1967 Aston Martin DB6 4.2-Litre Sports Saloon to Vantage Specification
Registration no. OMU 16E
Chassis no. DB6/2877/R
Engine no. 400/3035

'A glance around the paddock at ant British race meeting makes it clear that Aston Martins are much favoured by connoisseurs of sports cars. They offer a rare combination of flexibility and high performance, and their equipment and interior comfort suit them for city work without prejudice to their speed and acceleration on track or open road.' – Autocar.

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 had been introduced in 1965, updating the DB5. Although recognisably related to the Touring-styled DB4 of 1958, the DB6 abandoned the Carrozzeria Tourng-developed Superleggera body structure of its predecessors in favour of a conventional steel fabrication while retaining the aluminium outer panels. Autocar's tester was obviously unaware of the change, commenting on the car's 'alloy body panels on a light tubular framework.'

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 a 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 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, complete with triple Webers. Borg-Warner automatic transmission was offered alongside the standard ZF five-speed gearbox, and for the first time there was optional power-assisted steering.

Autocar found much to commend in the DB6 Vantage, remaking on the car's much improved handling, outstanding adhesion and exceptionally good braking figures. A mean maximum speed of 148mph was achieved, while the standing quarter-mile time of 14.5 seconds was the fastest the magazine had recorded for a four-seater. At 120mph the Aston was as effortlessly relaxed as other powerful cars at 80.

This example was upgraded in 1994 to full Vantage specification and 4.2 litres capacity by Beauxfield of Warrington, the cylinder head being rebuilt to unleaded specification, incorporating V8 cam followers and shims, in the process. The Aston had been bought by a Mr Steve Marsh in October 1987, and during 1989/90 was treated to a bare-metal body/chassis refurbishment and repaint by D&D Motors. In 1999 the interior was fully re-trimmed by Standish Car Trim and a set of Recaro seats re-covered to match (offered with car). A rebuilt ZF five-speed manual gearbox was fitted in 2003 together with a Powr-Lox limited-slip differential supplied and rebuilt by Beauxfield, while other noteworthy features include an original 'Aston Martin' radio, Cobra chromed wire wheels (supplied by MWS) and an Aston Engineering electric power steering rack (original differential and rack with car). Also included in the sale is an original DB6 instruction book, service manual, oil cooler, Helda rally odometer, Clifford alarm and an 'Aston Martin' car cover.

'OMU 16E' has various concours awards to its credit including 3rd at the 'Best of Bond' meeting in July 2012 and Car-Fest South's Aston Martin Seven class two years running. Currently MoT'd and taxed, the car is offered with all parts invoices dating from 1987 to date; all expired MoT certificates dating back to 1986; copies of all previous registration documents; and current V5C.