Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 19
1966 Aston Martin DB6 Sport Saloon Chassis no. DB6/2542/LN Engine no. 400/2539
Sold for US$156,800 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 19
1966 Aston Martin DB6 Sport Saloon
Audrain Concours Auction|29 September 2023, 16:00 EDT|Newport, Rhode Island, International Tennis Hall of Fame
1966 Aston Martin DB6 Sport Saloon
Chassis no. DB6/2542/LN
Engine no. 400/2539
Chassis no. DB6/2542/LN
Engine no. 400/2539
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 Jamaican art patron Larry Wirth
*Original left-hand drive and well optioned
*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 purchased new by Larry Wirth of Kingston, Jamaica in February of 1966. An art collector and patron, Wirth's collection would form one of the core pillars of the National Gallery of Jamaica's collection.
But in 1966, Wirth was focused on getting his new DB6. Finished from the factory in Silver Birch over Dark Blue Connolly hides, options included Normalair Air Conditioning engine breather system, chrome wheels, heated rear screen, Fiam horns with changeover switch, Bosch Kohn TR radio, power operated aerial, 3-ear knock offs, dual Britax three-point seatbelts, Marchal driving lights, and 12 pints of anti-freeze. The Aston was delivered on February 26, 1966.
It is not documented how long Wirth would retain the Aston, but factory records appear to indicate he had it through at least June of 1971. By 2006, the Aston had made it to California in the collection of David Segura in Valencia. The current owner acquired the car in 2010 and in the past 13 years, only a handful of 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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