 1967 DB6 | 1969 DB6  |
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1968 Aston Martin DB6 news, pictures, and information | ||
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 |  |  | Coupe Chassis Num: DB6/3398/R |
| Sold for $198,000 at 2012 RM Auctions. | |||
The DB series (so named honoring David Brown, the head of Aston Martin between 1947 and 1972) from Aston Martin was anything but new when it unveiled its DB4 in 1958. However, the DB4 would be different in so many ways from its predecessors. And yet, both the DB5 and the DB6 would bear a striking resemblance to its predecessor.
Built in Aston's Newport Pagnell facility in Buckinghamshire, England, the first model to be so built at the factory, the DB4 would be very much Italian. The tube-frame body would be designed by Carrozzeria Touring in Milan and would be built using Italian construction techniques. Blessed with a 240 hp engine and a nimble chassis, the model would become very popular and would be produced from 1958 through 1963.
The DB5 would represent the final, and perhaps most famous, evolution of the DB4. The new car would be fitted with such standards as reclining seats, electric windows, twin fuel tanks, full leather trim in the cabin and a body built to Supperleggera construction technology. Enjoying a 314 hp engine in the Vantage model, the DB5 certainly had more power and a higher top end speed than the original DB4. Here would be the car's weak point, and the point of introduction for the DB6.
Carrozzeria Touring of Milan had designed the body of the DB4 that then would be slightly altered to become the ever-popular DB5. It had been more than five years and the overall design had not changed all that much. Touring of Milan had put forth proposals for a replacement of the DB5, but all of them would be rejected as Aston Martin made the decision to do their own development.
Despite having a new facility in Newport Pagnell, Aston Martin wouldn't venture too far from the design that many had come to associate with the company. However, they would make some very important evolutions.
Wind tunnel tests verified that fastback styling of the car was actually producing aerodynamic lift, which meant the car was actually losing contact with the ground at high speed. To overcome this issue the most notable change between the DB6 and the DB5 would be used. Drawing great similarities to the Ferrari 250 Lusso or 275 GTB, a chopped Kamm-style tail would be employed. The lip-spoiler, called a Kammback tail, would help to keep the rear end planted firmly to the ground at speed and would help to give the new car a sporty look while the rest of it would be evolved along more practical lines.
The traditional DB enthusiast resisted the new rear end of the car precisely because it stopped being an Aston Martin and looked more like a copy of the Ferrari 250. However, the rest of the car would mellow the sporting aspects of the car's design making it a blend of practicality and performance.
The main effort of the DB6 was to provide more interior room, especially to the backseat. To achieve this, the DB6 would have a taller roofline that would give more headroom. The increase in height of the roofline meant the windshield would be positioned much more vertical than that of the DB4 and DB5. In addition to the car's height, the car's wheelbase would be stretched to provide more interior room. In all, the wheelbase would be stretched nearly four inches. These represented the majority of the changes to the chassis of the car. The rest of the differences would be found in the actual aesthetics.
Some of the aesthetic differences would include split front and rear bumpers and rear panels. The doors would also have the quarter windows reappear in their design. The oil-cooler air scoop would also be positioned low in the nose. Power steering would become an option for the DB6 as would air conditioning. One of the final details of the DB6 included the revised tail-light arrangement. Performance upgrades for the DB6 would include a standard five-speed manual or a three speed automatic gearbox, as well as, triple side-draft Weber carburetors capable of pushing power output to 325 hp.
All told, the greatest difference between the DB5 and the DB6 would come in the bodywork. This would be because almost the whole of the car underneath the body would be virtually identical to the DB5 including the same rear axle, running gear and suspension. While available on the DB5 at extra cost, the 'Powr-Lok' limited-slip differential and chrome wire wheels would be standard.
In spite of the purists, all of the changes and updates to the already popular styling would translate into the longest running of the DB line. In total, production of the DB6 would run from 1965 all the way to 1971. Over that time, 1,967 DB6s would be produced and one of those would be up for sale at the 2012 RM Auction in Arizona.
DB6/3398/R was built in 1968. The car would be sold in England to an Alexander Georgiadis through H.R. Owen, Limited of London. Some time in the mid-1970s, the car would make its way to the United States. Ultimately, it would end up in California under the ownership of Edward Mathers.
Mr. Mathers would own the car all the way up to 2003 when it would become the property of another. In 2006, the car underwent an exhaustive restoration by Jim Simpson at Contemporary Classics located in Clinton, Washington.
During that restoration the car would actually undergo an evolution. The car would be converted to left-hand drive and the engine would be upgraded to Vantage specifications. However, not surprisingly, the upgrade to the Vantage specifications would be matched with correct triple Weber carburetors. These evolutions alone would give the car 325 hp out of the 4.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine. This evolution would make this classic car enter a whole new world where top speed would increase up to 150 mph.
These evolutions wouldn't be the only work done to the car, however. The suspension would be fully rebuilt. This would include the popular and proven Steel Wings handling kit. The car would receive all new hydraulic components, as well as, a new wiring harness, stainless bumpers and entirely redone interior.
While not exactly fitting of a 1968 DB6, the car would receive some additional updates that would certainly make the car one of kind. Some of these updates include a CD stereo sound system and DB6 Mk2-style fender flares with the wider tires to match. While these updates may not have been your average option for the DB6 of 1968 they certainly do make for a stylish and handsome model of the longest running DB ever to be produced.
Given the fact the Prince of Wales owns a DB6 reflects that while the DB6 may not have quite carried along on the path forged by the DB4 and DB5, it still reflected those same iconic lines that made Aston Martin famous and the DB line one of the most memorable in automotive history.
Sources:
'Feature Lots: Lot No. 116: 1968 Aston Martin DB6', (http://www.rmauctions.com/FeatureCars.cfm?SaleCode=AZ12&CarID=r190&fc=0). RM Auctions. http://www.rmauctions.com/FeatureCars.cfm?SaleCode=AZ12&CarID=r190&fc=0. Retrieved 5 January 2012.
'Driven: 1961 Aston Martin DB4 GT', (http://www.classicdriver.com/uk/magazine/3600.asp?id=14964). Classic Driver. http://www.classicdriver.com/uk/magazine/3600.asp?id=14964. Retrieved 5 January 2012.
'Aston Martin', (http://auto.howstuffworks.com/aston-martin-sports-cars8.htm). HowStuffWorks: Reverse Engineering the World. http://auto.howstuffworks.com/aston-martin-sports-cars8.htm. Retrieved 5 January 2012.
Wikipedia contributors, 'Aston Martin DB6', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 21 October 2011, 23:17 UTC, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aston_Martin_DB6&oldid=456751915 accessed 5 January 2012
Wikipedia contributors, 'Aston Martin DB5', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 20 November 2011, 01:25 UTC, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aston_Martin_DB5&oldid=461518598 accessed 5 January 2012
Wikipedia contributors, 'Aston Martin DB4', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 9 November 2011, 15:38 UTC, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aston_Martin_DB4&oldid=459813262 accessed 5 January 2012 By Jeremy McMullen
 |  | Coupe Chassis Num: DB63232R |
| High bid of $130,000 at 2010 RM Auctions. (did not sell) Sold for $145,750 at 2011 RM Auctions. | ||
The 3995cc DOHC inline-six cylinder engine fitted with triple SU carburetors offered 282 horsepower and could propel the DB6 from rest to 60mph in about six seconds. Top speed was in the neighborhood of 150 mph. It total, just 1,321 DB6 coupes were built between 1965 and 1970.
This DB6 has been given a recent restoration and refinished in its original color of Dubonnet Red, and a complete new interior in natural tan Garrett leather. The optional Webasto sunroof was restored, a new stainless-steel exhaust system was installed, the bright-work was re-plated, and a full service was completed. Comprehensive mechanical work included a rebuild of the distributor and SU carburetors, a brake system overhaul including a power-booster rebuild, hydraulic lines replaced as required, a cooling system service performed with all hoses replaced and gearbox service.
In 2011, the car was offered for sale at RM Auctions' Arizona sale where it was estimated to sell for $175,000 - $200,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $145,750 including buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2012
 | Coupe Chassis Num: DB6/3340/LC Engine Num: 400/3437/VC | |
| Sold for $489,500 at 2012 Gooding & Company. | ||
The original owner, George M. Canon on Denver, Colorado, retained the car for 45 years. The car left the factory finished in Dubonnet Rosso over a black interior and equipped with the Vantage-specification engine, Coolaire air-conditioning, a heated rear window, power aerial, seatbelts, wing mirrors, whitewall tires and chrome wire wheels with two-eared hubs.
The car sold new for $10,494 plus a $75 charge for London delivery. The car was constructed on January 9th of 1968 and prepared for his arrival on month later. He took delivery on February 14th. A short time later, the car was sent to New York by boat.
During Mr. Canon's ownership, the car was well cared for and maintained. In 1976, the coachwork was repainted in its attractive original shade and, in 1993, M.P.H. Inc. of Englewood, Colorado, performed a complete rebuild of the engine.
In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. The car was estimated to sell for $400,000 - $500,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $489,500 inclusive of buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2012
 |  |  | Coupe Chassis Num: 400/3805 |
| Sold for $220,826 (€170,930) at 2012 Coys. | |||
In 2012, the car was offered for sale at Coys 'Legende et Passion' Monaco sale where it was estimated to sell for €120,000 - €140,000.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2012
Robert Bamford and Lionel Martin created the Aston Martin Company in 1913 for the sole purpose of racing. They built a car which sat atop an Isotta-Fraschini chassis. The name of the company was in honor to the Aston Clinton Hillclimb race combined with Lionel Martin's surname. After World War One they created their own cars which quickly gained a reputation for reliability and speed by setting many speed records. In 1924 the company was taken over by new ownership, which began a series of ownership changes for the company that lasted for many years.
After World War Two, the company was in financial distress and production was slow to resume. David Brown purchased the company in 1947, also purchased the Lagonda automobile company. Though his financial support brought the company back into existence, it was his charismatic designs that are responsible for its longevity and success. The DB series, David Browns initials, first appearing in 1957 are some of the most memorable and skillfully crafted designs of all time. They offered superior handling and power than most of their competitors. The aluminum body panels of the DB4 were part of the reason they were given the 'supperleggera' name, meaning superlight.
The DB6 was produced for a short period of time, lasting from 1965 through 1970 with only 1327 examples being created. They are the climax of David Brown's expression of a gentleman's ultimate touring motor car.
The DB6 was given styling cues from the DB4GT and DB5 but sat atop a chassis that had been extended by 3.75 inches to give extra room for the rear passengers. The DB5's followed the success of the DB4's and featured similar body work as the 2 door, 4 seater Saloon. Under the hood of the DB5 was a six-cylinder engine of 3995 cc displacement and capable of producing over 280 horsepower. The Vantage option increased the output rating to 314 bhp. Most of the DB5s featured a new ZF five-speed transmission. Unlike the DB4's, the DB5's were equipped with Electric windows and Selectaride type Armstrong Dampers. These were luxuries, but they also increased the weight of the vehicle and decreasing the overall performance. The zero-to-sixty time was 8.1 seconds with the top speed being in the neighborhood of 143 mph.
Instead of using a gracefully rounded DB5 tail, the DB6 now featured a rear spoiler. 1966 was the final year for Carrozzeria bodied Aston Martins. Instead of utilizing assembly lines, the Aston Martins were hand built. The specialized process of creating a vehicle took around 2900 man-hours, thus the low production figures.
A 4 liter six-cylinder engine could be found under the hood. The Vantage option included three twin-choke Weber 45DCOE9 carburetors and produced 325 horsepower. Top speed was just under 150 mph while zero-to-sixty took just 6.2 seconds. A five speed manual gearbox was standard as was the limited slip differential. The vehicle was suspended by an independent front suspension with coil springs and shocks. Stopping power was provided by disc brakes located on all four wheels. The interior continued the appeal of sophistication with Connolly leather and Wilton wool seats.
The DB6 was the final phase of evolution for the DB series. It is the pinnacle of style and performance and encompasses both form and function. The lightweight body, aggressive stance, potent engine, and perfectly tuned suspension continued the Aston Martin racing heritage without sacrificing care or comfort. It is the ultimate gentleman's sport car.
By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2006
For more information and related vehicles, click hereAfter World War Two, the company was in financial distress and production was slow to resume. David Brown purchased the company in 1947, also purchased the Lagonda automobile company. Though his financial support brought the company back into existence, it was his charismatic designs that are responsible for its longevity and success. The DB series, David Browns initials, first appearing in 1957 are some of the most memorable and skillfully crafted designs of all time. They offered superior handling and power than most of their competitors. The aluminum body panels of the DB4 were part of the reason they were given the 'supperleggera' name, meaning superlight.
The DB6 was produced for a short period of time, lasting from 1965 through 1970 with only 1327 examples being created. They are the climax of David Brown's expression of a gentleman's ultimate touring motor car.
The DB6 was given styling cues from the DB4GT and DB5 but sat atop a chassis that had been extended by 3.75 inches to give extra room for the rear passengers. The DB5's followed the success of the DB4's and featured similar body work as the 2 door, 4 seater Saloon. Under the hood of the DB5 was a six-cylinder engine of 3995 cc displacement and capable of producing over 280 horsepower. The Vantage option increased the output rating to 314 bhp. Most of the DB5s featured a new ZF five-speed transmission. Unlike the DB4's, the DB5's were equipped with Electric windows and Selectaride type Armstrong Dampers. These were luxuries, but they also increased the weight of the vehicle and decreasing the overall performance. The zero-to-sixty time was 8.1 seconds with the top speed being in the neighborhood of 143 mph.
Instead of using a gracefully rounded DB5 tail, the DB6 now featured a rear spoiler. 1966 was the final year for Carrozzeria bodied Aston Martins. Instead of utilizing assembly lines, the Aston Martins were hand built. The specialized process of creating a vehicle took around 2900 man-hours, thus the low production figures.
A 4 liter six-cylinder engine could be found under the hood. The Vantage option included three twin-choke Weber 45DCOE9 carburetors and produced 325 horsepower. Top speed was just under 150 mph while zero-to-sixty took just 6.2 seconds. A five speed manual gearbox was standard as was the limited slip differential. The vehicle was suspended by an independent front suspension with coil springs and shocks. Stopping power was provided by disc brakes located on all four wheels. The interior continued the appeal of sophistication with Connolly leather and Wilton wool seats.
The DB6 was the final phase of evolution for the DB series. It is the pinnacle of style and performance and encompasses both form and function. The lightweight body, aggressive stance, potent engine, and perfectly tuned suspension continued the Aston Martin racing heritage without sacrificing care or comfort. It is the ultimate gentleman's sport car.
By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2006
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| 1967 DB6 | 1969 DB6 |
