1970 Aston Martin DB6 Mark 2 Vantage

Lot details
Registration No: UKX644J
Chassis No: DB6MK2/4241/R
Mot Expiry: Feb 2013

CURRENT OWNERSHIP SINCE 1974, NEVER RESTORED AND 38,000 MILES FROM NEW

Entering production in July 1969 but not formally unveiled for another month, the rakishly elegant DB6 Mk2 was the ultimate evolution of the iconic Aston Martin DB4/DB5/DB6 line. Sharing the same sheet steel platform chassis as its immediate predecessor complete with all-round coil-sprung suspension (independent double wishbone front, trailing arm / beam axle rear), four-wheel disc brakes and Armstrong Select-a-ride adjustable rear shock absorbers, the newcomer nevertheless incorporated a host of detail improvements. Sharper and more responsive to drive thanks to wider wheels and fatter tyres (hence the need for its trademark flared wheelarches), the Mk2 also benefited from the provision of standard-fit power assisted rack and pinion steering. Automatic transmission remained a `no cost' option, while cars equipped with the five-speed ZF manual gearbox gained a lower first gear ratio and more positive Borg & Beck clutch. The fabulous Tadek Marek designed 3995cc DOHC straight-six engine could be had with a nascent form of electronic fuel injection. However, the majority of buyers wisely opted for carburettor-fed variants in standard (triple SU, 282bhp) or high-performance Vantage (triple Weber, 325bhp) tune. Indeed so troublesome did the AE Brico EFI system prove that several Mk2s were converted to Vantage specification by the factory. Revised seating both front and rear meant that the last of the classic DB-series family could also lay claim to being the most comfortable. Only in production until November 1970, just 239 DB6 Mk2 saloons are thought to have been made (of which a mere 46 and 71 were reputedly to Fuel Injected and Vantage specification respectively).

According to its accompanying British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate, this particular example - chassis number DB6MK2/4241/R - was completed on March 13th 1970. One of just three DB6 Mk2s known to have been factory finished in Bahama Yellow - a colour made famous by the Aston Martin DBS that Roger Moore's character Lord Brett Sinclair drove in cult TV series 'The Persuaders' - it was the sole member of the trio to roll off the production line with a Vantage engine. Road registered as `UKX 644J' by Buckinghamshire County Council on December 1st 1970, the Aston Martin was despatched to dealer Maurice Leo Ltd six days later. Entering the current ownership on July 3rd 1974 at 31,009 miles, the distinctively hued grand tourer was purchased from sometime Wiscombe Park competitor and commentator C.A.R. Elwell Esq. (the son-in-law of its first keeper). Laid-up between October 1974 and July 1977 due to work pressures, `UKX 644J' has been sparingly exercised ever since save for jaunts to Dunblane, Scotland and Silverstone, Northants. Reportedly "driven on just one wet day in the last twenty years", the DB6 Mk2 Vantage shares garage space with a DB6 Mk1 Vantage sibling. Treated to a stainless steel exhaust and Kenlowe fans during Mr Elwell's tenure, the Aston Martin has been routinely serviced by the vendor (an AMOC member). Never allowed to deteriorate to the point of needing restoration, `UKX 644J' is quite exceptional in retaining its original factory paintwork, Black leather upholstery and major mechanical components. Starting readily upon inspection and apparently showing over 100lb/sqin oil pressure @ 3,000rpm when warm, chassis DB6MK2/4241/R showed no signs of major structural repair and was notable for the ease with which its bonnet, boot and doors opened and closed.

Aside from the microblistering which began to materialise on certain panels during the 1980s, the Aston Martin remains highly presentable (though, a bodywork specialist could doubtless freshen its appearance). Interestingly, a professional chassis inspection carried out on August 1st 1995 failed to unearth any corrosion issues but did prompt a thorough Waxoyling. Older mechanical repairs have included a reconditioned fuel pump, recalibrated rev counter and renewed power steering gaiters, while the past six months have seen the Aston Martin benefit from a new battery, replacement hoses / jubilee clips and five fresh Pirelli tyres. A real testament to Newport Pagnell build quality, `UKX 644J' was chosen by marque historian the late Roger Stowers to feature in the company's Millenium Calendar entitled `A Celebration of Craftsmanship'. Running on unleaded with a VSP Plus additive following the demise of leaded fuel, the DB6 MK2 is variously described the vendor as being in "original" (bodywork), "working" (electrical equipment), "unmodified" (engine), "working as far as known" (five-speed manual gearbox), "original some microblistering" (paintwork) and "excellent / original" (interior trim) condition. A measure of the care with which the grand tourer has been maintained, its triple Weber carburettors have not needed adjustment for the last thirty-eight years! A true timewarp that would grace the preservation class of many a concours event, `UKX 644J' has covered a warranted 38,800 miles from new. Quite simply the most original DB6 MK2 Vantage we have encountered, this extraordinary motor car is offered for sale with its original cooling fan, handbook, tool kit and jack not to mention a tailored car cover and sheaf of MOTs dating back to November 13th 1974 (the present certificate being valid until January 9th 2013).

PLEASE NOTE: Since the catalogue went to press we have been contacted by the car's last (second) keeper, C.A.R. Elwell Esq., who informs us that its first owner was not his father-in-law but rather the father of his brother's then girlfriend.