Initially intended to house the new Tadek Marek-designed V8 engine, the Aston Martin DBS first launched with the 4.0-liter ‘six’ from the concurrently produced DB6. Designed in-house by Bill Towns, the DBS, a full four-seater, featured a platform-type chassis with independent suspension all around: wishbone and coil-spring at the front, and De Dion with Watts linkage at the rear.
Larger and more luxuriously appointed than the DB6, the heavier DBS initially disappointed some due to its slightly reduced performance. However, this dissatisfaction disappeared with the arrival of the V8 in 1969.
With approximately 320bhp from its 5,340cc, fuel-injected, four-cam engine, the DBS V8 could reach 100mph in under 14 seconds and had a top speed of 160mph—remarkable performance for the time, validating its claim as the fastest four-seat production car in the world. Even with an automatic transmission, the V8 could reach 100mph in about 15 seconds and exceed 145mph flat out.
