1968 Aston Martin DB6 Volante

Registration no. not registered Chassis no. DBVC/3675/R

Footnotes

The culmination of Aston-Martin's long-running six-cylinder 'DB' line, the DB6 was launched at the Paris and London Motor Shows in 1965 and was recognisably related to the Touring-styled DB4 of 1958. The wheelbase was now 4" longer than before, resulting in an extensive re-style with more-raked windscreen, raised roofline and reshaped rear quarter windows. Although apparently a bigger car than its predecessors, the weight of the new model was in fact only fractionally increased. Opening front quarter lights made a reappearance but the major change was at the rear where a Kamm-style tail with spoiler marginally reduced aerodynamic drag.

The Tadek Marek-designed double-overhead-camshaft 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 power-assisted steering was available.
After 37 Volante convertibles had been completed on the DB5 short-wheelbase chassis, the model adopted the longer DB6 chassis in October 1966. Distinguishable by its flared wheelarches and DBS wheels, the DB6 Mark 2 introduced in 1969 could be had with AE Brico electronic fuel injection. A total of 1,575 DB6 saloons was made between 1965 and 1970, plus 178 of the long-wheelbase Volante convertibles.

One of 140 DB6 Volantes Mark 1s made, '3675/R' was sold new via H R Owen to Leslie Holt, Esq and registered as 'LES 1' on 4th March 1968. The accompanying copy order form reveals that the DB6 was delivered finished in black with matching trim. '3675/R' left the factory equipped with the ZF five-speed manual gearbox, chrome road wheels, 3-ear hubcaps, power operated aerial, front safety belts, and a limited-slip differential with 3.73:1 final drive ratio. The engine is currently on triple Weber carburettors, indicating that it has potentially been upgraded to Vantage specification, though it is not known when or by whom this was done.

Records held by the AMOC show that the Volante was owned by one R W H Masters circa 1976, followed by Michael J Malone of Seattle, USA from 1987 to 1990, during whose ownership it was shown at the Pebble Beach concours (in 1989). Subsequent known owners include J Cornet, London (1993 – 1998); H Winstanley, Northants (1999 – 2000); and D M Campion (2000 onwards).

The Volante is offered with the all-important Aston Martin Assured Provenance (issued January 2021). This certification states that the car has matching engine and gearbox numbers and is largely original (the audio system is an after-market fitting) and that no evidence was found of body repairs. The front brake callipers and master cylinder were fitted with new seals by Aston Martin Works in 2017, and the right front chassis leg repaired at the same time (heavy corrosion is noted on both rear outriggers). Having been stored for some time, this car may require recommissioning prior to road use.

The very pinnacle of British open-top motoring in the 1960s, this DB6 Volante benefits from a desirable colour scheme, manual transmission and is worthy of the closest inspection.