We’ve all got those aspects of the car world that we really love, for me there are probably three facets of car culture that really tickle my fancy: Formula 1, Aston Martins and fancy station wagons. Now, I’ve discovered a one-off motor that combines two of those loves into one dream machine.
An Aston Martin that’s been turned into a station wagon isn’t a new thing, in fact we’ve already covered the rare Vanquish Zagato shooting brake and even the gorgeous DB5 shooting brake. Both excellent cars, I’m sure you’ll agree, but they’re missing something.
They’re missing the rarity and awesome styling of this wonderful DBS shooting brake that’s just come across my desk. And Jalopnik, let me tell you, I am one smitten kitten.
Unlike the Vanquish shooting brake, which was one of 99 created as part of a collaboration between Aston and the Italian coachbuilder, the DBS is a one-of-a-kind beauty. It was built in 1970 by FLM Panelcraft for a very lucky Scottish owner, who wanted the awesome angular stylings of the DBS but with a bit more room for their collection of kilts and whisky, I assume.
The conversion work was carried out by FLM, which previously worked on station wagons based on the Aston Martin DB5 and DB6. The work gave the grand tourer a larger trunk space and came with bespoke rear windows to open up all that newfound area. There was also a Hillman Hunter tailgate at the rear and a full length roof rack, explains Aston Martins.
At the time of its construction, the DBS shooting brake cost more than double the price of the standard Aston, explains Aston fansite DBS Vantage. In 1970, a new DBS would set you back around £5,700 (about $7,100) while this one with its larger trunk and extra luggage capacity up top was closer to £10,000 ($12,600.) Despite forking out a small fortune for the one-off car, its original owner sold it in 1975, as DBS Vantage explains:
This shooting brake still exists and was entirely restored by its second owner John Billington who acquired the car in 1975. Originally in metallic ‘Garrison Green’ the car then was re-painted red before John Billington changed the color again in 1980, to metallic dark blue. Commonly known as an Aston Martin ‘DBS Estate,’ this shooting brake is equipped with three SU carburetors and a three-speed Borg Warner automatic gearbox.
After more than 40 years in Billington’s possession, the awesome Aston hit the auction block in 2012 when Bonhams sold it as part of an annual Aston Martin sale. Bidding for the rare motor reached £398,512, which honestly feels like a steal when you look at the prices of one-off luxury cars these days.
Maybe that bargain price is why no other DBS wagons were made, making it one of the rarest Aston Martins out there. In contrast, FLM Panelcraft built 12 DB5 shooting brakes and there are around eight station wagons based on the DB6.
