainly needs restorative care, but to find an iconic car like this one intact with its original features is a fantastic opportunity for someone to acquire a desirable early car, which is prime for restoration or to rebuild to their own specification.” Definitely.
To find out more about this 1968 Aston Martin DBS and Silverstone Auctions’ May Sale, please visit http://www.silverstoneauctions.com/aston-martin-dbs-6. But I warn you. Silverstone Auctions have some quite amazing cars on their website and you might just find yourself having to work out how to tell your partner about the ‘bargain’ you’ve somehow ended up with.
Another great auction piece from Silverstone Auctions. Thank you.
Where will you go?