Footnotes

"Stage by stage, as the DB has become dominant in the Aston Martin strain, the successive cars have changed their image. Today the aim is to offer the maximum of luxury and refinement as well as the ultimate in road performance. The minor barbarities of so many great sports cars of the past are no longer acceptable – at least in the hand built models now leaving Newport Pagnell. Obviously such a car as the DB6 is expensive and exclusive but the value matches the price." – Autocar, 1966.

Last-of-the-line models are always sought after by discerning collectors, and few are more highly prized that the final flowering of the glorious 'David Brown' six-cylinder series. The culmination of Aston Martin's long-running line of 'DB' six-cylinder sports saloons and thus considered by many to be the last 'real' Aston, the DB6 had been introduced in 1965, updating the DB5. Although recognisably related to the Touring-styled DB4 of 1958, the DB6 abandoned the Carrozzeria Touring-developed Superleggera tubular body supporting structure of its predecessors in favour of a conventional steel fabrication while retaining the aluminium outer panels. Somewhat confusingly, 'Superleggera' badges continued to be applied by the bodyshop until stocks ran out!

Increased rear-seat space was the prime DB6 objective so the wheelbase was now 3¾" longer than before, resulting in an extensive re-style with more-raked windscreen, raised roofline, and reshaped rear quarter windows. Opening front quarter lights made a reappearance but the major change was at the rear where a Kamm-style tail with spoiler improved the aerodynamics, greatly enhancing stability at high speeds. These many dimensional changes were integrated most successfully, the DB6's overall length increasing by only 2". Indeed, but for the distinctive Kamm tail one might easily mistake it for a DB5.

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, complete with triple Webers. Borg-Warner automatic transmission was offered alongside the standard ZF five-speed gearbox, and for the first time there was optional power-assisted steering.

The accompanying (copy) guarantee form shows that '3225/R' was delivered new via Broadway Autos to Grants Plastics Ltd of London W2 and was first registered as 'PMT 321F'. The DB6 was finished in Dubonnet Rosso with black leather interior, and left the Newport Pagnell factory equipped with automatic transmission; power steering; heated rear screen; chrome road wheels; 3-ear hubcaps; and front safety belts. The only other ownership record on file is a copy of the car's most recent V5C showing Mr Michael John Collins (an AMOC member) as registered keeper (from 12th March 1985) and before him a Mr Brian Cook of Glasgow.

The current owner purchased the Aston at a UK auction in October 2011, at which time it was stated that it had covered a believed-genuine (but not warranted) 51,997 miles. Furthermore, the car was said to have had various works carried out shortly after its acquisition by Mr Collins (re-spray; new fuel pumps; front shock absorbers replaced; brake discs skimmed; brake callipers overhauled; new jacking points; new non-ferrous brake pipes). The DB6 was also understood to have been kept garaged and to have covered a mere 9,000 miles over the course of the preceding 26 years and, earlier in 2011, had completed a 250-mile round trip.

Accompanying documentation consists of copies of the 2011 purchase invoice, aforementioned build details, and now expired V5C.

Please note this Lot will attract the reduced import tax of 5% if it is to remain in the UK and, as it has been on static display, will require recommissioning prior to road use.