19th Jun, 2024 13:00
Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire
www.handh.co.u...
Finished in Silver complemented to a Black leather interior
Matching chassis and engine numbers
Current ownership since 2015
ZF five-speed manual gearbox
Offered with a collection of specialist invoices and old MOT certificates
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 282bhp and 280lbft of torque in standard 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 7.4 seconds and 150mph. A total of 1,327 MkI Saloons were produced between October 1965 and the MkII's July 1969 arrival.
Built to right-hand drive specification complete with the preferred ZF five-speed manual gearbox, chassis DB6/3048/R was supplied new in Berkshire (or so its ‘XBL 41E’ number plate would imply). Re-registered with the DVLA during the late 1980s as it is understood the Aston resided in the USA for a number of years, the DB6 passed to renowned physician and serial Aston Martin owner, W.V. Carlin Esq in early 1992. Entrusted to marque specialist The Aston Workshop for appraisal shortly thereafter, they overhauled the cylinder head as well as rejuvenating the propshaft, brakes and suspension (the latter being uprated with a Harvey Bailey Engineering handling kit and telescopic Koni shock absorbers). Sourced from Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd, new lower sills, door sill panels and stoneguards were installed by Ivydene Garage of Betley in late 1993, while the decade’s end saw another marque specialist - Chris Shenton - fit upgraded Lockheed brake servos, renew the clutch and recondition the steering rack etc at an indicated 19,000 miles. Acquired by fellow Aston Martin enthusiast, T. Burndred Esq., during 2004, he utilised the services of Aston Engineering Ltd not to mention treating ‘XBL 41E’ to a full respray (changing the colour from Black to Silver), partial re-trim and new windscreen etc. Briefly part of Stuart Beech’s collection prior to entering the current ownership in 2015, the DB6 has been maintained by CBR Classic Restorations in recent years. A true marque aficionado, the vendor has owned many of its rarest and most valuable models. Sparingly used over the past three decades and currently showing an unwarranted 23,000 miles to its odometer, this handsome, 'matching numbers' DB6 is offered for sale with V5C Registration Document and history file.
For more information, please contact:
James McWilliam
james.mcwilliam@handh.co.uk
07943 584760