Lot 320: Aston Martin DB6 Mk2 Volante Convertible to Vantage specification

In 1958 Aston Martin introduced its DB4 model, the first of a line which culminated in the DB6 built between 1965 and 1969. A key factor in the success of the DB6's DB4 progenitor was general manager John Wyer's decision that the new car be styled in Italy, rather than by the works, and the commission was superbly executed by Touring of Milan. The platform chassis was the work of Aston Martin's chief engineer Harold Beach, while the new twin overhead camshaft engine had been conceived by his colleague, Tadek Marek, and race tested in the DBR2 before its production debut in the DB4. With the arrival of the DB5 in 1963, engine capacity was upped, by enlarging the bore from 92 to 96mm, from 3.7 to 4.0 litres and this power unit was carried over to the DB6 for 1966. Power output on triple SU carburettors was 282bhp, rising to 325bhp in Vantage specification on triple Webers. Borg-Warner automatic transmission was offered alongside the standard ZF five-speed manual gearbox, and for the first time power-assisted steering was an option. The DB6 differed from its predecessors in having a longer wheelbase which, at 8' 5¾, was 3¾ longer than that of the DB5. This meant more room for rear passengers, which made the DB6 more of a family man's car and helped it sell better than the earlier models in the series. The bodywork was distinctive, with a slightly higher roofline than the DB4 and DB5, and featured an aerodynamically efficient abbreviated 'Kamm' tail. Introduced at the same time as the saloon, the DB6 Volante convertible marked the first occasion that this evocative name had been applied to a soft-top Aston Martin. The stylish Volante offered four-seat accommodation and was generously appointed with leather upholstery, deep-pile carpets and an electrically operated hood. After 37 Volantes had been completed on the shorter-wheelbase chassis of the outgoing DB5, the convertible model adopted the DB6 chassis in 1966 and was first displayed in this form at that year's London Motor Show in October. In the summer of 1969 the Mark 2 DB6 was announced in saloon and convertible versions. Distinguishable by its flared wheelarches and DBS wheels, the DB6 Mark 2 came with power-assisted steering as standard and could be ordered with AE Brico electronic fuel injection. When DB6 production ceased in 1970, a total of 1,575 saloons had been made, plus 178 of the long-wheelbase Volante convertibles. One of 38 DB6 Mk2 Volantes made, this beautiful right-hand drive example is one of only nine fitted with the optional Vantage engine and ZF five-speed manual gearbox, and thus represents the model in its ultimate and most desirable form. Chassis number '3754' was delivered new via HR Owen Ltd finished in Silver Birch with black interior and matching hood. It is believed that the first owner was one Julian Sacker. The conversion to Vantage specification was carried out by Works Service within the first few years. In 1974 the car, which had been refinished in Imperial Purple with cream trim, was sold to geologist Alan Archer via R S Williams for £4,500. An AMOC member since 1953, Alan Archer was on the committee and looked after the register for many years. He was chairman in the late 1980s/early 1990s and latterly the archivist. During Alan Archer's ownership, R S Williams looked after the DB6, which was a regular AMOC concours entrant, winning the Fort Belvedere Concours' Portman Trophy in 1975 and the Knebworth Concours a couple of years later (see badges on glove box). The car was driven every summer to Geneva, Switzerland to attend the United Nations' 'The Law of the Sea Conference' where Mr Archer was a delegate. It has appeared in a TV film (title unknown) starring Alec McCowen and been featured twice in Thoroughbred & Classic Cars: November 1976 (cover) and May 1984 editions. 'BMU 947H' was purchased by the vendor in the early 1980s (when he was 23, having been to see it in his Ferrari Daytona!) and subsequently was cared for by Works Service. The colour was changed from Tourmaline Blue to the present Rolls-Royce Midnight Blue. During the 1990s, the car was serviced by Post Vintage Engineers Ltd, of Pool in Wharfedale, who carried out an extensive restoration during 1998/1999, including a repaint (see bills on file). Post Vintage fitted the modern CD changer in the boot and its concealed head unit in the cockpit. More recently, Ian Mason and Aston Service London have looked after the DB6, which at one time was part of a substantial private collection and is the last 'old' car to be sold after 25-plus years of ownership. Little used during this time, it has nevertheless been very well cared for with regular servicing (major every three years), yearly oil changes and run to temperature for circa 200 miles annually. The last full service was carried out within the last six months at a cost of £4,000. Offered with the aforementioned documentation, assorted expired MoTs, sundry service invoices and Swansea V5, this beautiful DB6 Vantage Volante represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most exclusive and highly sought after of post-war Aston Martins.