Lot 207: Aston Martin DB6

The DB6 came along as the last of the line in 1965 and Aston Martin had high hopes of actually turning a profit from this improved version of the DB range. Unfortunately, 1966 saw the introduction of swingeing credit controls, which depressed the whole motor car industry, let alone the top end section of the market. The DB6 was only designed to be in production for two years but because of long delays with the new DBS V8, the DB6 remained in production for 5 years. The seeds of the DB6 were sown way back in 1960, when Tadek Marek modified the platform chassis, of a DB4, by letting-in an extra 92mm, which meant that four adults could be accommodated, rather than two. The factory designation for the car was DP200/1 and the car was registered 4 YMC. This 2+2 DB4 underwent extensive testing, with the exception of wind tunnel testing. In 1964 the decision was made that the successor of the DB5 would be wide enough to be able to use the new Aston Martin V8 engine and be a four seater. The design of the car was entrusted to Touring of Milan and Harold Beach began work on a new cruciform chassis. The project was designated MP220, rather than the usual DP prefixed number. As we now know, the V8 engine would take another 6 years to reach production so the DB6 continued to use the 4.0 straight six. The DB6 looked very much like the 4 and 5 but it differed in important areas. The rear boot spoiler aided handling, the split front bumper allowed for an oil cooler grill to be let into the front valance and quarter-light windows were used to take up the extra length in the doors. Offered here is a 1967 DB6 Saloon, which is equipped with the ZF, 5-speed manual transmission and is described as being in excellent condition and is accompanied by an extensive history file. Finished in Dubbonet Rosso with tan hide, the car sits on Borrani chrome wire wheels and is said to drive superbly. With DB4 and DB5 cars now making up to £200,000 the DB6 offers quite outstanding value for money, while stiff offering that beautiful Touring of Milan styling and dohc, straight six engine.