Aston Martin DB6

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cockpit room and far better handling and high speed stability. Add lower prices – albeit which have, of late, been catching up hand over fist to the DB5 – it’s the ‘bargain’ of the buys although professional restoration costs are similar.

Driving

While slightly heavier than a DB5 the later car is no slower in real world situations thanks to its more aerodynamic shape, plus the Vantage gained 10bhp over the DB5 model, care of its DB4 GT (exhaust) camshafts and re-jetted Weber carb tune. Without question, that flip up tail twinned with a stiffer rear chassis set up, care of a shortened suspension, gives the DB6 superior handling and stability than previously, but all in all, the DB6 remains, at its best when out and about touring, where that lusty 3995cc (280lbft torque) twin cam is supreme. Standard five speed ’box so is restful as many moderns. Power steering and auto are available, few like the latter. Unlike earlier DBs, the larger DB6 can be considered a genuine 2+2 GT and a pretty comfortable one, too.

Values

A few years back, the market finally woke up to the fact that the DB6 was Aston Martin’s final – and best – adaption of the classic Superleggera design by Touring, so prices shot up accordingly. But, unlike many overheated market bubbles that burst, the DB6 one settled into a more sophisticated pattern. They are still cheaper than a DB5 although you’re looking at £800,000 for a top Coupé and over a £1m for the Volante cabrio, even average cars make £300K easily; typically Volantes are double the price; autos should be lowest of all but don’t bank on it as car condition is of greater importance.

Timeline

1965 DB6 was more than a facelift of the DB5 but instead an evolution of the Superleggera alloy-bodied DB4. And with it came a change in character with an accent that was now more on a family-sized GT, care of its 3.75 inch longer wheelbase. Vantage tune (325bhp) was optional along with power steering and auto

1966 Volante convertible (the first time this name is found) came on stream although in effect this model was really a DB5 hybrid featuring a DB6 boot lid, bumpers and light clusters

1969 DB6 Mk2 of that summer is identified by slightly flared wheel rear arches to house the fatter tyres. DBS seats improved driver comfort; under the bonnet lurked optional electronic fuel injection from AE Brico to give more drivability than added go but unreliability caused many of the 46 sold to make a return trip to the factory to have Vantage carbs retro-fitted; in total just under 1600 DB6s were made

Best models

Standard

Not quick but 282bhp is ample and SU carbs easier to service; autos sluggish. Not unknown for the Jag XK 4.2 to be fitted; works well but devalues car

Vantage

The most wanted plus there’s host of upgrades including lustier 4.2 or 4.7-litre rebore, which some specialists include in their restoration as a matter of course

MK2

Regarded as the best DBS due to its improved chassis and tyres although probably lacking fuel injection even though it can be made to work okay

Top five faults

Restos

 
Specialist Desmond J Smail says there’s a disproportionate number of over-priced mediocre cars around; he advises a professional inspection by an Aston expert. Smail’s own 12 page report costs some £600 but will save owners tens of thousands…

History

 
See if the chassis number is present. Amazingly it was simply scrawled in chalk or crayon on a trim panel. Does it match the V5 details for example? BODY Superleggera build (aluminium panels over a tubular steel skeleton structure) is as complex as it is sturdy but difficult (and so costly) to rectify properly

Engine

 
Block relies on replaceable iron piston liners but can become slugged up. It’s said that there’s a trick to fix this and if not adhered to the block will be damaged

Rust

Chief areas include the bulkheads, pedal box area, jacking points, sills and outriggers and any suspension attachment area, particularly at the rear where the Watts linkage and trailing arms reside. Sill areas are box sections so harbour rust as they are covered by outer decorative panels