1967 | Aston Martin DB 6 Vantage Volante

• One of only 29 DB6 Mk1 Volantes to be delivered in desirable Vantage specification
• Delivered new with rare manual transmission
• Single ownership from 1976 up to 2022
• Offered with its matching numbers Vantage engine fitted with triple Weber Carburettors

David Brown’s period of ownership of Aston Martin is now widely regarded as the Golden Era for famous marque. The establishment of the DB-series of cars, along with outstanding performances in Sportscar Racing culminating with a Le Mans win and victory in the World Sportscar Championship, cemented Aston Martin’s position at the pinnacle of sporting luxury for car enthusiasts, further helped by placing a DB5 in a film about a British spy…

The DB6 was a further refinement of the 2+2 coupe concept that had become synonymous with the marque following the introduction of the DB4. Part of Brown’s genius was to commission Touring to produce a beautiful lightweight body utilising their Superleggera coachbuilding technique where an alloy body was carefully fitted to a strong steel frame. Where the DB6 really benefitted from Aston Martin’s motorsport endeavours was the introduction of the Kamm tail, which not only increased aerodynamic efficiency but also provided a more modern look that worked particularly well on the Volante version.

Power was provided by a torquey straight-six 4.0-litre engine fitted with a twin-cam cylinder head. As with the DB5s, Vantage specification saw the fitment of triple Weber carburettors which resulted in a power increase of over 40 bhp. With the DB6, Aston Martin focused more on the luxury market so options like air conditioning and power steering became available, whilst the automatic gearbox became a popular option due to it costing no more than a manual transmission.

Since the founding of the company, Aston Martin had produced many open-top models, with the DB4 and DB5 Convertibles proving to be popular models. Today, convertible Aston Martins are invariably labelled ‘Volante’ but the introduction of the model was with the Short Chassis Volante, a stop gap between the DB5 Convertible and DB6 production. The DB6 Volante followed shortly afterwards and has forevermore been regarded as one of the finest open-top cars ever produced by Aston Martin.

This DB6 Volante, chassis number DBVC/3650/R, was ordered in rare Vantage specification with a manual gearbox; only 29 Mk1 Vantage Volantes were produced, and rarer still are ones produced with a manual gearbox. According to its original build sheet, other options ordered included power steering, chrome wheels and a power aerial. The first owner is noted as being Mecca Ltd., which was a company known for its activities in the leisure industry, particularly nightclubs, bingo halls, hotels, theme parks and Hard Rock Cafes. According to the number of owners on the V5C, this DB6 Volante then passed to the ownership of Dick Skipworth in 1976.

Skipworth is best known for amassing a remarkable collection of Ecurie Ecosse cars, in particular an original C-type, D-type and the famous Comer Transporter which Skipworth saved from dereliction. Originally finished in Mink over a Dark Blue Connolly leather interior, in 1985 Skipworth sent this DB6 Volante to DK Engineering to be completely restored. At the time, DK Engineering was best known for Jaguar restorations, and judging from the various invoices on file, the restoration was complete and thorough with the exterior colour being changed to the present Dark Blue over a Light Blue, a colour combination based on the ex-Rob Walker 250 SWB (chassis number 2735 GT). Such was DK Engineering co-founder David Cottingham’s restoration standards, his dissatisfaction with the first paintwork resulted in him having it completed again by a different paint shop, bearing the cost himself.

Following the restoration, this Volante was maintained by Alexander Hillyer Co. Ltd. with several invoices on file. Following the closing of the company, the head mechanic became Skipworth’s in-house preparer and continued to maintain his famous collection of cars. In 2022, this rare Aston Martin finally changed hands to the current ownership after 45 years in Skipworth’s care. Despite being restored over three decades ago, the quality of the restoration means that this Volante presents very well with a lovely, mellowed patina – a condition that allows it to be presented at shows or simply enjoyed on the road without fear of the occasional minor blemish.

Offered with its original matching numbers engine and still on its first registration ‘FVG 111E’, this beautiful and very rare manual DB6 Vantage Volante is now available once again. This Volante worthy of a place in a garage full of significant Aston Martins or simply being driven along the French Riviera this summer