SKX IIJthe famous factory V8 press car. Tested in 1971 at an average of 160 mph on the M4 Currently owned by actor, comedianand distinguished car collector, Steve Coogan Superbly restored to the highest standards by marque experts Manual transmission, right-hand drive, V8 Fi, the Aston connoisseurs choice Amazing condition. Celebrity provenance and a real piece of Newport Pagnell historyAlthough always intended to house the new Tadek Marek-designed V8 engine, the Aston Martin DBS first appeared with the 4.0-litre 'six' of the concurrently produced DB6. Styled in-house by Bill Towns, the beautiful DBS caused quite a stir, 'Autocar' magazine observing that Without the aid of an Italian stylist the Newport Pagnell team came up with something as modern, handsome and Italianate as anything from the Turin coachbuilders at that time. A full four-seater, the DBS employed a platform-type chassis with independent suspension all round: wishbone and coil springs at the front, De Dion with Watts linkage at the rear. Bigger and more luxuriously appointed than the DB6, the heavier DBS disappointed some by virtue of its slightly reduced performance, but there were no complaints when the V8 arrived on the 27th September 1969.With an estimated 345bhp available from its 5,340cc, fuel-injected, four-cam engine, the DBS V8 could reach 100mph in under 14 seconds, running on to a top speed of 160mph - a staggering performance in those days and one which fully justified the claim that it was the fastest production car in the world.SKX 11J has been in the media spotlight since 1971. This, very special and significant motor car was the V8 'Factory press car', as tested and documented by Motor magazine at an average 160 mph over a measured mile, on the, as yet unfinished, M4 in 1971. This was an extended test of over 3,000 miles on behalf of 'Motor' magazine and over 20 years later one of their testers, Tony Dron, was re-acquainted with the car when they undertook an overview of the cars restoration. Pleasingly, the magazine article is included in the cars fascinating history file.Little is known about the car's history from leaving Aston Martin in 1973 until an enthusiast, Gordon Burns, remarkably discovered SKX 11J in a field in Scotland. It obviously needed a full restoration and Andy Chapman, of Chapman and Spooner, undertook the engine work and expert Gary Wright took on the interior refurbishment. Immediately after purchase, its next owner commissioned John Armitage to finely tune the chassis and the fuel injection system was entrusted to David Reed, from Aston specialists, Davron. After the work had been completed, knowledgeable Classic Car journalist, Mark Dixon, was invited to drive the car and, happily, acknowledged that the fuel injection system was working exactly as the car's designers had always intended and any gremlins were now fully sorted.Silverstone Auctions are proud to announce that the Aston now belongs to the multi BAFTA winning Academy award nominee, Steve Coogan, who has enlisted our services to offer this very special car at the Silverstone Classic on his behalf.Steve has owned the Aston since 2011 and it has clearly enjoyed a pampered life whilst under his caring ownership. Marque specialists, Aston Engineering and more recently, Stratton Motor Company have looked after the car for him and there are a number of invoices on file detailing the expert attention the car has received. The results of this expenditure are clear to see and the Aston presents superbly. Really the car needs to be seen to be appreciated and we encourage any interested party to come along to the Silverstone Classic and see for themselves.Presented in Dark Blue with black leather, a manual gearbox, and that famous fuel-injected V8 engine. It has iPod connectivity and pleasingly retains its Becker-Mexico radio. SKX 11J has lead an interesting life and is a significant piece of Newport Pagnell history. Combined with its current celebrity provenance and overall fantastic condition, Silverstone Auctions are naturally very proud to present this unrepeatable opportunity to the market.