Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 54
1966 Aston Martin DB6 Sport Saloon Chassis no. DB6/2704/L Engine no. 400/2651
Sold for US$224,000 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 54
1966 Aston Martin DB6 Sport Saloon
1966 Aston Martin DB6 Sport Saloon
Chassis no. DB6/2704/L
Engine no. 400/2651
Chassis no. DB6/2704/L
Engine no. 400/2651
3,995cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Triple SU Carburetors
282bhp at 5,500rpm
5-Speed ZF Manual Transmission
Independent Front with Live Rear Axle Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*Delivered new to Canadian business magnate Jim Pattison
*Original left-hand drive and with the desirable ZF 5-speed
*Documented by copies of its factory build records
*Beautifully presented British motoring
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 CAR OFFERED
According to copies of factory build records, this DB6 was ordered new through Plimley Motors by Jim Pattison Ltd of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Pattison had gotten his start selling used cars and, in 1961, risked everything to open a Pontiac dealership in Vancouver that he would later parlay into dozens more dealership and stakes in grocery stores, tourist attractions, radio, hockey teams and more. He would eventually find himself listed as the richest Canadian in 2015.
But in 1966, Pattison was focused on getting his new DB6 to celebrate his burgeoning success. Finished from the factory in Mink over Dark Blue Connolly hides, options included 3.73:1 limited slip differential, chrome wheels, heated rear screen, Bosch Kohn radio, power operated aerial, 3-ear knock off wheels, dual Britax three-point seatbelts, and detachable headrests for both front seats. The Aston was completed and delivered on March 12, 1966.
It is not documented how long Pattison would retain the Aston. In 1995 the car was shipped to Japan. While there in 2005 it received a cosmetic restoration of the exterior including a repaint in silver metallic—but the original interior was retained. The DB6 came back to North America a bit over a year after its repaint and was purchased by the seller in 2007. In the past 16 years, only a dozen miles have been added, indicating that the car has been on largely static display. Following a mechanical recommissioning, this DB6 will no doubt provide ample enjoyment to the next owner.
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