1968 - Aston Martin DB6 - Lot 36

1968 - Aston Martin DB6 The ultimate model in the prestigious line of classic DBs, inaugurated in 1958 and made mythical by the James Bond saga. French registration Chassis n°DB6/3509/R Engine n°400/3559 - Superb optimized Touring line and Marek 6-cylinder 4L double camshaft engine - MK1 version produced in 1,327 examples, right-hand drive from the UK - Registered in France since at least 1993 and in the same family since 2000 - Original engine and mechanical gearbox replaced by an automatic - 68,000 miles on the odometer, overhauled and repainted in 2022 by a specialist - Heritage certificate, recent invoices for €30,000 and appraisal report from 2022 Estimate: €100,000 / €200,000 WITHOUT RESERVE PRICE The file and additional photos of each vehicle are available at the following drive link (after request for access): https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lGJ4wjEQFbPZQt2r2CTdicpUI9SYtqUK?usp=share_link Introduced at the 1965 London Motor Show as the evolution of the DB line initiated by the DB2, the Aston Martin DB6 represents the technical culmination of the great British GTs of the David Brown era. Using the Superleggera body technique developed by Italian coachbuilder Touring, and evolving the DB5 chassis, the DB6 differed from the DB5 in that it had a longer wheelbase, improving both habitability and high-speed stability. Its truncated "Kamm tail", inspired by the work of German aerodynamicist Wunibald Kamm, also optimizes aerodynamics, while giving it a more modern, signature look. Under its long hood sits the famous Aston Martin in-line six-cylinder engine designed by engine engineer Tadek Marek. Made entirely from aluminum and featuring double overhead camshaft timing, it reaches its ultimate 3,995 cm³ and develops 282 bhp SAE in standard configuration fed by three SU HD8 carburetors. This power is even increased to 325 hp in Vantage versions fed by three Weber carburetors. Coupled with the much sought-after ZF five-speed manual gearbox, or more rarely with a Borg-Warner automatic, this engine gave the DB6 top performance for its era, with a top speed in excess of 240 km/h! As for the interior, it illustrates the British interpretation of sporting luxury: Connolly full-grain leather, Wilton carpets, full Smiths instrumentation and a low driving position, geared more towards fast touring than radical sportiness. The DB6 marks the end of an era at Aston Martin, before the transition to the more modern DBS, and represents one of the best compromises of classic Aston Martin production. Mature and versatile, it appeals for its balance between comfort, driving pleasure and aptitude for fast touring, while retaining the timeless elegance, handcrafted refinement and mechanical nobility that characterize the great Aston Martins of the David Brown years. The DB6 appealed to gentlemen drivers and international aristocrats and artists alike. Only 1,788 examples of all versions were produced between 1965 and 1970, and today it remains one of the classic Aston Martins most appreciated by connoisseurs. The Aston Martin DB6 on offer is a 1968 MK1 coupé. It is one of only 1,327 produced. It was delivered new in England to the head of a wool company. As such, it is an authentic right-hand-drive English car. It was originally delivered in a Dubonnet Rosso configuration with black leather interior and matching carpet, as indicated on the Aston Martin Heritage certificate attached to the file. This document also indicates that the car was originally fitted with the desirable 5-speed ZF manual gearbox, whereas it is now equipped with an automatic gearbox, probably installed following its arrival in France to facilitate its use. On the other hand, the Heritage certificate confirms that this DB6 has retained its original engine. Acquired by the current owner's father in 2000, when it was already in France, and registered in the Alpes Maritimes since 1993, this DB6 underwent a major overhaul at specialist ARS Classic in Signes in 2022, at a cost of almost €26,000. In addition to a general overhaul to get the car back on the road and rebuild the brakes, as well as various cosmetic works, a complete paint job was carried out.