With the introduction of the DBS, Aston Martin embarked on a completely new direction. The classic lines of Carrozzeria Touring, which had been defining the brand’s appearance for years, were replaced by more modern, sleek lines created an entirely new look. The DBS was produced alongside the DB6 for a few more years and would go on to shape the brand’s image for over two decades. While the DBS took many new paths in various aspects, the engine remained the fantastic in-house-developed straight-six-cylinder engine with twin camshafts, originally designed by Tadek Marek. To give you an idea of the exclusive segment this car belongs to: the body is hand-beaten, taking over a year of man-hours to build the car. The DBS you see here dates back to 1969, making it an early example that was built concurrently with the DB6. Just under 1,000 units of this model were produced, making it an incredibly rare car. This blue English coupe is even more exclusive as it is a DBS Vantage, and there are even fewer of those. The addition of ‘Vantage’ means that it is equipped with three dual-choke Weber carburettors, boosting the power of the large 4.0-litre straight-six engine from 280 to 325 hp. During those years, this was an impressively high amount of power, equivalent to the later-introduced 5.3-litre V8. Visually, this DBS is an absolute top car. The blue paintwork is in a stunning condition with a deep lustre and rich colour. The car is fully equipped according to factory specifications. While the DBS may have modern lines for its time, this particular DBS was originally delivered with ‘knock-off’ wire wheels, retaining a classic appearance. The beautiful chrome brightwork also adds an unprecedentedly stylish look. Did you notice the two fuel filler caps under the rear window? Not only is the exterior truly fantastic, but the interior, mostly adorned in cognac-coloured leather, is also exquisite. What with stylish dark blue piping on the upholstery, the wooden dashboard panel housing the gauges, and the elegant controls, this interior exudes pure class. It is worth mentioning the period-correct radio and the presence of air conditioning, which is very pleasant in a car like this. Under the hood lies the aforementioned 4.0-litre straight-six engine. With its 325 hp, this car is an absolute powerhouse, especially when placed in the context of its time. It takes barely 6.5 seconds to reach a hundred kilometres per hour, but it’s the intermediate sprints and high-speed acceleration that truly leave an incredible exiting impression. In this case, the six-cylinder engine is paired with a five-speed manual gearbox, which perfectly suits this caliber of car. During its time, this car was compared to icons like the Lamborghini Miura and Ferrari Daytona. This 1969 DBS Vantage is in a stunning configuration and in fantastic condition. It is an absolute collector’s item that is not afraid of long distances and high speeds.