Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 6
1966 Aston Martin DB6 Vantage Sport Saloon Chassis no. DB6/2541/L (see text) Engine no. 400/2582/V
Sold for US$280,000 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 6
1966 Aston Martin DB6 Vantage Sport Saloon
Audrain Concours Auction|29 September 2023, 16:00 EDT|Newport, Rhode Island, International Tennis Hall of Fame
1966 Aston Martin DB6 Vantage Sport Saloon
Chassis no. DB6/2541/L (see text)
Engine no. 400/2582/V
Chassis no. DB6/2541/L (see text)
Engine no. 400/2582/V
3,995cc DOHC 6-Cylinder Engine
Triple Weber 45DCOE Carburetors
325bhp at 5,500 rpm
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*Highly desirable, matching numbers DB6 Vantage
*Left-drive, 5-Speed manual transmission, A/C, and chrome wire wheels from new
*Accompanied 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, remarking 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
Ordered with the highly desirable Vantage specification, this DB6 was among the most powerful ever produced by the British make. This DB6 Vantage was ordered new through J.S. Inskip by the Old Colony Crushed Stone Company in Quincy, Massachusetts. Clearly they had crushed a lot of stone. Selecting the Vantage-spec more for an extra 40 ponies, the engine breather system, the desirable five-speed ZF manual transmission, Normalair air conditioning, 3.73:1 limited slip differential, heated rear screen, Firam horns for both town and country, dual front Britax three-point seat belts, chrome wheels with knock off hubs, Bosch Koln TR radio, power operated aerial, and dual Marchal fog lamps made this one of the most handsomely outfitted DB6s out there. Finished in Silver Birch over Red Connolly hides, the car was completed in the fall of 1966 and sent to the United States.
The early history of this Aston is not documented, but by 1993 the car had found its way to the Netherlands. It appears the car has been repainted in the original color and the entire interior has been fully retrimmed in red leather—including the dashboard. It should be noted that close inspection of the bottom of the left front frame section did not reveal a clearly stamped chassis number in the usual place, although it has been thickly painted. Today, the machine still shows well, having settled into a condition that would make it a fine touring car or driver.
Acquired by the current owner in June of 2006, the DB6 has been on static display for the past 17 years with only four miles added to the odometer in that time and, as such, mechanical recommissioning is recommended prior to active use. The DB6 is the last of the iconic DB Aston Martins from the '60s and, with its pure form and powerful Vantage engine, the example offered here is a must-have for any Aston Martin fan.
Triple Weber 45DCOE Carburetors
325bhp at 5,500 rpm
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*Highly desirable, matching numbers DB6 Vantage
*Left-drive, 5-Speed manual transmission, A/C, and chrome wire wheels from new
*Accompanied 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, remarking 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
Ordered with the highly desirable Vantage specification, this DB6 was among the most powerful ever produced by the British make. This DB6 Vantage was ordered new through J.S. Inskip by the Old Colony Crushed Stone Company in Quincy, Massachusetts. Clearly they had crushed a lot of stone. Selecting the Vantage-spec more for an extra 40 ponies, the engine breather system, the desirable five-speed ZF manual transmission, Normalair air conditioning, 3.73:1 limited slip differential, heated rear screen, Firam horns for both town and country, dual front Britax three-point seat belts, chrome wheels with knock off hubs, Bosch Koln TR radio, power operated aerial, and dual Marchal fog lamps made this one of the most handsomely outfitted DB6s out there. Finished in Silver Birch over Red Connolly hides, the car was completed in the fall of 1966 and sent to the United States.
The early history of this Aston is not documented, but by 1993 the car had found its way to the Netherlands. It appears the car has been repainted in the original color and the entire interior has been fully retrimmed in red leather—including the dashboard. It should be noted that close inspection of the bottom of the left front frame section did not reveal a clearly stamped chassis number in the usual place, although it has been thickly painted. Today, the machine still shows well, having settled into a condition that would make it a fine touring car or driver.
Acquired by the current owner in June of 2006, the DB6 has been on static display for the past 17 years with only four miles added to the odometer in that time and, as such, mechanical recommissioning is recommended prior to active use. The DB6 is the last of the iconic DB Aston Martins from the '60s and, with its pure form and powerful Vantage engine, the example offered here is a must-have for any Aston Martin fan.
Saleroom notices
Please note, this Aston Martin has its frame number clearly stamped in the original location on the right front suspension mount. A picture of the frame number can be seen in the gallery online.
Additional information
Looking for a similar item?
Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistSpecialist section
Auction Viewings
- 28 September 2023, 09:00 - 18:00 EDT
- 29 September 2023, 09:00 - 16:00 EDT
