Unveiled: The 1968 Aston Martin DBS Prototype That Outpaces Its Lineage
Amidst a world of luxury sports cars, the Aston Martin DBS holds a distinctive place, weaving a rich tapestry of automotive excellence that dates back to its inception between 1967 and 1972. The journey of this iconic British marque undertook a transformative leap with the first generation of the Aston Martin DBS, designed by William Towns, which not only inaugurated a fresh design vernacular but also heralded a new era of success for Aston Martin.
Among these pioneering creations lies a beacon of unparalleled engineering: a factory prototype of the 1968 Aston Martin DBS, renowned for being the swiftest DBS ever crafted. Concealing a marvel of mechanical prowess, the Lola Aston Martin V8 engine, this DBS prototype is not merely a car; it's a testament to the audacious spirit of innovation that drives Aston Martin.
The essence of this remarkable vehicle's power stems from the Tadek Marek-designed Aston Martin V8 engine. Initially conceived to be the heart of the first-generation DBS, the engine encountered developmental delays, pushing its debut to the later DBS V8 model in 1969. However, the prototype in discussion here is an earlier rendition equipped with the Lola Aston Martin V8 engine, promising a glimpse into the zenith of car manufacturing prowess.
The conception of the first-gen DBS envisioned collaboration with the Italian design magnate, Touring of Milan, to harness an all-aluminum V8. Yet, as fate would have it, the collapse of Touring of Milan and the V8's reliability issues at Le Mans marked a pivotal shift in direction. The task of crafting the DBS's design fell to the young British talent, William Towns, who delivered a masterpiece that combined muscle car aesthetics with British elegance, powered by a potent 3,995cc straight-six engine.
The resulting vehicle was not only larger and more distinctive than its predecessor, the DB6, but also boasted a 280 hp engine capable of propelling it to 141 mph, making it a marvel of its time. It was in 1969 that the upgraded DBS V8 emerged, housing the anticipated Tadek Marek V8 engine and setting new benchmarks as the world's fastest four-seat production car.
Yet, amidst the success and acclaim, one prototype stood above the rest, setting the pace for what was possible. The 1968 DBS prototype, powered by a Le Mans-spec Aston Martin V8 engine, was a marvel of engineering, boasting 460 hp and manifesting a performance vision that was truly ahead of its time. Its adaptation to accommodate the powerhouses under its hood, with a revised hood for better intake, marked a significant milestone in the prototype's journey to excellence.
Not only a beacon of speed and power, but this DBS prototype also carries with it a legacy of prestige, having been part of esteemed collections and undergoing meticulous restoration to return to its former glory. Dressed in a radiant Lagoon Blue, this piece of history continues to captivate enthusiasts, embodying the pinnacle of Aston Martin's innovative spirit.
As this iconic prototype prepares to find a new home, it stands as a bridge between the past and the future, a symbol of excellence that transcends time. For connoisseurs of automotive history and luxury, the chance to own this unique 1968 Aston Martin DBS prototype is nothing short of a dream, a tangible piece of Aston Martin's storied legacy poised to go under the hammer with an estimable value of up to $195,200.