LOT 36

1966 Aston Martin DB6 Saloon Chassis no. DB6/2631/LN Engine no. 400/2536

Sold for US$168,000 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 36

1966 Aston Martin DB6 Saloon

Greenwich Concours d'Elegance Online Auction|25 October 2021, 13:00 EDT|Greenwich, Hagerty Garage + Social

1966 Aston Martin DB6 Saloon
Chassis no. DB6/2631/LN
Engine no. 400/2536

3,995cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Triple SU Carburetors
282bhp at 5,500rpm
3-Speed Borg Warner Automatic Transmission
Independent Front with Live Rear Axle Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Delivered new to Las Vegas Review-Journal publisher Donald Reynolds
*Original left-hand drive, Normalair A/C equipped
*Documented by copies of its factory build records
*Beautifully presented British motoring

Previewing in Bedford Hills, New York by appointment. Please contact [email protected] for scheduling.

THE ASTON MARTIN DB6

"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.

As one might imagine, Autocar found much to commend in the DB6 Vantage, remaking on the car's much improved handling, outstanding adhesion and exceptionally good braking figures. A mean maximum speed of 148mph was achieved, while the standing quarter-mile time of 14.5 seconds was the fastest the magazine had recorded for a four-seater. At 120mph the Aston was as effortlessly relaxed as other powerful cars at 80mph. "For high-speed open-road touring this Vantage DB6 is practically ideal," enthused Autocar's scribe, and few would disagree.

The 4.0-liter DOHC engine remained unchanged in standard triple-SU carburetor form but the Vantage specification unit with 9.4:1 compression ratio now developed a mighty 325bhp. A ZF five-speed manual gearbox was carried over from the latter, 'Selectaride' driver-adjustable damping was standard, and for the first time there was optional power-assisted steering available. Saloon production totaled 1,327 units, including seven shooting brake conversions by Harold Radford.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

According to copies of factory build records, this DB6 was ordered new by philanthropist and successful newspaper publisher of mostly rural papers—but also the owner of the Las Vegas Review-Journal—Mr. Donald W. Reynolds, Esquire of Las Vegas, Nevada through San Francisco-based British Motor Cars. Ordered new in Platinum over Black Connolly hides, options included the Borg Warner automatic transmission, Normalair Air Conditioning, 3.54:1 limited slip differential, chrome wire knock-off wheels, rear window defroster, Fiam horns with change over switch, dual Marchal fog lights, Bosch Koln radio with power aerial, and twin three-point Britax safety belts.

The early history of the car is at the time of cataloging unknown, but the car was in the collection of John Thorsson of Novato, California starting March of 1992. After 16 years of enjoyment by Mr. Thorsson, the DB6 was acquired by the present owner in 2008. On static display since purchase, it is now ready for some recommissioning and future enjoyment.

Footnotes

Please note, the title will be in transit.

Additional information

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