1967 Aston Martin DB6 Volante

• One of only 140 'Mark 1' DB6 Volantes
• Delivered new in the UK
• Manual transmission mounted in period
• Present ownership for the last 17 years
• Known ownership history
• Restored in 2000
• Matching engine

"I have driven most of the Aston Martin models that have been produced, from the racing twin-cam 1½-litre of the 1920s onwards. For years my favourite has been the DB3S sports-racer, but now my allegiance is wavering. There can be little doubt that the DB6 is the best Aston yet and it is a credit to British engineering." - John Bolster, Autosport, 21st October 1966.

Considered by many to be the last 'real' Aston Martin, the DB6 was launched in 1965, updating the DB5. Although Royal patronage of the marque undoubtedly helped DB6 sales, the car arrived at a difficult time for Aston Martin, with the home economy in a parlous state and the US market subject to ever more restrictive legislation.

Though recognisably related to its Touring-styled DB4 ancestor, the DB6 abandoned the underlying Superleggera body 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 for a time, presumably until stocks ran out. The wheelbase was now 4" (100mm) longer than before, resulting in an extensive restyle 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. "The tail lip halves the aerodynamic lift around maximum speed and brings in its train greater headroom and more luggage space," declared Motor magazine, concluding that the DB6 was one of the finest sports cars it had ever tested.

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. Borg-Warner automatic transmission was offered alongside the standard ZF five-speed gearbox, and for the first time there was optional power-assisted steering.
Premiered at the 1965 London Motor Show, the convertible DB6 marked the first occasion the evocative 'Volante' name had been applied to a soft-top Aston Martin. After 37 Volante convertibles had been completed on the DB5 short-wheelbase (8' 2") chassis, the model adopted the longer DB6 chassis in October 1966. The stylish Volante offered four-seat accommodation and was generously appointed with leather upholstery, deep-pile carpets, aircraft-style instrument cluster, and an electrically operated hood.

In the summer of 1969 the Mark 2 DB6 was announced in saloon and convertible versions. Distinguishable by its flared wheelarches and DBS wheels, the Mark 2 came with power-assisted steering as standard and could be ordered with AE Brico electronic fuel injection. When DB6 production ceased in 1970, a total of 1,575 saloons had been made, plus 178 of the long-wheelbase Volante convertibles, 140 of which were to Mark 1 specification like the one we offer. With so few built, the Mark I DB6 Volante is one of the rarest and most collectible of post-war Aston Martins, as well as one of the fastest four-seater soft-tops of its day.

This DB6 Volante was delivered new in the UK to H W Motors on 10th May 1967 and has been in the current owner's possession for 17 years. Between the first and current owners there have been four other custodians: Mr Alfred McAlpine, Mr Paul Heywood, Mr Anthony Joyce, and Mr Ken Chisholm. The Aston was restored in 2000 and since then has been driven regularly and always serviced in specialist workshops.

This Volante is finished in its original, rare and sought-after colour scheme of Platinum Grey with black interior; the engine is original but the automatic gearbox was swapped for a manual one. This is believed to be done in period. Notable features include an electrically operated hood, power windows, a concealed audio system, and a calibrated Trip Master. In recent years the Volante has been entered in numerous regularity events and Concours d'Elegance competitions, winning on several occasions (e.g. BCCM St Moritz, Bensberg Classic, etc).

The car comes with a most extensive history file containing a BMIHT Certificate; Aston Martin Certificate of Delivery; and a substantial quantity of maintenance and repair invoices for the period 1972 to date. The original owner's handbook, tool kit, jack and numerous spare parts are included in the sale.

This car comes with German registration documents.