1967 Aston Martin DB6 Vantage

Original Left Hand Drive, Vantage Engine Production and Factory Air Con.

Correct Matching Numbers: One of Only Thirty Seven Cars Ever Produced.

EU Registered /EU Taxes Paid.

The culmination of Aston Martin’s long-running line of ‘DB’ six-cylinder sports saloons, and thus considered by many to be the last ‘real’ Aston, the DB6 was introduced in 1965, updating the DB5. Although recognisably related to the Touring-styled DB4 of 1958, the DB6 abandoned the Superleggera body structure of its predecessors in favour of a conventional steel fabrication while retaining the aluminium outer panels. Increased rear-seat space was the prime DB6 objective so the wheelbase was now 4″ longer than before, resulting in an extensive restyle with more-raked windscreen, raised roofline and reshaped rear quarter windows. Opening front quarter lights made reappearance but the major change was at the rear where a Kamm-style tail with spoiler improved the aerodynamics, greatly enhancing stability at high speeds. These many dimensional changes were integrated most successfully, the DB6’s overall length increasing by only 2″. Indeed, but for the distinctive Kamm tail one might easily mistake it for a DB5.

‘The tail lip halves the aerodynamic lift around maximum speed and brings in its train greater headroom and more luggage space,’ revealed Motor magazine, concluding that the DB6 was one of the finest sports cars it had tested. ‘The DB6 with its longer wheelbase and better headroom makes an Aston Martin available to the far wider four-seater market, and the design is in every way superior to the previous model. A purist might have thought that the longer wheelbase would affect the near-perfect balance of the DB5, but if anything the DB6 is better.’

The Tadek Marek-designed six-cylinder engine had been enlarged to 3,995cc for the preceding DB5 and remained unchanged. Power output on triple SU carburettors was 282bhp, rising to 325bhp in Vantage specification. Borg-Warner automatic transmission was offered alongside the standard ZF five-speed gearbox, and for the first time there was optional power-assisted steering.

Motor clearly appreciated the power and poise of their test Vantage: ‘In an effortless way that few other cars can match, the DB6 makes an overall speed limit of 70mph look quite ridiculous. At its maximum speed of more than twice this, it is reassuringly stable, probably more so than many cars struggling to maintain their 70mph convoy speed. If you need to stop from high speed the brakes are outstandingly powerful, a point which really needs remembering if there is a less well-endowed vehicle behind; and the handling in both wet and dry conditions is superior to all but a couple of the production two-seater sports cars we have tested.’

It is an irony that, having brought the original DB4 concept to perfection in the form of the DB6, Aston Martin chose to change direction with the larger DBS and successor V8-engined models. Today the accomplished DB6, despite being the most evolved and practical of the original DB family is also, somewhat paradoxically, the most affordable.

Our ultra-rare original manufactured, left hand drive DB6 Vantage was supplied new on the 14th March 1967
To Mr Malcom Starr, by the official sales agent J.S Inskip of New York, U.S.A.  This Concours prepared DB6 Vantage was commissioned to be built to following factory specification, as it is still presented today:

•    ZF 5 – Speed Transmission
•    Vantage Engine
•    Normalair Air Conditioning
•    Overriders to front & rear bumpers
•    Chrome Roadwheels
•    Heated Rear Screen
•    Power Operated Aerial
•    Three Eared Spinners
•    Bosch Koln TR Radio
•    Britax Seat Belts

Accompanying the motorcar is a comprehensive history file that includes:

•    Specialist Service invoices from 1990
•    Factory Build Sheet
•    BMIHT Certificate
•    Owner’s Manual /Instruction Book
•    Original Factory Parts Catalogue
•    Original Factory Workshop Manual

On Hexagon Classics acquisition the DB6 Vantage was sympathetically restored, these works included:

•    Bare metal repaint in the original manufacturer’s colour; Silver Birch
•    Re-trim in the correct and original manufacturer’s interior colour & specification hides; Connolly Bros Vaumol VM3282 – Dark Blue.
•    Re-trim of all carpeting in the original manufacturers specification; Dark Blue Wilton
•    Comprehensive mechanical overhaul to include new clutch, detailed engine compartment & the fitment of speed sensitive electric power steering.
•    New 72 Spoke Chrome Wire Wheels
•    New Avon Radial Tyres

Hexagon Classics are proud to offer this magnificent original left hand drive Aston Martin DB6 Vantage, to 4.2 litre specification, beautifully restored with outstanding service history and impeccable provenance, available for immediate viewing at our Kensington Showrooms.