Brit Actor Steve Coogan Selling 1970 Aston Martin DBS V8 at Silverstone

By S.J. Bryan - July 11, 2019

Famous factory press car has been perfectly restored and is a highlight of the Silverstone Classic Sale, happening July 27 and 28.

Actor and comedian Steve Coogan is best known for his popular BBC show Alan Partridge, the Night at the Museum films, Tropic Thunder, and many other film and television projects. But when it comes to cars, the funnyman is a serious collector. He has a remarkable collection of classic cars, including a Porsche Carrera 4 and several Ferraris, that invokes a lot of envy. But now Coogan is selling off one of his most rare vehicles: a 1970 Aston Martin DBS V8.

The Aston Martin is on the docket at the upcoming Silverstone Classic Sale auction at the Silverstone Circuit in England on July 27-July 28. The 1970 Aston Martin DBS V8, which was the original factory press car, is a famous and stunning car that has a fascinating backstory.

Designed by William Towns, the Aston Martin DBS arrived in 1969 as a four-seater V8 capable of hitting 160 mph. At the time, it was being built alongside the DB6, which it was intended to replace. It was a clean, modern, dynamic car which featured the four headlamp styling until 1972.

This particular car was the original factory press car used to launch the new V8 model. In 1971, Motor Magazine took the car onto the unfinished M4 and tested it over a measured mile at an average speed of 160 mph, which at the time was a staggering performance.

After its time at Aston Martin, it was discovered in a field in Scotland in 1973. The DBS V8 was in rough shape. It underwent a restoration by specialists Chapman and Spooner. Coogan purchased the car in 2011 has taken excellent care of the car. It has been maintained by marque specialists Aston Engineering and Stratton Motor Company, with a number of invoices detailing the expert attention lavished on the car.

The DBS V8 is in outstanding condition, it is Dark Blue with black leather seats and a manual gearbox. It still has a Becker-Mexico radio but now has the modern convenience of iPod connectivity. The car has led an interesting life and is an important part of Aston Martin’s history.

When Coogan decided to sell the car, he turned to Silverstone auctions.

“We are delighted to have been asked by Steve Coogan to sell this magnificent and historically important car which is in outstanding and concours condition,” said Nick Whale, Managing Director of Silverstone Auctions. “He is obviously famous for his acting and comedy but is also a distinguished car collector and has really looked after this DBS V8.”