1972 Aston Martin DBSV8

This RHD auto car is red with a tan leather interior.

According to some copies of AMOC records accompanying the car, when new it was ‘Cairngorm Brown’ with a ‘Natural’ interior.

In common with many vehicles from the vendor’s collection, this car comes with no history or service records beyond whatever photocopies are shown in the documents section. 

The 5-digit odometer reads 5,474 miles.

The vehicle takes power to the dashboard but, as we haven’t tried to start or drive the car, our appraisal of it is entirely based on its cosmetic appearance. 

We believe it was bought by a Swiss agent for the vendor’s collection of static display vehicles in 2009.

IMPORTANT: This motor car is being sold as part of a private overseas collection. It has been imported under the Bonhams’ temporary admission customs bond. In addition to the ‘hammer’ price, the winning bidder must pay a bond release fee (£350) and also import tax/duty.

In the UK, cars over 30 years old are subject to the lower rate of 5% import tax on the final selling price if purchased by a private individual. A company buying this car will always pay 10% duty + VAT as well as VAT on the ‘hammer’ price.

The winning bidder will receive a receipt for the final hammer value, and proof that HMRC fees are paid. If the car is subsequently exported abroad within 30 days then these fees are refundable upon proof of customs/tax payment in the other country.

The bond release fee (£350 payable direct, post-auction, to the CARS shipping company) will produce a NOVA from HMRC, this document is formal proof that all duties & taxes are paid in UK. The vehicle is not registered anywhere. You must register the vehicle with the DVLA. Upon request, Bonhams|Cars Online can suggest some companies who can help with this process.

This vehicle has been on static display in the Middle East for a number of years, and there is no history available beyond that displayed in our photography section. In all cases, the documents shown are photocopies, unless otherwise stated. We do not have the originals.

Unless otherwise stated, we have not tried to start or drive the car so cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality. It will require recommissioning prior to road use and is strictly sold ‘as seen’.

It is available for viewing by appointment only, we are open weekdays 10am-4pm, and we advise you (or your appointed engineer) to inspect it at our HQ near Abingdon in Oxfordshire.

This handsome car has what appears to be pretty straight bodywork. Certainly, there are no dinks, dents or creases of any consequence that we can see.

Although most of the bodywork is commendable and the shut lines and panel gaps are broadly consistent and even, the driver’s door is currently reluctant to open from the outside (it can, however, be opened from the inside). 

Also, one corner of the front valance is looking a little bashed about.

The chrome work and GKN wheels are very decent all round, as is the badging and most of the exterior trim, save for a little bit or tarnishing on a section of chrome window trim and a few cracks on the exterior rubber trim here and there.

All in all, though, the bodywork looks pretty solid and straight to us.

The paintwork looks OK from a few metres away.

Get closer and a few issues reveal themselves, most notably the fact that the bonnet appears to be rendered in a different shade of red. 

Elsewhere, there are numerous light scratches on top of the n/s/r wing, some cracked and split paint in the nearside roof gutter, a penny-sized chip of paint missing from the base of the nearside ‘A’ pillar and some marks dotted around the paint just ahead of it. 

The nearside door and front and rear wings are sporting various scratches, stone chips and patches of discoloured paint, plus the odd spot of overspray.

While undoubtedly rather grubby and in need of being threatened with a moist chamois and some weapons-grade cleaning products, the interior has actually held up pretty well and is in decent underlying condition, as far as we can tell. 

The door cards and headlining are basically sound, but need a good scrub and some TLC.

The tan leather upholstery has endured the passage of time with commendable stoicism and, aside from one or two scuffs and a few creases, it is free of any rips, holes or tears. 

The seats are comfortable, supportive and functional, front and back.

The sun visors have turned decidedly ‘crispy’.

We can’t make any claims about the functionality of switches, knobs, levers, toggles, buttons, dials or other electrics as we haven’t tried to start or drive the vehicle.

The boot is fairly shabby, but seems to be more or less intact and contains a spare wheel and a few boxes of parts and other bits and pieces.

The engine and engine bay look clean and dry, and all appears to be present and correct.

The undersides of the cars, including the sills, look to be in pretty good nick to us (you’ll want to look for yourself), and everything visible seems to have a good deal of structural integrity.

The car doesn’t come with any history or service records beyond what is shown in the photography section. 

Currently, it has neither an MoT certificate nor an up-to-date V5. It must be registered in the country of your choice and you will need to contact the appropriate vehicle licensing agency for instructions on how to do this. 

None of the paperwork shown in the gallery constitutes any kind of current licensing or registration documentation.

Provided that the car’s engine and mechanicals are amenable to recommissioning, we think this a good example of the model and, although there are a few cosmetic issues with the paintwork, the underlying quality of the car should make the time and effort required to help it recover its former glories more than worthwhile. 

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at the Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.