Background

After rejecting proposals for a replacement for the DB5 from Touring of Milan, the decision was made by Aston Martin to focus on their own development car, registered, 4 YMC. Testing it in a wind tunnel for the first time in February 1965 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, announced at the London Motor Show in October 1965, 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.

The seat shapes were changed to give greater shoulder and lumbar 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

The original factory build sheet shows that the car was delivered to the first owner through Eton Motors and shows non-standard equipment of a Vantage engine, a limited slip differential, chrome wire wheels with 3 ear caps, Fiam horns with a changeover switch, a power operated aerial and the rear loud speaker wired!

Although the current owner obtained history that includes a photocopy from the DVLA of the original log book, the original ownership details are missing and the first legible record is for a Michael Davidson of Harrow on the Hill, Middlesex, who acquired the car in May 1974. In April 1980, it passed on to a Mr George Geeson of Edenbridge in Kent and then to David Baker, its present owner since September 1995.

There is a limited amount of history in the file prior to the current owner's stewardship of the car and most of the contemporary detail covers a total ground up, body off, nut and bolt rebuild of this DB6 Vantage by two recognised Aston Martin Specialists, which is detailed by invoice and photography.

It is a story of a labour of love and courage of two men. It must be a passion because in 1994 there was not the end value in a DB6 to warrant a "body off" restoration. This very expensive method was more normally associated with models such as DB4GT, and possibly DB5 as their values were just starting to increase but highly unlikely for a DB6. However, this is exactly what recognised Aston Martin specialist Mark Humphries of Panelrama was commissioned to do by the then owner George Geeson. The advantages of this approach, which are now commonplace today with DB4 and DB5 but still rare for DB6, are evident as you will see from the photographs of the chassis with all panels removed save the roof. It allows for sand blasting the complete chassis to expose any corrosion before replacing affected chassis sections and refinishing the whole in modern paints and enamels. It allows for known but normally difficult to access corrosion points to be addressed and ensures that the foundations are in the best possible condition. In short, at the time of writing I can think of no finer way to restore the chassis and body of a DB6.

Sadly, George Geeson died shortly after work began and in July 1995 I was in contact with Mrs Geeson to try and find a buyer for George's DB6 Vantage, which by that time was completely disassembled. At that time most buyers I spoke with were not interested in carrying on the restoration due to the costs associated with this body off method. However, I did say this is a story of two men and it was at this point that David Baker purchased the car and continued the restoration which has occupied his life for most of the last thirteen years.

The style of restoration suited David as he wanted a DB6 Vantage that was a "cut above the rest". He also wanted a car that would be nice to drive and to that end he had certain upgrades included, such as sound proofing installed prior to a complete interior retrim. The leather is Connolly Autolux, the highest grade available and the parchment colour is complimented by the Sandringham Beige Wilton carpet. This keeps the interior light and gives the cabin a spacious feel. The trimming was done by Michael Wheatley who was Team Leader of the Trim Shop at Aston for 11 years. To allow for the fitment of modern in car audio equipment the car has also been changed to negative earth. To improve ride and handling the rear suspension has been upgraded to Avo telescopic shock absorbers and the front had a Harvey Bailey handling kit fitted with anti roll bar and uprated springs. The engine was stripped, the block was crack tested and rebuilt with new liners and pistons to unleaded specification. The file contains details of all measurements taken on that rebuild by Ray Buckley who specialises in the rebuild of racing Astons.

One very interesting modification on the car was the choice of replacement gearbox. It was supplied by Transmission Components of Letchworth, Hertfordshire (www.transmissioncomponents.com) and is their T5 unit that was offered in 5 litre Ford Mustangs and is standard equipment in V6 models of the same today. This was a considered choice by the owner and gives a more balanced feel to the original ZF box but no modifications were necessary in mounting it so it does not preclude a new owner from returning the car to its original specification if desired.

Due to work load commitments at Panelrama and the owner�s enthusiasm to complete the restoration, recognised Aston Martin specialist Jonathan Wardle was retained to guide the restoration to conclusion, complete the refitting and final road test.

Even with this effort, the car had yet to attain the level of finish that the owner�s pursuit of perfection demanded and marque specialists Marksdanes were retained to refinish the paintwork and attend to what they describe as a "niggle list".

Summary

There are photographs together with invoices relating to the restoration of this car which exceed £80,000 it has been completed with an attention to detail and has been used only sparingly.

Aesthetically, the Blue exterior is set off perfectly by the Monarch Sand interior and it is only a change in personal circumstances that enables us to offer this opportunity to acquire a rare original Aston Martin DB6 Vantage, which has been the subject of a body off restoration.

If you were to ask one of the better known Aston Martin restorers to undertake a "body off" restoration the cost would be approximately £150,000 and you would still need to buy a donor car which could cost between 40,000 and 50,000................and then wait two years.

The owner's quest for possibly the ultimate DB6 has been realised and we are proud to represent this car and offer it to the market at a price that truly represents value when taken against any measure of performance or presentation.