Aston Martin DBSV8
(formally known by the AMOC as V8 series 1) (1969 - 1972)
green dbsv8 © Tim Cottingham 2000 The DBS was obviously designed to accept the V8 engine that AML had used (unsuccessfully) at Le Mans in 1967. But it wasn't until Spring 1970 that the Tadek Marek designed powerful V8 engine was available in the William Towns styled DBS V8. One of the few external differences from the six cylinder model is the larger front air dam as illustrated on this recently rebuilt DBS V8.
dbs v8 © Tim Cottingham 1998 Another distinguishing feature of the V8 are the alloy wheels, the wire wheels could never handle the mighty torque of the engine. One must remember that a certain six cylinder car also had alloy wheels and DBS V8 badges. The gold car (BS1) as driven by Roger Moore in the series The Persuaders . So that it appeared that Roger was driving the recently unveiled car, the DBS was modified just for filming even though the V8 was not then available.

dbs v8 © Tim Cottingham 1998

The 5340cc V8 engine, initially fitted with Bosch fuel injection, was powerful enough to propel the car to almost 160mph; and 0 to 60mph in 5.9 seconds. Power outputs were not quoted but was probably around 310 to 320bhp. At the time this was one of the fastest production cars in the world. dbs v8 © Tim Cottingham 1998
 

The side profile of a DBSV8 shows clearly the coke bottle shape of the rear. The tail lights are from the humble Hillman Hunter. The DBSV8 (once retrospectively known by the AMOC as the Series 1), built between April 1970 and May 1972 managed 402 examples before being replaced by the restyled AM V8 (Bosch f.i. or Series 2).

dbs v8  

  It wasn't until I took the photograph of the front of the DBSV8,  that I realised the wonderful stainless steel grille the car has. Less Aston-like perhaps, with the headlights situated within the traditional shape but a wonderful piece of metallic sculpture none-the-less.  
I'm sure you will think that this picture is in the wrong place, well it isn't at all. I know that this car started life as a DBS V8 and during the late 1990's was converted to feature the body styling from the Vantage Volante. I know this both from information from the former owner and the AMOC register. The closed Vantage was never built like this at the factory but a small number of cars have been converted (some by Works Service) with either slightly flared sills or the full Vantage Volante package. Notice that the air dam on this car is more pronounced than that of the standard Vantage. v8 vantage with vantage volante styling

dbs v8

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