DBS V8

Aston Martin DBS V8

The DBS with the originally intended and long-lived Aston V8 engine. Produced from 1969 to 1972.

Originally fitted with a GR70VR15 radial tyre, the modern equivalent size is 225/70VR15 .

When the Aston Martin DBS was launched in 1967 it was meant to be an all-new car. However, while the DBS's bodyshell was ready for sale in 1967, its all-new V8 wasn't ready, so the DB6's 4.0-litre straight-six was used instead.

The DBS was longer and wider than the DB6, and the new car brought with it De Dion rear suspension. Buyers could choose between a standard 282bhp DBS or a Vantage-spec edition with 325bhp; the latter was a no-cost option. With its quad-headlamp nose the DBS was ultra-modern in its design and reasonably fast with a 148mph top speed.

While the DBS 6's performance was strong, the heavy car really needed a V8 and this arrived in 1969. The 5340cc fuel injected unit was more powerful (Aston didn't disclose figures) and much more torquey than the 'six'; it could now take the DBS to 162mph. The final quad-headlamp DBS was made in 1972, when it was replaced by a facelifted car.