• Year of manufacture 
    1967
  • Chassis number 
    DBVC/3618/R
  • Lot number 
    337
  • Drive 
    LHD
  • Condition 
    Used
  • Number of seats 
    2
  • Location
    United Kingdom
  • Exterior colour 
    Other
  • Drivetrain 
    2wd
  • Fuel type 
    Petrol

Description

1967 Aston Martin DB6 Vantage Volante
Registration no. KDD 950E
Chassis no. DBVC/3618/R

'On taking over the DB6 one is immediately astonished by its flexibility. In spite of multiple carburettor chokes, it will idle through traffic like a dowager's limousine and will accelerate on a high gear in a manner which is rare even among the biggest V8 power units.' - John Bolster on the DB6 Vantage, Autosport, 21st October 1966.

The culmination of Aston-Martin's long-running six-cylinder 'DB' line, the DB6 was launched at the Paris and London Motor Shows in 1965 and was recognisably related to the Touring-styled DB4 of 1958. The wheelbase was now 4" longer than before, resulting in an extensive restyle with more-raked windscreen, raised roofline and reshaped rear quarter windows. Although apparently a bigger car than its predecessors, the weight of the new model was in fact only fractionally increased. Opening front quarter lights made a reappearance but the major change was at the rear where a Kamm-style tail with spoiler marginally reduced aerodynamic drag.

The Tadek Marek-designed double-overhead-camshaft 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 power-assisted steering was available.

After 37 Volante convertibles had been completed on the DB5 short-wheelbase chassis, the model adopted the longer DB6 chassis in October 1966. Distinguishable by its flared wheelarches and DBS wheels, the DB6 Mark 2 introduced in 1969 could be had with AE Brico electronic fuel injection. In total, 1,575 DB6 saloons were made between 1965 and 1970, plus 178 of the long-wheelbase Volante convertibles.

One of 140 DB6 Volantes Mark 1s made, and one of only 29 with the Vantage engine, '3618/R' was sold new via Plough Motors to Marwin (Anstey) Ltd of Anstey, Leicestershire and first registered as 'KDD 950E'. The accompanying copy guarantee form reveals that the DB6 was delivered finished in Olive with black trim, and that it left the factory equipped with the Vantage engine, ZF five-speed manual gearbox, chrome road wheels, 3-ear hubcaps, power operated aerial, detachable headrest in black, and a limited-slip differential with 3.73:1 final drive ratio. Servicing is recorded up to early 1970 and there are two further owners listed: a Mr Dynes of Leicester Tyre & Battery Sales and Mr R H Williams of Caernarvonshire, North Wales. The car appears to have been in North Wales by April 1970. Three further owners are known to the AMOC: A R Pilkington of Kingsley, Cheshire (1977-1979); B R Gell (1980); and M M Wells, London (1981-1982).

The current vendor purchased 'KDD 950E' at a London auction in December 1989 (at 53,000 miles). The Aston remained in London with the owner and was regularly serviced by Ian Mason (in 1990, 1991, 1995, and 1998). The vendor then moved the car to his country house, and subsequently it was looked after by Portfield Sports Cars (2001) and then Harwoods (2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2012). The owner then moved overseas and the Aston was sent to Classic Car Storage where it has been for the last four years. Maintenance during this period was entrusted to a general mechanic, as evidenced by numerous bills on file. The latter also contains numerous MoT certificates, the most recent of which was issued in April 2018.

'KDD 950E' is unusual in so far as it has never been restored (albeit a colour change) and retains its original interior trim, the latter nicely patinated. Now over 50 years old, this beautiful and rare Aston Martin convertible would benefit from cosmetic refurbishment to return to former glory and delight its fortunate next owner.


Bonhams 1793
101 New Bond Street
London
W1S 1SR
United Kingdom
Contact Person Kontaktperson
First name 
Bonhams Collectors’ Car department

Phone 
+44-2074685801
Fax 
+44-2074477401