1969 Aston Martin DB6 Coupe

The Aston Martin DB4 model was introduced in 1958 and would be the first of a line that would culminate in the DB6 built between 1965 and 1969. Part of the DB4's success was general manager John Wyer's decision that the new car be styled in Italy, rather than by the Works. The design was courtesy of Touring of Milan and rested on a platform chassis that was the work of Aston martin's chief engineer Harold Beach. Power was from the new twin overhead camshaft engine that had been conceived by his colleague, Tadek Marek, and race tested in the DBR2 before it made its production debut in the DB4.

The DB5 was introduced in 1963 and brought with it an increase in engine displacement by enlarging the bore from 92 to 96mm. The 4.0 liter engine would be carried over to the DB6 for 1966. Power output on triple SU carburetors was rated at 282 horsepower, rising to 325 horsepower in Vantage specification on triple Webers. The standard transmission was a ZF five-speed manual gearbox with a Borg-Warner automatic available as optional equipment. For the first time, power-assisted steering was an option.

The DB6 was different from its DB5 sibling by having a longer wheelbase by 3.75-inches. The result was more room for the rear passengers making it more of a family man's car. The bodywork had a slightly higher roofline than the DB4 and DB5, and featured an aerodynamically efficient abbreviated 'Kamm' tail.

This particular DB6 was sent from Newport Pagnell on May 16th of 1969 and delivered to H.R. Owen Limited in London. It was a right-hand drive finished in Aluminum Silver over Dark Blue leather. During a restoration, the car was expertly converted to left-hand drive and re-trimmed in Dark Blue paint over red leather. It retains its original straight six, though it has been up-rated to Vantage specification. Power is still routed through a five-speed ZF manual transmission. It has been given a Harvey Bailey Handling package that was fitted along with a telescopic rear shock conversion. Modern air conditioning has also been fitted.

The car has recently been cared for by John Carr of Norfolk, Virginia.

In 2013, the car was offered for sale at Bonhams Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $285,500 including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2013