Background

The roots of the DB6 can be found back in 1960 when Tadek Marek cut the platform chassis of a DB4 ahead of the heelboard and inserted a new 3.75 inch (92mm) section of metalwork with the intention of creating a car that would carry four rather than two adults. This car entitled DP/200/1 and registered 4 YMC became a development workhorse for the DB5 replacement. Aston Martin rejected their Touring's design proposals and focussed back on 4 YMC testing it in a wind tunnel for the first time in February 1965.  That showed the need for work to counteract the test car's rear end lift.  So the final development phases saw a DB5 chassis, suitably lengthened and titled MP219, with a rear spoiler and abbreviated Kamm tail that Aston Martin had previously incorporated in sports racers.  The decision was made to progress MP 219 as the Aston Martin DB6 although its de Dion rear axle was replaced with a live axle on cost grounds.  So the new car had a wheelbase extended by 3.75 inches with the extra inserted just ahead of the rear wheel arches and this allowed the roofline to be raised by an inch, while a further two inches of headroom was gained by reworking the seat squabs.  Reducing the length of the trailing arms on the rear suspension, gave more elbow room at the back and Aston Martin offered reassurances that rubber bushes ensured no loss of road holding. The seat shapes were changed to give greater shoulder and lumber support while the dashboard changed only with the size and layout of individual dials. Externally, however, horizontally slatted grille beneath the number plate allowed better air flow to the oil cooler and visual symmetry of the new arrangement was maintained with a split bumper at the front that was mirrored at the rear of the car.  Mechanically, the car was very similar to the Aston Martin DB5 with 3 SU carburettors fitted as standard.  There were a number of items that a customer could specify at no extra cost - a Powr-Lok limited slip differential and chrome wire wheels.  An electric aerial was fitted as standard, although the radio, which would be a customer choice, was considered an extra and was charged accordingly.  The Vantage engine, designated by the "V" suffix to the engine denoted an increased power output identified as 325bhp at 5,750 rpm and breathing through triple Weber carburettors. - of 417 DB6 Vantages built, only 268 were right hand drive, increasing the rarity and desirability of the cars

Vehicle History: A copy of the original build sheet shows that the car was supplied to its first owner on 18^th March 1966 through the dealer, Plough Motors. Originally finished in Fiesta Red with Black Connolly hide, the car came with a Vantage engine, a limited slip differential, heated rear screen, power operated aerial and 3 ear hub caps on standard wheels.  The first service invoice on file shows the ownership in the early 1980's being with Anglepoise Lighting Limited of Redditch who had the car maintained by A B Price Limited, automobile engineers of Studley in Warwickshire.  It is clear that they became involved in the ownership of the car as there is a letter on file dated 8^th September 1982 to a Mrs Josephine Terry acknowledging her purchase of GDG 300 D. There are invoices on file from a variety of service agents noting the regular maintenance of the car whilst in Mrs Terry's ownership culminating in a vehicle condition report conducted by Alscot Garage in October 1998 that noted a reasonable level of reconditioning was required in most areas of the car.  Whether it was this that prompted a change of ownership or perhaps the report was commissioned in anticipation of a change, the file sees a new owner, Gareth Lewis, commissioning service work on the car from November 1998.  In 2003, Byron International were retained by Mr Lewis (now a returning client with a DB4)  to broker the car and it was sold to another established clients, Mel Sherwood, based in Paignton in Devon. A Road Test and Report (present in the file) was commissioned in December 2003 and the car was purchased in January 2004.  Prior to taking possession, the owner had the car serviced by the commissioned service engineer to their recommendations and he then continued to maintain the car in good condition.  He made the decision in 2005 to sell the car and Byron International brokered the car to the current owner (interesting to note that Mr Sherwood regretted his decision to sell and bought another DB6 through Byron International shortly after). The current owner has continued to maintain the car in good order with a major engine service as recently as July of this year.

Summary:  The Aston Martin DB6 Vantage is an outstanding and popular derivation of the original Superleggera design from Carrozzeria Touring of Milan, Italy.  DB6/ 2574/R is now with Byron for a third time and we would summarise the car very simply - she is a lovely car that has been cherished by her owners, and she may just win your heart.