1971 | Aston Martin DB 6 Vantage

This example is documented by Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd as being one of only 62 examples ever built to the ultimate specification, having the 5-speed manual ZF gearbox and Vantage specification engine, which in its day produced a reported 325 BHP. Carburettors on the Vantage engine models were 3 Weber Carburettors and being a DB6, it benefited from having Power Steering and Servo Braking.

This fabulous motorcar was supplied new on the 1st of June 1971 by Messrs Dore of Sheffield and its first keeper was believed to be a Ford Motor Company executive. The DB6 then went on to form part of collections owned by Sir Anthony Bamford, John Leek, the owner of All Electric Garages, who resprayed the DB6 in Aston Martin Salisbury Blue.

Judge W. Taylor purchased the DB6 in 1999 and registered it with the cherished number plate ‘D8 6”.

In 2004, the original 4.0-litre engine was rebuilt and upgraded to 4.2 Litre specification by Aston Engineering at 60,760 miles. The gearbox and engine were also stripped and refurbished at the same time.

The current and 8th custodian purchased the DB6 on the 4th of October 2013 and sent the car to Aston Martin Works Heritage department located at Newport Pagnell for a thorough inspection, after which he decided to restore the DB6 both externally and internally and have the mechanicals thoroughly inspected.

It was decided that the DB6 be subject to a full glass out, bare metal respray, including the rectification of any body panels requiring attention.

The historical colour of Winchester Blue was chosen for the paintwork and Connolly Autolux Parchment Hide for the interior, complete with Wilton Beige Carpeting.

There are detailed invoices on file for these works, which were extensive and the total cost of the works with Aston Martin Works came to a heady six-figure sum.

The DB6 has been used sparingly by the owner since the restoration was complete and it has been on display on ‘The Avenue’ at Aston Martins Gaydon HQ, as well as featuring in Octane magazine in 2016.

It recently returned to Works for a service and MOT at a recorded 69,364 miles and will be fitted with a new set of tyres ahead of handover to its next custodian.