Aston Martin DB6 to 4.2 Vantage Specification (1969)

The DB6, in both Mk1 and Mk2 guises, was built from 1965 to 1970 and was the ultimate evolution of the DB4. This was a true GT car in every sense - a grand tourer that was emphasised by its longer wheelbase and Kamm tail.

 

This particular DB6 was built in 1969, just before the Mk2 was launched and was first sold via Wilmslow Garages Limited in Cheshire, England before heading over the Irish Sea to Northern Ireland in 1973 and staying there until returning to England in 2007. By now, GTU was in need of a fair bit of work and so in 2008, XK Engineering in Coventry undertook a series of recommissioning works to return the car to good working order.

 

And then during 2009 and 2010, the then owner decided to embark on having the engine rebuilt and upgraded to 4.1L Vantage specification by Wolf Direct Racing, with the cylinder head being ported, gasflowed and running on triple 45 DCOE Weber carburettors. Whilst the engine was out, the opportunity was taken to restore the heater installation and the brakes.

 

In early 2010, GTU was up for sale again and prior to being sold to the current owner, a full inspection of the car was undertaken by the Chiltern Aston Centre and showing that much work was still needed. And so after purchasing the car, the current owner took it to marque specialists Chicane and it was eventually decided that the car really needed a full and comprehensive restoration.

 

The engine required a full rebuild again and so it was agreed to take it out to 4.2L with the entire restoration finally completed in 2016 - and the result is truly astounding. But to give this DB6 an edge, the suspension was given a subtle upgrade to make the car less wallowy and to deal with those hot Summer days and nights, modern air conditioning was installed with the controls sympathetically hidden behind the speaker grill.

 

Restored to its original colour and trim specification, the lustrous Aquamarine Blue paintwork is just beautiful - a refreshing departure from so many of today's paintwork restorations - and is surely one of GTU's unique selling points. Almost impossible to replicate via photographs, this colour simply needs to be seen to understand the impact it makes.

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On the open road is where all the hard work reveals itself though. Gone is the slightly wallowy feeling and in its place is a car with true GT road handling capability, soaking up the various bumps and dips of the English roads without knocks or rattles, giving the driver a feel of real confidence in the car. Acceleration and cruising speed is more akin to a well tuned classic V8 and the engine pulls with great gusto and an ongoing surge, thanks in part to its Weber carburettor set-up. Braking is equally strong and the gearbox, whilst agricultural, is dependably solid. With looks aplenty from all road users, this Aston Martin really has it all - and that's not said lightly. 

 

The result of this long restoration is a DB6 that has been kept true to its tradition, but subtly upgraded in certain areas to deal with today's road conditions. GTU is a car that must be seen and driven to truly appreciate the highly skilled work that has created one amazing Aston Martin DB6.

 

This DB6 is available for viewing and demonstration in our Hampshire showroom by appointment only. For peace of mind as a new owner, this Aston will be sold with a full pre-sale inspection by Chicane and 12 months MOT. Full details available on request.