ASTON MARTIN - DB6(1965-1971) - Coupe

Caratteristiche

Descrizione

The Aston Martin DB6 is one of the most elegant and historically important grand tourers of the 1960s, representing the peak of Aston Martin’s classic “DB” lineage before the company moved into a new design era.



Origins and Development

The DB6 was introduced in 1965 as the successor to the highly successful DB5, which had already achieved global fame thanks to its association with James Bond. While the DB6 looked similar at first glance, it was a more mature, refined, and practical evolution rather than a radical redesign.

Aston Martin’s goal was to improve:

High-speed stability

Passenger comfort

Long-distance touring capability

These priorities reflected the DB6’s role as a true Grand Tourer, designed for fast continental travel rather than outright racing.



Design and Engineering

Exterior

Styled by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan

Retained the DB5’s proportions but with a longer wheelbase

Introduced the distinctive “Kamm tail” (cut-off rear)

Improved aerodynamic stability at high speeds

Reduced rear-end lift, a known issue on earlier DB models

Interior

More spacious rear seating than the DB5

Improved ventilation and comfort

High levels of hand-crafted luxury: leather, wool carpets, walnut trim

Mechanical Specifications

Engine: 4.0-liter inline-six

Output: ~282 bhp (standard), ~325 bhp (Vantage)

Top speed: ~150 mph (Vantage models)

Transmission:

5-speed ZF manual

Optional Borg-Warner automatic



Variants

DB6 (1965–1969)

The standard model

Focused on comfort and refinement

DB6 Vantage

Higher compression engine

Triple Weber carburetors

More performance-focused and rarer

DB6 Volante (Convertible)

Produced from 1966

One of the most elegant open-top GTs of its era

Far rarer than the coupe

DB6 vs Mark II

DB6 (1965–1969): Original design

Mark II (1969–1970):

Wider wheels

Flared wheel arches

Optional fuel injection

Built in smaller numbers



Cultural and Historical Significance

Unlike the DB5, the DB6 never officially appeared in a James Bond film

However, it became a favourite among royalty, industrialists, and celebrities

Famously owned by Sir Paul McCartney, whose DB6 gained legendary status after a psychedelic paint job in the late 1960s

The DB6 marked the end of the Touring-bodied DB era. Its successor, the DBS, signalled a shift toward a more modern, angular design language.



Legacy and Collectability

Today, the Aston Martin DB6 is prized for:

Its understated elegance compared to the DB5

Superior driving comfort

Classic British craftsmanship

Collectors often view it as:

More usable than the DB5

Slightly less famous, but arguably more refined

A purist’s choice among classic Aston Martins



In Summary

The Aston Martin DB6 represents:

The culmination of Aston Martin’s classic 1960s grand touring philosophy

A bridge between old-world craftsmanship and modern performance thinking

One of the finest expressions of British automotive elegance ever built

This Car



This 1969 Aston Martin DB6 was one of the last batch of cars built before the DB6 MKII was launched. Sold new by HR Owen in London and order in Silver Birch with Black trim, ther extras order at the time were:

Borg Warner Automatic Transmission

Air Conditioning

Power Steering

Immersion Heater

Front Seat Belts

Chrome wire Wheels

Heated Raer Screen

Three eared Wheel Spinners

Limited Slip Diff 3.54:1

Power Aerial

White Wall Tyres



The car was fitted with a Tudor/Webasto sunroof in period.



DB6/4070/R was Purchased by the current owner in 2006 and has been subject to a full stage by stage refurbishment with the following work carried out by known Aston Martin specialist:



New inner and outer side sills

New front end and wings

Total bare metal repaint in Caribbean Blue by Colbrook Ltd

New sunroof

Engine block welded by RS Williams and engine re-built to standard 4.0 litre specification by Chris Woodgate in 2013

Gearbox overhaul by Chris Woodgate

Refurbished oil cooler and coolant radiator and heater radiator

All new suspension and Brakes

New Avon Tyres

All chrome work by Darby plating

The list continues and all in keeping with the correct Aston Martin methods and specification.



A great driver's car and pretty a car not to worry about and accepted in any motoring event.