Footnotes

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, making 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.

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 1,567 saloons had been made, only 240 of which were to Mark 2 specification.

First registered on 16th March 1971, this late DB6 Mark 2 was first registered (as 'EPY 501J') to S F Craggs Esq of East Yorkshire, while the AMOC Register records a subsequent registration as 'GPE 650J'. The car was built with the optional Borg Warner automatic transmission, and left the factory finished in the classic combination of Silver Birch with black Connolly leather interior. Purchased from marque specialist Desmond Smail in September 2009, the Aston is offered with copies of the sales invoice, factory guarantee form, and its last - and expired as it has been exported - V5C Registration Certificate.

This rare MK2 has been on static display for a number of years and will require recommissioning prior to road use. Please also note the Lot will attract the reduced 5% import tariff if it is to remain in the UK.