Footnotes

"On taking over the DB6 one is immediately astonished by its flexibility. In spite of multiple carburettor chokes, it will idle through traffic like a dowager's limousine and will accelerate on a high gear in a manner which is rare even among the biggest V8 power units." - John Bolster, Autosport, 21st October 1966 (reviewing the DB6 Vantage).

The culmination of Aston-Martin's long-running line of 'DB' six-cylinder sports saloons, the DB6 was introduced in 1965. Recognisably related to the Touring-styled DB4 of 1958, the DB6 abandoned the Superleggera body structure of its predecessors in favour of a conventional steel fabrication. 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. Opening front quarter lights made a re-appearance, but the major change was at the rear where a Kamm-style tail with spoiler improved the aerodynamics, greatly enhancing stability at high speeds.

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. Borg-Warner automatic transmission was offered alongside the standard ZF five-speed gearbox, and for the first time there was optional power-assisted steering.
Introduced in July 1969, the DB6 Mark 2 incorporated many components shared with the new DBS, most obviously the latter's wider wheels, which necessitated flaring the front and rear wheelarches. All Mark 2 Vantages came with the highest (325bhp) 'C' state of tune, while all cars benefited from power-assisted steering as standard and could be ordered with AE Brico electronic fuel injection. Production lasted until November 1970, during which time 245 DB6 Mark 2s were manufactured, 71 of which were to Vantage specification, while only 46 left the factory fitted with the optional fuel injection.


'4163/R' comes with copy build details revealing that it was originally finished in Dubonnet Rosso with natural interior trim and first registered as '4 TTA', subsequently bearing the registration OCK 140H. The chassis stamping of DB6MK2FI/4163/R reveals as well that this was a car destined to be fitted with fuel injection, although Weber carburettors are now fitted. This car also has automatic transmission, giving it what must be a particularly rare specification. Recorded in the AMOC Register, the DB6 was purchased by the current vendor from marque specialist Desmond Smail in May 2008. Offered from long-term storage, the car will require re-commissioning before further use. Accompanying documentation consists of scans of the 2008 bill of sale, copy build details, and copy old-style V5C Registration Certificate.

Please note that if this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at 5% on the hammer price to clear customs. The administration for clearing customs is called a NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrival) and costs £350 (plus VAT). Both the Import VAT and NOVA charge will be added to the buyer's invoice. Please note that this fee does not include registering the vehicle in the UK. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released once customs is cleared. If you have any questions regarding customs, please contact the Motorcar Department.

Please note that this vehicle is only offered with a photocopy of its old registration document, bidders should satisfy themselves as to registration requirements in their own jurisdiction. Please contact the department for further information.