1971 | Aston Martin DB 6 Vantage

We are delighted to offer this exceptional UK Home Market Aston Martin DB6 MKII onto the market. So often we see show level Aston Martins covering just a few hundred miles per year, but this example is something different and very special in terms of usability, reliability and drivability. This incredible driving example has covered almost 60,000 miles with its recent owner of 27 years, regularly touring Europe and participating and visiting events on the European classic racing scene. This has to be the most travelled DB6 examples we have offered onto the market in over 30 years of selling classic cars, and with an experienced long-term owner with extensive background in racing pre-war cars on the track, it has been properly maintained, completely understood in terms of how it should drive, and of course to reliably tour so often overseas, it has had to be meticulously maintained with no expense spared. To improve usability the car also features many desirable upgrades, for example to improve the torque and drivability the engine has been bored out to 4.2 litres, the car has steel exhaust manifolds and exhaust system, stainless steel bumpers (to avoid the usual rust problems). Uprated dampers (adjustable) and suspension have been added, along with uprated window mechanisms, uprated lights, aluminium radiator and electric fan for better cooling. Triple laced wire wheels also enhance the look.Over the last 27 years the Aston Martin has toured throughout the UK, and overseas highlights include trips to Ireland, France, Belgium, Spain, Italy and Switzerland. Drives to the Paul Ricard Circuit in the South of France (achieved in one day) to visit the Paul Ricard circuit were memorable despite being done on several occasions, as were drives over the Alps to visit Monza. The Aston has also regularly attended many prestigious events and track days, and even days before arriving with us was driven from Essex to Wales and back for its final journey with its owner of 27 years. The car has proven the ultimate touring car, and must be driven to be fully appreciated. The car offers exceptional performance from its rebuilt, 4.2 spec upgraded engine, the five speed ZF gearbox is perfectly smooth and slick, and handling, braking and general road holding first class, making this an all-round super attractive driver's car. In order to keep the car driving and looking like this, receipts for over £130,000 are on file from its recent owner. First registered on the 18th January 1971, TBM 353J, the DB6 changed hands in 1977 and spent twelve years with one owner, a customer of Hexagon of Highgate, and the car was held in storage with them from 1978 to 1988. In 1988/1989 it was subject of a partial rebuild at a cost of £15000 and in May 1989 it was sold with a genuine mileage of 62,000 for £75,000 by HWM in Surrey. From 1989-1991 TBM 353J was based in Godalming, Surrey and in 1991 sold to Bourn Management Consultancy Ltd in Leatherhead. The most recent then purchased the car in September 1995 with 64,725 miles, then based in Blackheath, London, now Essex. From 1995 to 2022 almost 60,000 miles have been covered taking the mileage to 124,000. With receipts for over £130,000 for maintenance, repairs and upkeep since 1995, we can see the majority of work has been carried out by Aston Martin specialists Pugsley & Lewis Ltd. They have rebuilt the power steering system, carried out major engine work, fitted a Petronix ignition kit, rear brake pads and discs, steering rack gaiters, fuel harness, rebuilt the 5 speed ZF gearbox, fitted a new balanced clutch, new fuel pump, front and rear shock absorbers, anti roll bar drop links, king pin gaiters, Zeon headlamps, window lift conversion, various new seals, a new diff pinion oil seal as well as various servicing work. Ed Watson & Co in Warwickshire have also carried out major work on the car to include an engine rebuild with new main and big end bearings and re-ground crankshaft, a full rebuild and detail of the engine bay, and receipts are on file from various other specialists for mechanical work across three decades. Having required no major cosmetic work for many years, having covered tens of thousands of miles in all conditions over a long period of time, prior to marketing the car a decision was made to completely strip down the outer body shell for a complete body check and full re-paint. The body was inspected and found to be in structurally excellent order, with exception of the inner and outer sills. Brand new sills were purchased and fitted to the car ahead of a complete full re-spray in Aston Martin Silver Birch at a cost of over £30,000. The car was then re-fitted with glass, various new seals and rubbers, and brightwork all cleaned and re-fitted to the car. As result, this long distance touring DB6 looks exceptional with a first class paint finish, stunning straight body panels and will not disappoint. TBM 353J retains what feels a very original interior, the headlining, sunvisors and carpets have been replaced, but the seats are importantly very original and clearly indicate this has always been a well maintained, sound, strong car that has never been neglected or left to deteriorate. The leather indicates this has never been a bad car, it's been superbly preserved, and looked after properly over many years. This is a true drives car with a stunning sharp finish, beautifully aged upholstery, and is mechanically first class with true provenance of extensive overseas touring. A very special motor car, and one to drive on the Continent with absolute confidence.