Gregor Wenner
Specialist Consultant
LOT 151 *
1969 Aston Martin DB6 Sports Saloon Chassis no. DB6/4074/L Engine no. 400/3496
Sold for €178,250 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 151*
Delivered new to Belgium, factory left hand drive & manual gearbox example
1969 Aston Martin DB6 Sports Saloon
1969 Aston Martin DB6 Sports Saloon
1969 Aston Martin DB6 Sports Saloon
Chassis no. DB6/4074/L
Engine no. 400/3496
Chassis no. DB6/4074/L
Engine no. 400/3496
• Desirable five-speed manual transmission
• Present ownership since 2006
• Offered from long-term dry storage
• Requires recommissioning
Last-of-the-line models are always sought after by discerning collectors, and few are more highly prized that the final flowering of the glorious 'David Brown' six-cylinder series. The culmination of Aston Martin's long-running line of 'DB' six-cylinder sports saloons and thus considered by many to be the last 'real' Aston, the DB6 had been introduced in 1965, updating the DB5. Although recognisably related to the Touring-styled DB4 of 1958, the DB6 abandoned the Carrozzeria Touring-developed Superleggera tubular body supporting structure of its predecessors in favour of a conventional steel fabrication while retaining the aluminium outer panels. Somewhat confusingly, 'Superleggera' badges continued to be applied by the bodyshop until stocks ran out!
Increased rear-seat space was the prime DB6 objective so the wheelbase was now 3¾" 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 reappearance but the major change was at the rear where a Kamm-style tail with spoiler improved the aerodynamics, greatly enhancing stability at high speeds. These many dimensional changes were integrated most successfully, the DB6's overall length increasing by only 2". Indeed, but for the distinctive Kamm tail one might easily mistake it for a DB5.
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, complete with triple Webers. Borg-Warner automatic transmission was offered alongside the standard ZF five-speed gearbox, and for the first time there was optional power-assisted steering.
The accompanying (copy) factory paperwork records that left-hand drive chassis '4074/L' was completed in March 1969 and delivered new to Belgium finished in Silver Birch with dark blue interior trim, the engine number recorded is 400/4255 and the car was delivered new with manual transmission. Original items of special equipment included the engine breather system; chrome road wheels; heated rear screen; three-ear hubcaps; and a power operated aerial. Fitted with a type-correct engine (number 400/3496), the current owner purchasedthe Aston privately from its German owner on 13th May 2006 (bill of sale on file). Since acquisition the Aston has been kept dry stored as part of the owner's extensive private collection in the Middle East. Recommissioning will be required before it returns to the road. Additional documentation includes assorted correspondence and sundry bills and photocopies of old registration papers. The car is sold with a cancelled German registration from 2005.
Please note that if this vehicle remains within Belgium the reduced rate of Import VAT at 6% will be charged on the hammer price. Please note that if you purchase as an EU Company, the VAT amount will be calculated based on your registered country's rate. Import rates to other EU Countries may vary and an administration fee will be charged to prepare the necessary customs clearances with the Bonhams Customs Agents. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.
Please note that this vehicle is offered without any original registration documents, bidders should satisfy themselves as to registration requirements in their own jurisdiction. Please contact the department for further information.
• Present ownership since 2006
• Offered from long-term dry storage
• Requires recommissioning
Last-of-the-line models are always sought after by discerning collectors, and few are more highly prized that the final flowering of the glorious 'David Brown' six-cylinder series. The culmination of Aston Martin's long-running line of 'DB' six-cylinder sports saloons and thus considered by many to be the last 'real' Aston, the DB6 had been introduced in 1965, updating the DB5. Although recognisably related to the Touring-styled DB4 of 1958, the DB6 abandoned the Carrozzeria Touring-developed Superleggera tubular body supporting structure of its predecessors in favour of a conventional steel fabrication while retaining the aluminium outer panels. Somewhat confusingly, 'Superleggera' badges continued to be applied by the bodyshop until stocks ran out!
Increased rear-seat space was the prime DB6 objective so the wheelbase was now 3¾" 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 reappearance but the major change was at the rear where a Kamm-style tail with spoiler improved the aerodynamics, greatly enhancing stability at high speeds. These many dimensional changes were integrated most successfully, the DB6's overall length increasing by only 2". Indeed, but for the distinctive Kamm tail one might easily mistake it for a DB5.
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, complete with triple Webers. Borg-Warner automatic transmission was offered alongside the standard ZF five-speed gearbox, and for the first time there was optional power-assisted steering.
The accompanying (copy) factory paperwork records that left-hand drive chassis '4074/L' was completed in March 1969 and delivered new to Belgium finished in Silver Birch with dark blue interior trim, the engine number recorded is 400/4255 and the car was delivered new with manual transmission. Original items of special equipment included the engine breather system; chrome road wheels; heated rear screen; three-ear hubcaps; and a power operated aerial. Fitted with a type-correct engine (number 400/3496), the current owner purchasedthe Aston privately from its German owner on 13th May 2006 (bill of sale on file). Since acquisition the Aston has been kept dry stored as part of the owner's extensive private collection in the Middle East. Recommissioning will be required before it returns to the road. Additional documentation includes assorted correspondence and sundry bills and photocopies of old registration papers. The car is sold with a cancelled German registration from 2005.
Please note that if this vehicle remains within Belgium the reduced rate of Import VAT at 6% will be charged on the hammer price. Please note that if you purchase as an EU Company, the VAT amount will be calculated based on your registered country's rate. Import rates to other EU Countries may vary and an administration fee will be charged to prepare the necessary customs clearances with the Bonhams Customs Agents. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.
Please note that this vehicle is offered without any original registration documents, bidders should satisfy themselves as to registration requirements in their own jurisdiction. Please contact the department for further information.
Saleroom notices
We are pleased to confirm this lot comes with an original, old German title. Please note that the engine is ceased on this car and does not turn by hand.
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
- 5 October 2023, 10:00 - 18:00 CEST
- 6 October 2023, 10:00 - 18:00 CEST
- 7 October 2023, 10:00 - 18:00 CEST
- 8 October 2023, 09:00 - 12:00 CEST
Lot symbols
| * | Import low rate |
| TVA sur les articles importés à un taux préférentiel sur le prix d'adjudication et au taux en vigueur sur la Commission d'achat. Merci de prendre contact avec le département ou les transporteurs que nous recommandons pour plus d'information. VAT on imported items at a reduced rate on hammer price and the prevailing rate on buyer's premium. Please speak to the Department or our recommended shippers for further information. BTW op ingevoerde goederen tegen het verlaagd tarief op de hamerprijs en het geldende tarief op de aankoopprovisie. Neem gerust contact op met het bevoegde departement of onze aanbevolen transporteurs voor verdere informatie. |
