1966 | Aston Martin DB 6

With 38 years in a dry climate, the bones of this classic Aston appear to measure up. All shut lines are parallel, the valley in the boot lid lines up with the rear wings and the front looks square. The panel fit is good but close-up, paint defects and marks become apparent. The interior also appears correct and the leather, whilst original, could certainly be enhanced by undergoing some restoration. So, the perfect car for an enthusiast who appreciates the sense of history but at the same time, realistically priced to allow the next owner to enjoy it as it is or the beginning of a sympathetic restoration.

The present owner has attended numerous AMOC events and is a GRRC member with pilgrimages twice a year to both Members Meetings and Revivals, some 100 miles each way. He is comfortable with the patina and has preferred investment on the suspension, powertrain and running gear than a one-off external expenditure.

This DB6 benefits from the original and matching chassis/engine numbers, the original livery, and also the all-important and highly desirable ZF five-speed manual gearbox and so, for many, this specification ticks many boxes. The AML build sheet shows the first owner but we don't know of any others prior to export to Australia in 1975 where it then had a number of different keepers before it came back home in 2013. Substantial work then took place by Aston specialists, Chicane Classics' costing over £37,000 taking place over five visits in 12 years that have ensured that it is still a very driveable example today.

With various miscellaneous works undertaken in the 1960's and 70s, more detailed maintenance is recorded in 2008. Cummins Classic Cars tuned the engine and reset the carburettors and overhauled the brake calipers and master/slave cylinders. The following year, the carburettors were overhauled and the inner engine bay was stripped and refinished as per factory.

In 2013, Aston specialists Runnymede Motor Company reconditioned the radiator and fitted a Kenlowe fan whilst later, that same year, Chicane Classics rebuilt the cylinder head alongside ancillaries and repairs to the engine wiring loom. The exhaust system was also replaced and car road-tested. In 2017, they stripped down the front suspension, built-up the dampers, suspension and new front brakes &calipers. All of which is fully detailed in the accompanying service history. Overall, mechanically, much work has taken place as and when it has been required and it is now currently in a position where it runs well however, 'significant patina' is certainly evident and it would benefit from some investment to both the paintwork and interior although it has just passed an MoT test and so is good to drive until November 2026. If one has access to sensibly-priced craftsmen, then the resultant DB6 would certainly be worth significantly more than its initial investment - and so certainly, a propitious purchase. Consigned by Edward Bridger-Stille

Lot details
Year: 1966
Make: Aston Martin
Model: DB6
Registration: ABW 261D
Chassis No: DB62446R
Engine No: 400/2349
Odometer: 98,000


* A perfect jumping off point for light restoration

* Equally usable as it stands, recently MoT'd &serviced

* Still presented with matching and original chassis/engine numbers