Filming of the series began in April 1970, not long after Aston Martin had introduced the DBSV8. AML were keen that their latest product would appear on the small screen yet all of the V8 powered cars were allocated to eager paying customers. So AML got around this by supplying a similar DBS, chassis DBS/5636/R, but with the latest spec GKN alloy wheels and DBSV8 badges so that on screen, it would appear that Sinclair was driving a real DBSV8.

The DBS was finished in the period colour of Bahama Yellow with Black hide interior. For filming, the car carried the personal number plate BS1 although this was not the real number for the car. The ‘BS1’ number plate was in fact was owned by circus impresario, Billy Smart who had given permission for it’s use.

Sadly, the series was not a sufficient commercial success. The British audience loved it as did audiences in France, Germany, Italy, Australia and many other countries, but it was less well liked in the vital US market. After only one series, the programme was canceled which then released Roger Moore to take up the role of James Bond. Interestingly, Roger Moore never got to drive an Aston Martin in a Bond film but did drive a modified DB5 in the 1981 comedy film, Cannonball Run. Following the show, The Persuaders car went on to Aston Martin dealer, H.R. Owen who sold the car to it’s first private owner carrying the correct plate, PPP6H. In the 1990’s, the car was fully restored over a two year period to original specification by Aston Martin Works Service.

After the car appeared at a number of high profile concours and events, the owner took the difficult decision to offer the car for sale at the 2014 Bonhams Aston Martin sale. The new owner, a divorce lawyer, allowed the car to be featured on the Channel 4 TV show, For the Love of Cars, in Spring 2015.