Lot 223: Aston Martin DB6 Mk1 Vantage Sports Saloon

The culmination of Aston-Martin's original line of 'DB' six-cylinder sports saloons, the DB6 was introduced in 1965. Recognisably related to the Touring-styled DB4 of 1958, the DB6 abandoned the Superleggera body structure of its predecessors in favour of a conventional steel fabrication. The wheelbase was now 4" longer than before, resulting in an extensive re-style with more-raked windscreen, raised roofline and re-shaped rear quarter windows. Opening front quarter lights made a re-appearance, but the major change was at the rear where a Kamm-style tail with spoiler improved the aerodynamics, greatly enhancing stability at high speeds. 'The tail lip halves the aerodynamic lift around maximum speed and brings in its train greater headroom and more luggage space,' revealed Motor magazine, concluding that the DB6 was one of the finest sportscars it had tested. '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. 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.' The Tadek Marek-designed 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 there was optional power-assisted steering. Motor clearly appreciated the power and poise of their test Vantage: 'In an effortless way that few other cars can match, the DB6 makes an overall speed limit of 70mph look quite ridiculous. At its maximum speed of more than twice this, it is reassuringly stable, probably more so than many cars struggling to maintain their 70mph convoy speed. If you need to stop from high speed the brakes are outstandingly powerful, a point which really needs remembering if there is a less well endowed vehicle behind; and the handling in both wet and dry conditions is superior to all but a couple of the production two-seater sportscars we have tested.' This manual transmission DB6 Vantage was sold new via Broadway Autos of Cricklewood to first owner W Miller & Sons Ltd of London E3 and originally registered 'LLB 111D'. The accompanying copy build sheet records the original livery as Dubonnet with black leather interior, and lists 'non-standard' equipment that included the Vantage engine, chromed wheels, heated rear screen, 3-ear hubcaps, Motorola radio and power-operated aerial. Although the build sheet lists SU carburettors, service records from 1967 suggest that the present Webers were fitted from new. From 1972 '2498/R' resided in New Zealand, returning to the UK in 2001 (all duties paid). The Aston then passed into the ownership of Mr Michael Ryan in the Republic of Ireland where it was registered '66 WW 504', forming part a small but distinguished stable of cars in that country. Its current owner acquired the Vantage in 2008. A total of circa 35,000 miles is currently displayed on the odometer and the car is described as in generally good condition, benefiting from a recent full service carried out by Aston London Service Centre (see invoices on file). Recently refinished in silver, 'NAB 886D' is offered with current MoT/road fund licence and Swansea V5.