Aston Martin DBS V8 - 1960's British icon restored | Tyrrell's Classic Workshop

In this video, Iain takes us through some of the work that went into restoring this beautiful car, highlighting some of the quirks and unique features of this iconic vehicle.
From the distinctive styling of the DBS V8's bodywork to the sound of its powerful engine, Iain explores what makes this car such a special piece of automotive history. Along the way, we'll share some of the challenges we faced during the restoration process and give you an inside look at the incredible attention to detail that went into bringing this classic car back to life.
Finally, we'll take the car out for a road test, showcasing the power and performance of its incredible V8 engine. You'll be able to hear the roar of the engine as Iain makes it sing on the open road.
Whether you're a die-hard Aston Martin fan or simply appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of classic cars, we think this will delight you. So buckle up and join us on this incredible journey as we restore one of the most iconic British cars of the 1960's.
This video was brought to you by Aston Lark - www.astonlark.com/tyrrellswor...
Camera by Whipp3dCream - whipp3dcream.com/
Post-production by Aviant Digital Media
Follow Iain on Instagram: / iain_tyrrell
Follow Iain on Facebook: / iain-tyrrell-moments-2...
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
02:08 - The origin of the DBS V8 engine
03:37 - Quirky history of the DBS
04:43 - How to make the fastest 4-seater in the world
08:47 - Does it still deliver on-the-road thrills? Let's find out
13:58 - Finding a gearbox to cope with the torque
15:30 - Outro
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IMAGE CREDITS
Title: Jaguar E-Type Series 3 (1972)
Creator: Palauenc05
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0
Title: Lamborghini Espada
Creator: Brian Snelson
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Licence: CC BY 2.0
Title: Rolls-Royce Merlin 35 aero engine on display at the Fleet Air Arm Museum.
Creator: Nimbus227
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Licence: Public domain
Title: A P-51 Mustang at the Alliance Air Show, in Ft. Worth, Texas in 2014.
Creator: Balon Greyjoy commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Us...
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Licence: CC0 1.0
Title: Aston Martin DB6
Creator: Calreyn88
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0
Links to Licences
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[@jeffharrison5265]

Wow, first Harry's Garage with his V12 XJ12C and now this, what a Sunday!!! Love the British cars from this era. Thanks for this great video!

[@waaromweldan]

Thought the same! 👍😃

[@ololiver92]

Perfect Sunday evening 👌

[@importsstillsuck]

I like this better though 😉

[@S-T-E-V-E]

Excellent Sunday afternoon viewing! 👍

[@LOTPOR0402]

How many times do you hear the same thing on this channel .Change the tune

[@jjy1463]

Dear God! That sound. What a beauty.

[@FalconXE302]

... it was rather heavenly wasn't it... 🙂

[@dieterl1116]

I didn't expect it to be that good. Almost peed my pants 😉

[@moog247]

Imagine driving that in its heyday when all around you were beige 1.3 crapboxes. 😮

[@valdurmagi230]

@@moog247 You'd look like Detective Mad Max.

[@Stratoszero]

Was not expecting that.

[@djpalindrome]

The last era of truly beautiful sports cars.

[@timtownsend4151]

I have wanted a properV8 Aston for as long as I can remember. That colour has always been a favourite. What a noise! Thank you Iain. You never disappoint.

[@iain_tyrrell]

My pleasure!

[@autodidact537]

@@iain_tyrrell Does the DBS have a steel or aluminum body?

[@mattmcnulty7191]

​@@autodidact537 it's aluminium outer skins with steel underpinnings

[@markstott8864]

What an absolute beauty. James Bond and Brett Sinclair just flashed before my eyes. A credit to the owner and to you and the crew Iain for taking such wonderful care of it.

[@Mercmad]

Years ago I was rebuilding M100 engines from Mercedes 6.3's and getting the injection pumps rebuilt was getting to be a problem as the blokes who did it were retiring and no longer doing it. I got in touch with Bosch in Germany only to find that the tech publication department had dumped all their info and no longer had any idea of the pumps. So I turned to the Aston Owners club in the UK where I got sent actual copies of the books i was hunting for. At that time a lot of DBS V8's had been converted to Carbs and wise owners were restoring them back again. Bosch contacted me and asked if they could have a copy...LOL!. Back in the early 70's my dad had a mate who bought a new DBS V8 and actually let my 15 year old brother take it for a drive..!

[@jdmimportlogistics]

Do you still have the documents?

[@ariescustom]

Now THAT is what a car should sound like.

[@scotiajinker8392]

As a 20 yr old (1984) service engineer , I had a job to do in Largs (Scotland) . I parked up my car & was walking along the pavement going to the job, on the other side of the road I saw this Aston (exact same colour as in the video) sticking out at least a foot wider than all the other cars in the row. I remember thinking “what a diddy, this guy can’t park his car”. I crossed over the road & to my amazement the 2 wheels next to the kerb were just about touching the kerb. I couldn’t believe who wide the was.

[@stressballer]

I have ever only heard the calm and collected Iain Tyrrell - the exclamation at 10:59 was truly authentic!

[@iain_tyrrell]

I was enjoying myself!

[@martinpower2439]

You just got to love that sound, never will any EV as good as they are, give you the same audiable experience 😢

[@anthonypaterson7066]

100% in agreement, long live the ICE, cannot seriously believe the dates for the end ICE's.

[@tobymenstroni8765]

If that isn't living the dream, I don't know what is. This (the car) and the DB5 are for me the most beautiful models Aston Martin have ever built.

[@stevencollins3699]

That has the most beautiful sounding engine, I replayed several times. Saved this into music.

[@iain_tyrrell]

So glad you enjoyed the sound

[@nickalderson4563]

I remember borrowing my Dad's DBS V8 when he was on holiday to show to my mates. We seriously scared ourselves on a straight back road. Then put it back in the garage. Glad he never found out !

[@memarkiam]

My dad had this exact model, same colour, as well. But I was too young to drive it! But my dad did drive me across Europe in it! This video - especially the internal views - brought back amazing memories of my dad and childhood.

[@subarnosinha8042]

What a lovely car! One of my favourite Astons. A proper "brute in a suit". Marvellous exhaust note, and another fantastic video from TCW. My Sunday is sorted!

[@Mike-rk8px]

The 4 headlights make an already stunning car even more beautiful, it should’ve been left that way. And the sound of that engine when you lay into it is worth whatever headaches you get from owning one.

[@NeoRambler]

In my mind this is one of the few cars that sum up Britain in a nut-shell. Beautiful, overcomplicated, flawed, hand-built, overworked and traditional. Put it all together and you get a masterpiece 😊👍

[@grayfool]

Possibly the best looking Aston ever. A truly glorious car. Thank you so much Iain.

[@iain_tyrrell]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@grayfool]

@@iain_tyrrell Oohhh yes!

[@Inisiarev]

That’s one of the most beautiful colours ever.

[@nigelgrice3523]

A 1970 manual DBSV8 was my first Aston....which came to me in many bits in 1994, as an abandoned project. Suspension off, interior in bags and boxes. Engine ancilliaries all off the car. It took me two years to get it up and running, with lots of help, and much painting and scraping. And then DAYS to get the injection right, but once it was...then it was like a small fighter plane nailed to the tarmac. It had such commanding road presence, looked great, but was also a real hooligan's car. It was our long distance family car, and my competition car in AMOC sprints and hillclimbs. It was always an event to start it up, ease it out of the garage (the car was so wide, and the fit so tight that I had to get in and out via the driver's window because I could not open the door far enough) and head off in it. Though I did end up modifying the brakes...and the suspension...and the tyres...and the ignition...and the diff - but we did not need to touch the engine for many years. And, yes, Iain, your guestimate of power is spot on. Mine was dyno'd at around 320 bhp, and once the cams came in, it was very very quick. And the noise!! Fabulous. Your vid brings it all flooding back!

[@iain_tyrrell]

That's really great to hear and thank you.

[@playingwithcars6169]

THE most beautiful car in the world. Pure Brit muscle, and my very first purchase when that lottery win comes in!

[@marcob1729]

I absolutely adore the styling of this car. The design is just fantastic

[@citizenx2422]

This EXACT model is perhaps my absolute favourite car. It was featured in my 1972 Ladybird Book of Cars, where it was described as being 'very fast indeed'. Marvellous stuff!

[@MariyanTsonev]

This is extremely beautiful car and with that V8 sound - it was a good thing to be rich in the 60's!

[@hifives2]

Best looking grill on a car ever produced, the the whole front end looks stunning.

[@trainmanbob]

The looks, the sound, the Narrator....what more could anyone else want for an iconic Easter stuck in doors due to the rain!! This Aston, Iain, really rates in my books as one of the best iconic cars built in this country and how glorious that you have returned it to its magnificent state. Thank you so much. Cheers, Bob

[@iain_tyrrell]

Thank you so much for the kind words. So glad you enjoyed it.

[@MrArchie800]

That engine sound is addictive just watching on youtube so I can't imagine what it would be like driving!

[@iain_tyrrell]

It's rather good!

[@michaelj3282]

The state of the potholes!!! Scandalous.

[@afai264]

That's an amazing shot at 1:37 F40, DBS and Miura

[@jamescoe764]

That engine sounds absolutely spectacular. An amazing car, one I always thought looked a little too wide - now I know why.

[@stephensimpson5283]

Enjoy?!?! Bloody loved it! I can't get enough of your automotive history lessons. They are never dull.

[@iain_tyrrell]

Very pleased to hear that. There's more to come!

[@mojow1665]

Thanks for showing how addictive opening-up a British muscle car can be.

[@iain_tyrrell]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@V8_screw_electric_cars]

Might be the best sounding engine out there that raspiness is great.

[@pauljackson6593]

I love that car. Class , power, style, and British .

[@supersonique001]

One of my favorite Aston body styles of all time, whether in 6 or v8 itineration! But wait! I dare say Iain, that camera angle from within as you drive is only missing a trilby, a lit cigarette (Morlands with the triple golds bands), setting sun on the French coast near Royale-Les-Eaux and perhaps a familiar sound track to add to the drama.....you're living the dream, easy does it 007 !

[@iain_tyrrell]

Aaaah yes, the name’s Lazenby…..

[@iain_tyrrell]

Aaaah yes, the name’s Lazenby…..

[@Priapos93]

I wonder about getting one with the smaller engine. I could probably fit a bigger engine of a similar sort into that bay. The little Aston engine that couldn't might succeed in its next life as a coffee table. In any case, I get to drive a beautiful shell with a modern V8. Any suggestions for a smooth overpowering V8 are welcome.

[@petersnushall7293]

Or maybe Johnny English? 😄

[@markbennett6658]

OHMSS was one of the first films I ever watched at the cinema when it first came out … and I’m 60! Having said that Mr Lazenby is still going and I’m sure that Aston will outlast the lot of us🔥

[@alexcocking7288]

I had a 3am start today. Listened to you cracking the throttle a few times. Now I’m awake. Beautiful car and what a noise. Judging by your delight, you’re a big fan!

[@iain_tyrrell]

I am! 😁 Good way to wake up.

[@glennrogers6650]

Every thing about this Aston Martin is just Great .

[@stephensalt6787]

Absolutely stunning! I can’t ever imagine anyone lavishing care like this on a Nissan Leaf or Tesla nor should they. Lovely job Ian.

[@captaintoyota3171]

My fav aston body style. One of best looking 70s cars

[@stephenkayll5241]

When this car was introduced I recall Motor magazine did an article about it and one of the headline stats was they wanted a car that could cruise at 2 1/2 miles a minute, 150mph. Headline stuff. This is by far the prettiest DBS V8.

[@grantmckendry3323]

Iain managed to get three of my favourite cars in one frame of this video.

[@iain_tyrrell]

Which three were they Grant?

[@herbie0408]

This video could have gone for an hour, what a work of art! Iain is one of the best presenters out there, g'day from Australia, mate you are a legend

[@Santos.Sarmento]

The most valuable 952 seconds of video in this year to this point! REALLY WORTHS TO WATCH. Thanks for sharing. Greetings from Brazil.

[@iain_tyrrell]

Obrigado! So good to know you enjoyed it.

[@NitroModelsAndComics]

Stunning automotive royalty.

[@scottrippon5039]

The 4 headlight Brett Sinclair model....but the V8.... perfect!

[@buddymorrissey]

Absolutely gorgeous in that warm green metallic- probably the most beautiful in that series I've seen. As capable as today's cars may be, as safe, as fast, as lithe, we'll sadly never see styling this lovely again.

[@byronf2112]

British muscle... I love it

[@mikeroper3437]

Harry’s jag then this. Got to be the best Sunday evening ever. Thanks chaps. Love the wiper blade detail. These things are very important.

[@iain_tyrrell]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@davesclassicgaragetours]

Any car fan arriving downunder always comments on the XD/XE Falcon's similarity to the Mk2 Ford Granada. I thought the massive centre console reminded me of the DBS's as well. Beautiful car, stunning colour. I once had the pleasure of a trip in an Oscar India in the hills outside Los Angeles. One of the most memorable journeys I've ever had.

[@craigsommerville2300]

Roger Moore’s car in The Persuaders? What a sound 😊 Thanks Iain!

[@jeremyfdavies]

What would I have given to be sitting in that car when Iain floored the throttle… what a car. Congrats on the video, I was hooked!

[@iain_tyrrell]

Thanks 👍

[@KeiranDavie]

10:50 that V8 sounds lovely

[@rayborg7378]

This all what true motoring is all about.What a lovely car .The service its been through makes all that special.The info one gets here is just mind boggling.There is no equal.

[@mrmoran0077]

In my opinion the best looking Aston, just gorgeous ❤️

[@Boric78]

I know you would expext Iain to at least get something slightly attractive. Maybe he is ill?

[@kramnam4716]

Agreed!

[@russcooke5671]

DB4 for me.

[@red00eye]

I've never had a better sounding Sunday!

[@ben_jam]

My favourite Aston, best shape and best sound

[@reighbh13]

i see where Harry chose his paint colour for his XJC V12. always loved the original DBS, makes me think of Lazenby and Moore. especially the gold example flying around the south of france. i am pretty sure the Persuaders DBS had the V8 styling but was still running the straight 6 due to the delays you mentioned in your video. Thanks again for an awesome video. ❤

[@richardhoulton4016]

The Persuaders car was a Vantage 6 cylinder that was made to look like a V8 because the V8 was delayed. The Lazenby car was a Vantage 6 cylinder too but you could tell that from the wire wheels which the V8s never wore. The Lazenby car has been restored and is in lovely condition living in Melbourne Australia.

[@reighbh13]

@Richard Houlton Thanks Richard

[@playingwithcars6169]

​@richardhoulton4016 oh that's cool about the Lazenby car. I had no idea that still existed.

[@reighbh13]

@@playingwithcars6169 yeah, it had the special Michelin tyres that screached under hard acceleration on sand :)

[@playingwithcars6169]

@@reighbh13 🤣 I have to get some of those!

[@darrenwendell1723]

I admire the love of engineering from this channel.

[@iain_tyrrell]

Thank you, it's great to hear you're enjoying watching.

[@chunkymonkey3594]

Came here to learn about cars, ended up Googling the meaning and etymology of "Parlous". Great stuff Ian.

[@gordonkachuk5457]

The early DBS V8"s were by far the most beautiful.

[@mz2288]

Not only did I enjoy it… I loved it! Fantastic installment. Thank you for sharing this lovely story and beautiful sound!!❤❤

[@darrenwendell1723]

The sound of that beast!

[@jamestreanor182]

That red countach in the background! ❤

[@1sostatic]

This is my all time favorite car ... gorgeous. ...one day I will save up enough for one of these.

[@stevesteve1965]

My favorite Aston in the correct colour. Thank you. ❤

[@iain_tyrrell]

One of mine too!

[@stevesteve1965]

@@iain_tyrrell a much nicer front and rear than the later Vantage.

[@kwato]

That lovely V8 sound 👌

[@iain_tyrrell]

It really is!

[@SharpblueCreative]

That is my absolute favourite Aston Martin - because of the Lasenby Bond movie.

[@G58]

Awesome V8. There’s nothing like a real Aston. Thank you for sharing.

[@kittonsmitton]

Love the sound and fury, not to mention the colour. Great video Iain, thank you!

[@iain_tyrrell]

Glad you enjoyed it - appreciate the kind words.

[@A_Eichler]

Iain, your videos are absolutely top notch. Thank you!

[@iain_tyrrell]

Thank you, very kind.

[@barryhumphries4514]

Thank you! My favourite car since I was a child... Absolutely beautiful. 👀👍

[@spencerleeb]

Perfect combo of thuggish looks, power and sophistication.

[@philharding1]

Ian, I always enjoy your videos. This one reminds me of the time we borrowed a Volante from Aston (I worked at Rolls Royce) and I was out for a drive in the Cheshire lanes when turning left out of a junction it lost drive to the rear wheels and the nearside rear camber looked a little sorry for itself. I phoned up to say it would be coming back on a flat bed bed, and they told me it was Victor Gauntlett's own car, the only one they had not done a recall on to fix the issue. Whilst it was in good health prior to the fault, I couldn't help thinking this was a mans version of the TR6.

[@olivers.6420]

The best thing always is Ian's smile on the test drive!! The sound of this Aston is amazing!!

[@aviobrain]

I used to think the grille was a bit too cheesy grin but it has grown on me. Love this car and thank you Ian!

[@predatorgeoff6474]

1969 - The year when I felt that Britain was at it's very best. It's been going gradually downhill ever since in my honest but humble opinion.. We need to aspire to that greatness again as a nation! What a fantastic piece of British engineering .... Love it!

[@wallycustard1281]

I've always loved the DBS and doesn't it look splendid in that colour?

[@peterprice642]

One of your best Ian, thank you

[@iain_tyrrell]

Wow, thanks

[@helmutkrahn9337]

That music. Hallelujah!

[@steveprevett]

Out of interest I ran a manual DBSV8 from 2000 to 2021 and after the injection was sorted early on it needed virtually no re-adjustment at all. I would put it away for winter, get it out 4 or 5 months later and it was spot on. There is a ‘volume up’ video on KZbin ‘Aston Martin DBSV8 autumn run’ if you would like some more listening pleasure…

[@davidepperson2376]

Link?

[@carza355]

Fantastic to hear one of these engines! Sounds really fantastic.

[@patrickmiller1710]

Another beautiful classy video. Thank you Mr. Tyrrell.

[@pommycalva]

Music to my ears that engine sound👌🙏

[@mortdk]

Incredible how addictive this is.

[@iain_tyrrell]

I'm glad you liked it. You can rewatch it as many times as you like. You have my permission.

[@minicooper2572]

Always love seeing a DBS on the road

[@kiddoduke2103]

Maybe it’s me but I see Mk3 cortina in that front end?

[@stephenholland5930]

​@@kiddoduke2103 Cortina Mark 2 front indicator/side light units.

[@corrbhan5138]

Thank you for yet another great video on a stunning car! Oh, and I just love the colour.

[@brettrogers8482]

I've never heard an early Aston V8 running. I had no idea they sounded so good Iain. Thank you for the insight into their early foray with fuel injection. Very interesting, as your videos invariably are. Best, Brett

[@dimik3855]

Thank you Iain for a wonderful review of an exceptional British machine. I have had the luck and privilege of feeling first-hand the sound and acceleration of this Aston. It is without a doubt a refined brute. An everyday calm and composed manner can effortlessly be blipped into an exhilarating beast. These V8's were the last old-school production models that had this kind of cool factor.

[@henryviii6341]

❤️ the Aston. Beautiful graceful and incredible sound. and what a colour. Often overlooked as too ‘American’ to be rated alongside the DB5 or 6 , I think it’s a tad large and wide to be sure but it’s got a presence you can’t deny.

[@iain_tyrrell]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@samrodian919]

Well now we're really know why it's a tad wide lol

[@kobuserasmus2934]

Yeah, proper British muscle car, fantastic 👏🏻

[@iain_tyrrell]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@RickCT2000]

DEAR GOD - the V8 sound is extraordinary. Pure Heaven.

[@johnjoseph911]

Perfect colour and what an engine…

[@TheAslakVind]

Mr Tyrrell, I have been dreaming of this car and the Vantage since I was a wee boy. Thank you for covering it, such a beauty with British power. As always a great video! On another note; I guess the security guards at the gateare getting used to all the supercars wanting in!

[@iain_tyrrell]

Thank you, so glad you enjoyed it.

[@TheKiteless]

That engine note is just wonderful!

[@garychilds1130]

Ian a man that has done the home work and knows what he is taking about

[@crolla1234]

Am in love with an Aston Martin v8.❤

[@lindaoffenbach]

Absolutely electrifying! Such a stunner and I'm chuffed to bits seeing her finally making the show. The development story is quite remarkable. Aston had it spot on with the V8 in the end I think. I've seen one with a 6 being restored many years ago (taking ages) and the styling of this particular design has always made my heart pounding. The result wasn't near this immaculate piece of work I must say, but we are of course witnessing Tyrrell's here. Done brilliantly 💓 Happy Easter 🥚🐣🐇

[@richardsheil5289]

Straight 6

[@tonyjonesbassoonwhippet2271]

Love these things! Stunning machine!😍

[@iain_tyrrell]

Thank you!

[@marksmith762]

The roar from those exhaust pipes are amazing

[@mattmcnulty7191]

Wow, I loved that!! As a young teen I got to drive these. My dads best friend had a classic car resto business (mainly Alfa 105's), and he had 4 of them DBS V8's of his own. He was banned from driving (4 year suspended prison sentence for speeding in one of his Astons - The judge said he was doing suffiicently close to 160 miles per hour on the public highway which warranted the ban!😮😂) so i used to chauffeur him around! I have to be honest he took me out in it one night on the A47 between Wisbech and Peterborough and just told to me to put my foot down and keep it there. As a 21 year old it felt like a Rocketship and I bottled out at 120 because it got there so quick. The grunt in 2nd and 3rd was just scary!!!! It scared the absolute crap out of me I wont lie! He then said I dont want you to ever do that again, this car will kill you as soon as look at you! Play with the Alfa's, you can drive them at 10 tenths, not these!! It was a dark metallic green DBS V8, 1971, fuel injection manual... it was his very favourite. He also had a red carb manual, a white carb auto and a gorgeous black volante as well. Absolutely stupendous things, which spat flames on the overrun. I'll never forget how lucky I was to drive them. That xample you have there Ian reminds me of that time and hearing that engine brought it all back. Wonderful sound and feel!! Thanks for the memories!!

[@nodrog777]

The best of the best. Loved everything about this episode. Such an iconic car, and, in my opinion, the best-looking of all the 60s Aston models. Like some others mention here, I fell for this car via Roger Moore and 'The Persuaders' - specifically the shots in the opening titles, but the colour on this one wins out over the gold in that programme, for me. And what a fantastic sound that V8 makes! I would buy this in a heartbeat (if I won the lottery, sadly haha)