1965 Aston Martin DB6 Sports Saloon

• The tenth DB6 produced
• Converted from automatic to five-speed manual transmission
• Engine rebuilt by Rikki Cann in 1997
• Used for extensive European touring
• Driven to the sale

The tenth DB6 produced, chassis number '2360/ R' was completed at the Newport Pagnell factory on 29th October, 1965 and delivered on 14th February 1966 to W H Benham (Bournemouth Limited). The guarantee form shows the car was ordered in Pacific Blue with black interior, and that it left the factory equipped with the following options: chrome wire wheels; heated rear screen; three-eared wheel spinners; and a Motorola radio with power aerial, all for a total price of £4,316. The Aston also comes with its original instruction book; a Heritage Trust Certificate; and an unbroken history with documentation confirming ownership.

The DB6 was originally registered 'FEL 227C' to Mr and Mrs Loveday of Bickley, Kent, subsequently passing to Mr Ryder Ascott, also of Bickley, who covered some 30,000 miles in it. In 1973 the Aston passed to Mr G A Collis in Bromley, Kent, who added another 22,000 miles to the total. It remained with Mr Collis for some 20 years before being purchased by the present owner and AMOC member on 9th November 1993. The car remained registered in Belgium until 2015 when it was repatriated to UK, and has been in the present family's ownership for around eight years. The current odometer reading is 78,000 miles.

While in Belgium, the Aston underwent a bare-metal respray in 1996 to dark green but retained its original black leather seats, original radio, and an eight-track cassette player. It was originally built with automatic transmission but was converted to a ZF five-speed manual gearbox in 1997, offering an altogether more sporting driving experience. At the same time, the engine was completely rebuilt at significant cost by recognised Aston Martin specialist, Rikki Cann.

More recently, the brake callipers and brake lines were replaced; electric ignition fitted; and the carburettors refurbished and retuned. In addition, the engine has been 'topped and tailed' and a new floor fitted.

The Aston's owner wanted a DB6 he could drive daily during summer months while his DB6 Vantage Volante was in build, and this car fitted the brief perfectly. Benefiting from regular usage and regular servicing by his in-house mechanic, this car has toured Europe - highlights being trips to the Spa Classic and the Mille Miglia - and is reported to have performed very well with no issues. The car will be driven to the auction, a distance of around 120 miles.

An undervalued yet mechanically sound DB6, this 'oily rag' example is ready for a new owner to enjoy 'as is' or restore to a higher standard.