1970 Aston Martin DBS: From British Roads to the Big Screen

1970 Aston Martin DBS: From British Roads to the Big Screen

Engine4.0-liter inline-six Horsepower282 hp at 5,500 rpmTorque288 lb-ftEngine LocationFrontDrive TypeRWDWeight3,760 lbs | 1,705 kgTransmission5-speed ZF manual (standard) or optional 3-speed automatic

The 1970 Aston Martin DBS embodies the perfect combination of British craftsmanship, powerful performance, and refined styling. Known for its starring role as James Bond’s car, the DBS quickly became a symbol of sophistication and exclusivity. Designed to offer comfort and power for grand touring enthusiasts, the DBS solidified its reputation as one of Aston Martin’s most celebrated models.

Source: Classic Driver

The 1970 Aston Martin DBS featured a powerful 4.0-liter inline-six engine producing 282 horsepower and 288 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a 5-speed ZF manual transmission (a 3-speed automatic was optional), sending power to the rear wheels. Weighing approximately 3,760 lbs (1,705 kg), the DBS was capable of reaching a top speed of 140 mph, with 0-60 mph acceleration in just under 8 seconds—impressive figures for a luxury grand tourer of its era.

What made the DBS stand out, however, was not just its performance but its dual personality. It offered the power and handling of a sports car while maintaining the comfort and refinement expected of a high-end luxury vehicle. This seamless blend of performance, elegance, and star power solidified the DBS as a standout in the grand touring segment, marking it as both a driver’s car and a collector’s dream.

The Origins

Source: Historics

The Aston Martin DBS made its debut in 1967 as the successor to the legendary DB6. Designed during a pivotal moment in Aston Martin’s history, the DBS marked a departure from the curvaceous styling of earlier models. It was crafted under the guidance of designer William Towns, whose modern, squared-off lines gave the DBS a more aggressive and contemporary appearance.

Originally intended to house a new V8 engine, early DBS models were equipped with the proven 4.0-liter inline-six engine due to delays in V8 development. The chassis was an evolution of the DB6’s platform but featured a wider stance and independent rear suspension for improved handling. This combination of advanced engineering and iconic design solidified the DBS as a bridge between Aston Martin’s traditional elegance and its future innovation.

The DBS quickly gained attention as a luxurious yet performance-oriented car, ideal for long-distance grand touring. It also achieved fame when it appeared in “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” (1969) as James Bond’s car, driven by George Lazenby—a moment that etched the DBS into pop culture history.

The 1970 Model Year

Source: Vintage Car Collector

By 1970, the Aston Martin DBS had refined its place as a luxurious and capable grand tourer. The model retained its 4.0-liter inline-six engine, delivering 282 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and smooth, consistent torque for effortless long-distance cruising. This year also saw the introduction of the DBS V8, which housed a 5.3-liter V8 engine producing 320 horsepower, further enhancing the car’s performance credentials.

The DBS’s design featured a long, low hood, a bold front grille, and a wider body that gave it a commanding presence on the road. Inside, the DBS offered premium leather upholstery, wood veneer accents, and a driver-focused dashboard with comprehensive instrumentation—a hallmark of Aston Martin’s commitment to luxury and craftsmanship.

Production of the six-cylinder DBS remained limited, with only 787 units produced between 1967 and 1972, making the 1970 model year particularly desirable among collectors.

Did You Know?

Source: Driver Source

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1970 Aston Martin DBS: From British Roads to the Big Screen

Engine4.0-liter inline-six Horsepower282 hp at 5,500 rpmTorque288 lb-ftEngine LocationFrontDrive TypeRWDWeight3,760 lbs | 1,705 kgTransmission5-speed ZF manual (standard) or optional 3-speed automatic

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