Description
Considered by many to be the last ‘real’ Aston Martin, the DB6 was launched in 1965 at the Paris and London Motor Shows, updating the iconic DB5. Although Royal patronage of the marque undoubtedly helped DB6 sales, as did its DB5 predecessor’s appearance in the James Bond movies ‘Goldfinger’ and ‘Thunderball’, 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. Increased rear-seat space had been the prime DB6 objective, so the wheelbase was now 4″ longer than before, resulting in an extensive re-style with more-raked windscreen, raised roofline and reshaped rear quarter windows. The result was significantly greater roominess, making the DB6 a genuine four-seater. 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. This device had first been tried on the DP214 and DP215 DB4GT-based Le Mans prototypes; yet another example of racing improving the breed. 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. Borg-Warner automatic transmission was offered alongside the standard ZF five-speed gearbox, and for the first time air conditioning and power-assisted steering were available as options. 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 chassis, the model adopted the longer DB6 chassis in October 1966, first appearing in its definitive form at the London Motor Show. The stylish Volante offered four-seat accommodation and was generously appointed with leather upholstery, deep-pile carpets, an aircraft-style instrument cluster and an electrically assisted hood.
One of 140 ‘Mark 1’ DB6 Volantes made, ‘DBVC/ 3693/ R’ was supplied new in June 1968, specified with the aforementioned automatic transmission. It was purchased by the previous custodian in 1978 from a Mr G. V. Helmer, by repute a publican in the Portsmouth/ Southampton area. Owned by a Mr. Schama of Mayfair for more than three decades, ‘NEL 762F’ returned to Newport Pagnell a year after acquisition (in 1979) for a respray in striking Black. This rare RHD convertible is sold with a continuation service book stamped from 30. 10. 75 (at 51, 927 miles) through to 1979 (at 68, 377 miles) and has now covered a genuine 78, 800 miles from new, as verified by accompanying expired MoTs. In addition, there are many invoices on file for servicing carried out for Mr. Schama by ‘Goodwood Green Classics’ during his custodianship, from 1994 through to 1996. ‘NEL 762F’ had been in long-term storage since the late 1990s, before appearing for public auction by Bonhams in May 2011, where it was purchased by our vendor and described as “running well, although in need of a re-spray.” A major restoration was then undertaken by the respected ‘Bata Classic Cars Bt’. of Kissolt (Hungary), which included a bare metal respray in Sage Green and interior re-trim in contrasting Tan. Upon its return to Cheshire, the Aston has covered a mere 1000 miles, with much further refinement carried out by both ‘Aston Workshop’ of Co. Durham and ‘Stratsones’ of Wilmslow. This included a Le Mans brake servo conversion, Aldon electronic ignition, upgrade of the fuel system (including new aluminium tanks to O. E design) and a 20, 000 mile service as per factory service schedule. Running and driving faultlessly during our recent photographic session; this extremely rare factory convertible is absolutely ready to use and enjoy. Offered with a comprehensive history file, including current V5c document with just two former keepers listed, much correspondence and receipts relating to works carried out over the decades, expired tax discs / MOT certificates, plus much more.
