1967 Aston Martin DB6 Vantage Sports Saloon
Chassis no. DB6/2891/R
Engine no. 400/4413/SVC

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 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 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 though 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, 11 horsepower more than in the DB5. A ZF five-speed manual gearbox was carried over from the latter, as was the option of Borg Warner automatic transmission, while 'Selectaride' driver-adjustable damping was standard equipment. The DB6 in Vantage trim could accelerate from 0-60mph in 6.0 seconds, 0-100 in 14.9 and attain a top speed of 152mph (244km/h) making it one of the fastest cars in the world (Autosport figures).

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. Saloon production totalled 1,327 units, including seven shooting brake conversions by Harold Radford.

Chassis number '2891/R' was originally manufactured in right-hand drive configuration but has since been converted to left-hand drive. The current vendor purchased the DB6 from Royal Automobile of La Baule, France in April 2008. On file, a copy of the sale invoice describes the colour scheme as Oyster Shell with red leather trim, and lists the following equipment: ZF five-speed gearbox, stainless exhaust, power steering and tinted glass. Offered with copy French registration papers, the DB6 has been stored since acquisition and will require re-commissioning before returning to the road.

Please note that this vehicle is not offered with any original registration documents, bidders should satisfy themselves as to registration requirements in their own jurisdiction. Please contact the department for further information.

Please note that if this vehicle remains within Belgium the reduced rate of Import VAT at 6% will be charged on the hammer price. Please note that if you purchase as an EU Company, the VAT amount will be calculated based on your registered country's rate. Import rates to other EU Countries may vary and an administration fee will be charged to prepare the necessary customs clearances with the Bonhams Customs Agents. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.