been warmly welcomed!

The factory build sheet shows DBS/5072/RAC was sold to a Demetrios Z. Pierides of Farmagusta, Cypress on 28 June 1968. The owner at the time of the prototype V-8 conversion in early 1974 was likely a Mr. P. Harris. Mr. G. Russell of Bournemouth is indicated by a 1981 re-upholstery invoice, and by 1983 a Mr. Tibble in Hertford-shire is named on an AML parts purchase invoice. Pranged on the left front, it was sold stateside to A.H. Spencer of Buffalo, New York. In 1989, after driving the car and pronouncing it "scary fast," he sold it to Chris Nelson, a Canadian who kept it a further 15 years, carrying out a total body and mechanical restoration.

In 2004 the previous owner, an ex-Chairman of the AMOC East/USA, bought DBS/5072/ RAC. After 10 years or so in an unheated barn, another mechanical refurbishment was in order. It is almost easier to list what wasn't done, but suffice it to say that the engine, fuel injection, suspension, clutch, braking system and the electrics were renewed. Since club track days were anticipated, performance improvements were also carried out. An HD suspension, four springs, four shocks and front and rear anti-sway bars, as well as an oil cooler kit and "MSD" electronic ignition kit, were fitted. A rare Vantage V-8 three-piece alloy boot-lid spoiler was also sourced and installed.

Fully U.K.-registered, this interesting DBS has recently benefitted from various cosmetic improvements and a replacement clutch and is supplied with a current MoT certificate. DBS/5072/RAC, with its exceedingly rare prototype V-8, V/535/001/PX, will be a satisfying acquisition for a collector who wants to exploit its dual purpose nature, road and track, in the varied venues offered by the Aston Martin Owners Club.

Editorial Note: The James Bond film franchise is one of the most popular in movie history. And no marque is more connected to England's most famous agent than Aston Martin.

It started with the gadget-laden DB5 driven by Sir Sean Connery from the series' best-known movie, Goldfinger. And for almost 50 years, while Secret Agent 007 has driven many cars, it is the Silver Birch DB5 for which he is best known.

The Silver Birch DB5 offered by RM Auctions is the same as that featured in Goldfinger and is expected to bring more than $1,000,000 when it crosses the block in London on 26 October.

A version of the DBS similar to the car offered here was featured in the 1969 movie On Her Majesty's Secret Service, the only time that George Lazenby filled 007's shoes. It is expected to bring $100,000 when it goes across the block.

A third Aston Martin with a Bond connection will be avail-able at RM's London event, a 1989 Aston Martin V8 coupe (not profiled here) not dissimilar to the car driven by Timothy Dalton in the 1987 movie The Living Daylights.

More information on this sale, including complete details on all the lots, is available at the RM Auctions website. --Richard Truesdell

See a photo gallery of these classic Aston Martins.