The 1969 Aston Martin DBS Vantage is an icon of late-60s British motoring, blending classic Aston Martin elegance with the performance demands of a changing era. Here's a deep dive into the story and history behind this special car: Origins of the DBS The DBS was conceived as the replacement for the Aston Martin DB6, and was meant to reflect a new design direction for the company. While the DB4-6 series had a more curvaceous and classic look, the DBS introduced a more modern, muscular aesthetic. It was first unveiled in 1967. Originally, Aston Martin planned the DBS to be powered by a new V8 engine developed by Tadek Marek, but the V8 wasn’t ready in time for launch. So, early DBS models—including the 1969 DBS—used the 4.0-liter inline-six from the DB6. The DBS Vantage: High-Performance Inline-Six The DBS Vantage was the high-performance variant of the standard DBS. It still used the 4.0-liter inline-six, but in the Vantage trim it featured triple Weber carburetors, boosting power to around 325 bhp (compared to ~282 bhp in the standard version). This gave the Vantage strong performance, with a 0–60 mph time of around 6.5–7 seconds, which was very quick for its day. Other features included: A 5-speed ZF manual transmission or optional 3-speed automatic. De Dion rear suspension, enhancing handling and ride comfort. Wider body with more aggressive styling compared to the DB6. Leather interior, wood trim, and classic Aston attention to detail. James Bond’s Ride While the DBS Vantage didn’t make a big splash in motorsports, it became famous in pop culture thanks to James Bond. In 1969’s On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, George Lazenby’s Bond drove a DBS (not explicitly the Vantage variant, but visually similar), cementing its status as a desirable grand tourer. Transition to V8 Power By 1969–1970, Aston Martin began production of the DBS V8, equipped with the long-awaited 5.3L V8 engine. That eventually evolved into the Aston Martin V8 line that would run through the 1970s and 80s. This made the 6-cylinder DBS Vantage one of the last Aston Martins to carry the classic straight-six. Legacy and Rarity The 1969 DBS Vantage is now a rare and collectible vehicle: Only around 70 right-hand drive Vantage models with the 6-cylinder engine were made. Its blend of 60s luxury and 70s muscle makes it a favourite among collectors. It’s often seen as the bridge between the classic DB-series cars and the more muscular 70s Astons. This rare Aston Martin DBS Vantage with a manual transmission was delivered new to Mr Francis Peter Nash in Kalulushi, Zambia in 1970. Finished in Azzutro Blue with Dark Blue leather trim. The car was moved to Johannesburg, South Africa 1980 when the current owner took over the possession in 1980 and spent the following years taking care of the car to a level where it is in prime condition. A full bare metal repaint to the original build colour, total engine rebuild, brakes, steering and suspension overhaul, even the original factory air conditioning with the latest up-graded gas. We are able to arrange shipping world wide.