Lot 079: Aston Martin DB6 Mk2 Automatic

The ultimate development of David Brown's 'gentleman's express' concept of a GT car, the Aston Martin DB6 was launched at the 1965 Motor Show. From the front it was almost identical to the outgoing DB5 but in fact it was very slightly longer and higher to give improved room in the cockpit and provide greater stability at speed. The most obvious distinguishing feature is the Kamm tail, an aerodynamic aid that reputedly halved the lift that affected the rear of the DB4 and DB5 at high speeds. The hand-finished aluminium panels were also now attached to a conventional steel chassis, rather than using the complex Superleggera frame of old. Mechanically it was little changed and employed all-round coli-sprung suspension, four-wheel disc brakes and precise rack-and-pinion steering. The engine was the same fabulous Tadek Marek-designed four-litre straight-six, which developed 282bhp and 280lb/ft of torque  sufficient to propel the car to 60mph in just six seconds on its way to a top speed of 148mph. Borg-Warner automatic transmission was offered alongside the standard ZF five-speed gearbox, and for the first time there was optional power-assisted steering. The DB6 Mk2 was announced in August 1969, identified by distinct flared wheel arches accommodating wider tyres, a more substantial Borg & Beck clutch, a changed first gear ratio and power steering as standard. '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,' wrote Motor magazine. '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.' In all, just 1,567 DB6 models were sold before production came to an end in 1970, just 240 of which were Mk2 models. All are highly sought after today. First registered in June 1970, this automatic Mk2 model is one of the last cars made and has had just two owners from new, the first of whom, a Cheltenham lady, owned it right up until 1993. For the last 16 years it has belonged to the chairman of one of the UK's largest car dealerships and has been well maintained by his staff throughout that time. In 1996 it was treated to a full engine rebuild at 46,776 miles and has only covered some 3,000 miles since (it now has 49,900 miles on the clock). Appearing to be in very good condition throughout with a nicely patinated original dark blue leather interior, it comes with a fair amount of history showing regular maintenance and is currently MOTd until February 2010. It looks tremendous value at the guide price suggested today.