LOT 264

Offered from the estate of the late Peter Phillips 1969 Aston Martin DB6 Mark 2 Volante Convertible to Vantage Specification Registration no. BMU 947 Chassis no. DB6MK2VC/3754/R

Sold for £743,000 inc. premium

Previous Lot

Next Lot

Lot 264

Offered from the estate of the late Peter Phillips
1969 Aston Martin DB6 Mark 2 Volante Convertible to Vantage Specification
Registration no. BMU 947 Chassis no. DB6MK2VC/3754/R 

Goodwood Revival: Collector's Motor Cars and Automobilia|14 September 2019, 13:00 BST|Chichester, Goodwood

Offered from the estate of the late Peter Phillips
1969 Aston Martin DB6 Mark 2 Volante Convertible to Vantage Specification
Registration no. BMU 947
Chassis no. DB6MK2VC/3754/R 

*One of only 36 DB6 Mark 2 Volantes made
*Converted to Vantage specification by the factory
*Previous long-term enthusiast ownership
*Purchased by Peter Phillips in 2013
*Maintained by Stratton Motor Company

Footnotes

In 1958 Aston Martin introduced the DB4, 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 RS 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, RS 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 immediately preceding owner in the early 1980s 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.

Subsequently, Ian Mason and Aston Service London looked after the DB6, which at one time was part of the then owner's substantial private collection. Little used during that time, it nevertheless was very well cared for with regular servicing (major every three years), yearly oil changes, and being run to temperature for circa 200 miles annually. Peter Phillips purchased the Volante from the preceding owner in 2013 and immediately despatched the car to Stratton Motor Company for a thorough check over and rectification of any faults (see bills on file totalling almost £12,000). Not used for the last 18 months, it has nevertheless been started regularly and stored in a modern purpose-built car storage barn commissioned by Peter Phillips.

Offered with the aforementioned documentation, assorted expired MoTs, sundry service invoices and a V5C Registration Certificate, 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.

Saleroom notices

This car has successfully passed a fresh MOT prior to the Sale with an expiry date of 3rd September 2020.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
Like the vast majority of auctioneers Bonhams charge a Buyer's Premium on the Hammer Price of each Lot purchased and this is subject to VAT. Some lots may also be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price and these lots will be clearly marked with a symbol (†, Ω, *) printed beside the lot number.
For Automobilia the Buyer's Premium is 28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,001 up to and including £800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,001 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,001.
For Motor Cars and Vehicle Registration Numbers the Buyer's Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the hammer price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
A 3rd party bidding platform fee of 4% + VAT of the Hammer Price for Buyers using the following bidding platforms will be added to the invoices of successful Buyers for auctions starting on or after 6th July 2024 – Invaluable; Live Auctioneers; The Saleroom; Lot-tissimo.
VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Buyers Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
- Automobilia
- Cars