1969 Aston Martin DB6

Lot details
Registration No: GTU692G
Chassis No: DB6/3556/R
Mot Expiry: Dec 2010

Introduced at the 1965 Motor Show, the Aston Martin DB6 was notable as the first model to be engineered following a factory move from Feltham to Newport Pagnell. Although, it shared the same visage as the outgoing DB5, the newcomer enjoyed notably better high-speed stability and interior space thanks to the provision of a Kamm tail and four-inch longer wheelbase respectively. Grafted over a sheet steel platform chassis, the four-seater's hand-finished aluminium panels helped contribute to a 1,466kg kerb weight. Praised by the contemporary motoring press for its poise and handling, the DB6 employed all-round coil-sprung suspension, four-wheel disc brakes and rack-and-pinion steering. Powered by the fabulous Tadek Marek designed 3995cc DOHC straight-six engine - which was quoted as developing 282bhp and 280lbft in standard tune - the model could be had with either five-speed manual or automatic transmission. Though, even when fitted with the latter no-cost option, it was reputedly capable of 140mph.

Finished in Aquamarine Blue with Navy Blue leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "good" condition with regard to its five-speed ZF manual gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim and bodywork, while he rates the engine as "very good". Supplied new to Northern Ireland, the Aston Martin is understood to have belonged to Hubert Chambers Esq of Bangor, John Kirkpatrick Esq of Ballygowan and Dr Alexander McCurdy of Banbridge before returning to the mainland and entering the current (fourth) ownership in 2007. Despite being a custodian for twenty years and treating the coupe to a respray during the early 1990s, Dr McCurdy added barely 10,000 miles to its odometer reading. Entrusted to XK Engineering in July 2008 at 70,000 odd miles, the DB6 benefited from some £10,000 worth of recommissioning / attention to its radiator, exhaust, brakes and suspension rubbers etc.

While, more recent fettling has seen 'GTU 692G' given a major engine overhaul / upgrade by Wolf Direct Racing. As well as having its capacity increased to over 4 litres, the straight-six gained a lightened / balanced bottom end, uprated oil pump, stronger clutch, balanced con-rods and Cosworth 10:1 pistons not to mention a gas-flowed cylinder head with triple angle valve seats, 'fast road' camshafts, polished valves, Vantage-type inlet manifolds and triple Weber 45DCOE carburettors. A mere 600 miles or so have reportedly been covered since the work was completed in December 2009 and thus the rejuvenated powerplant still requires running-in and its cylinder head re-torquing etc. However, a letter on file suggests that Wolf Direct Racing will extend the 3-year / 10,000-mile warranty they have placed on the engine to a successful purchaser provided that he / she has the car serviced by them over the relevant time period.

Able to boast 'matching' chassis and engine numbers, the Aston Martin has the further advantages of a wonderfully original interior, power assisted steering and fresh tyres. Though, on the debit side we are advised that (a) the heater requires attention and (b) the paintwork shows signs of microblistering in places. Riding on wire wheels and showing 72,000 miles to its odometer, this appealing DB6 is offered for sale with ownership records, old MOTs, XK Engineering invoices (totalling over £10,000), Wolf Direct Racing bills (exceeding £20,000), MOT certificate valid until December 2010 and historic class (free) road tax valid until January 2011.