Stunning Aston Martin V8 Volante similar to car driven by James Bond hits auction for eye-watering price
A VERY rare Aston Martin similar to the one driven by James Bond has gone up for auction with an eye-watering price.
The 1971 Aston Martin DBS V8 Volante is only one of six models which were converted by Banhams into a convertible.
A V8 Volante was driven by James Bond star Timothy Dalton in the 1987 movie The Living Daylights, although that one came customised with some very special optional extras for the British spy.
The British luxury car maker introduced the DBS in 1967 as a grand tourer to replace the DB6.
It was designed by William Towns and the DBS was intended to have a more modern look and an up-to-date fashionable style.
The design had a fastback-like rear end and a squared front which typified the car designs of the late 1960s and early 70s.
In the five years the model was in production only 787 DBS models were made and only six of those were made into convertibles.
While the car has nearly 66,000 miles on the clock it has seen little use since 1990.
It’s now up for auction as a restoration project with the bid currently standing at £30,000 with less than 24 hours to go before it closes.
The car, in British racing green, has an enviable 5.3l V8 engine and would be a suitable starting point for a collector or enthusiast to restore it to its former glory.
Inside, the car is thought to still have its original trim and while the brown leather is in good condition there are some signs of wear.
Outside, it’s a similar story regarding its bodywork – in good condition but in need of some attention to fully restore it to its former glory.
The paintwork shows signs of blistering along with a few marks and dents.
Structurally, it is said to be in very good condition.
Although the engine is said to be fully intact its operational health is not known as it has barely been used in 33 years but the car rolls, the brakes operate and the steering works.
The car is being auctioned by Car and Classic with bids closing on July 10 at 7pm.