History
After Aston Martin rejected proposals for a replacement for its DB5 from the original DB4 Touring of Milan, the decision was made to focus on their own development car, registered 4 YMC. Wind tunnel testing, begun in February 1965, showed development was necessary to counteract a tendency toward aerodynamic lift causing reduced rear-wheel traction at high speed. Final development phases relied upon DB5 chassis, suitably lengthened and titled MP 219, with rear lip-spoiler and abbreviated Kammback tail Aston Martin previously incorporated in sports-racing prototypes. The decision was made to produce MP 219 as the Aston Martin DB6 although the prototype de Dion rear axle was rejected, Aston's soldiering on with its live-axle configuration reducing time to market, cost and complexity.
Introduced at the 1965 London Motor Show, the DB6 was already a dated designnotable as the first model engineered following a factory relocation from Feltham to Newport Pagnell. The DB6 has a resemblance to its predecessor, the DB5; with the most noticeable differences being its wheelbase, side profile, split front and rear bumpers and rear panels incorporating the Kammback tail rear end. The tail, combined with the relocated rear-axle and the 3.75-inch (95 mm) lengthened wheelbase, provide more stability at high speed. Though fashionable — the rear-end Kamm-styled design was similar to the Ferrari 250 — it did not prove popular with conservative, tradition oriented Aston clientele when the DB6 was introduced. Performance was satisfactory: road-tests of the day observed top speed of the Vantage model between 145 mph (233 km/h) to 148 mph (238 km/h), with John Bolster aboard a Vantage spec DB6 reaching a two-way average of 152 mph (245 km/h).
The DB6 continued with then high-tech Armstrong Selectaride cockpit-adjustable rear shock absorbers as available on the DB5.Other highlights include adopting front-door quarter windows, an oil-cooler air scoop low on the front valance, quarter-bumpers at each corner, revised tail-lamp clusters; additionally the spoiler affected the overall proportions of the DB6, with an increase in length by approximately two inches.
Other notable changes:
Another major change from the DB5 to DB6 was abandonment of the full superleggera construction technique patented by coach-builders/stylist Touring of Milan. For later DB6's construction, the more common body-on-platform technique was used; this was primarily due to the extended rear requiring a stronger and more rigid design utilising a folded sheet metal supporting structure. Surprisingly the modifications combined to add only seventeen pounds weight compared to the DB5.
This Car
Aston Martin DB6 Chassis Number DB6/2666/LN was supplied new in April 1966 to Aston Martin Lagonda Incorporated USA main importers.
The car was ordered to Vantage engine specifaction with the following options:
Manual five speed transmission
Air Conditioning
Chrome Wire Wheels with Three Eared Wheel Spinners
Avon White Wall Tyres
Heated Rear Window
Limited Slip Axle
Front Seat Belts
Fiam Air Horns
Power Aerial
Merchal Fog Lamps
Bosch Koln TR Radio
Silver Birch Paint with Dark Blue Leather Trim
The Cars History
The early history of the car is not well known, in 1990 the car was registered to Mr Cook in Texas, the car was then sold to an Alsatian enthusiast who held a large party for the car when it arrived in Switzerland.
A few months after arriving the car was sent to Hieber Automobile GmbH in Munich a restoration specialist, who restored the body and interior, at this time the exterior was changed to the current colour combinations of French Grey with Light Tan leather interior.
After 25 years of ownership the car was sold through Artcurial Auction at he 2017 Retromobile sale in Paris to the current owner.
The car has had a major re-commission work at great expense to make it fully usable and in tip top order, which it is today.
These cars are in high demand especially in left hand drive with manual transmissions and this car being in very good condition, is well worthy of an inspection.
The car is currently French registered.
Contact keith@classicmobilia.com for further details.
