Description
H&H Classic Auction @ The Imperial War Museum, Duxford/ Cambridgeshire
9th October, 2024 13:00
1966 Aston Martin DB6 Vantage
Estimate
£140, 000 - £160, 000
Registration No: TJH 525D
Chassis No: DB6/ 2453/ R
MOT: Exempt
- Supplied new via Plough Motors to Aegues Properties Ltd of Cheltenham and initially registered as 'GDD 222D'
- In single ownership from 1972 - 2024 by which time it had been repainted from Silver Birch to Fiesta Red and granted its current 'TJH 525D' number plate
- Matching chassis and engine numbers and desirable ZF 5-speed manual gearbox
- Accompanying paperwork dates back to 1971 when the DB6 underwent a major service at the factory
- Treated to a partial re-trim and new battery by the vendor. Running and driving with decent oil pressure but would benefit from further recommissioning
Unveiled at the 1965 London Motor Show, the DB6 was notable for being the first Aston Martin model to be engineered following the company's move from Feltham to Newport Pagnell. Although, a direct development of the DB5, with the same visage, the newcomer enjoyed notably better high-speed stability thanks to the provision of a Kamm tail with built-in spoiler, and superior interior space courtesy of a 3. 7-inch longer wheelbase and taller roofline. Grafted over a sheet steel platform chassis, the four-seater's hand-finished aluminium panels helped contribute to the claimed kerb weight of 3, 232lbs that was actually only 17lbs heavier than its predecessor. Praised by the contemporary motoring press for its poise and handling, the DB6 employed all-round coil-sprung suspension, four-wheel disc brakes and rack-and-pinion steering. Powered by the fabulous Tadek Marek designed 3995cc DOHC straight-six engine, the model boasted some 325bhp and 288lbft of torque in uprated Vantage tune and could be had with five-speed ZF manual or three-speed Borg Warner automatic transmission. A contemporary road test found a manual DB6 to be capable of 0-60mph in 6. 3 seconds and 150mph. A total of 1, 327 MKI Saloons were produced between October 1965 and the MKII's July 1969 arrival.
According to its accompanying British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate, chassis DB6/ 2453/ R was completed on 20th January 1966 and despatched to Plough Motors (Stroud Valley) Ltd some six weeks later. Originally finished in Silver Birch, the Aston Martin’s impressive specification also encompassed the more powerful Vantage engine, ZF 5-speed manual transmission, heated rear windscreen, powered aerial and chrome wire wheels with three-eared spinners. Supplied new to Aegues Properties Ltd of Cheltenham, the DB6 was returned to the factory for a major service during November 1971 by which time it belonged to G. A. Darlington Esq of Newton Hall, Suffolk and had exchanged its first number plate ‘GDD 222D’ for the current one ‘TJH 525D’. Repainted Fiesta Red prior to being bought by C. E. McKinney Esq the following year, the 2+2-seater remained in his care until 2024. A pilot by profession, Mr McKinney used the Aston Martin for commuting in the 1970s but only on high days and holidays thereafter. Invoices on file show that the DB6 has covered a mere 20, 000 miles since having its cylinder head overhauled by W. Rennie-Roberts of Colchester during April 1975 (the warranted odometer reading stands at just 98, 000). Other bills from Aston Martin Lagonda, Aston Service Dorset, Puddleduck and Rikki Cann attest to ongoing maintenance. The brake system has been refurbished (2002-2003), the starter motor rejuvenated (2010) and the fuel pump renewed (2011).
Entrusted to Classic and Retro of Sible Hedingham in late 2012 at a recorded 97, 585 miles, the 2+2-seater had attention paid to its ignition system, interior trim (headlining, carpets, rear seat base etc), window rubbers and brakes not to mention being treated to new wire wheels and tyres. Further improved by Woodbridge Classic Cars at a cost of £2, 947. 18 during June 2015, they replaced the engine and fuel tank mounts, installed new steering rack gaitors, changed the left-hand servo gaskets and tuned the triple Weber carburettors. Reluctantly put up for sale after more than half a century due to the physicality of driving it, ‘TJH 525D’ entered the current ownership in January this year. A lifelong Aston Martin enthusiast, the vendor has partially re-trimmed the cabin (new front seat facings and boot carpet) and begun the recommissioning process. Starting readily during our recent photography session (August 2024) and driven to and from the location, the DB6 recorded good oil pressure but would nevertheless benefit from more mechanical fettling. The underside appeared sound during our cursory inspection with evidence of new sills and jacking points being fitted in the past. The seller had intended to return the 2+2-seater to its initial Silver Birch hue. However, the acquisition of another DB6 whilst waiting for a slot at his preferred bodyshop has meant that ‘TJH 525D’ is now surplus to requirements. Pleasingly retaining its original Vantage engine albeit with the bonus of comparatively fresh Weber carburettors and a stainless steel exhaust, this much-loved and archetypal British GT is now ready for its next long-term custodian.
