Lot 331
The Ex-Bing Crosby, fewer than 7,000 miles recorded, 1966 Aston Martin DB6 Vantage Saloon
Chassis no. DB6/2389/L Engine no. 400-2474-V
Amended
19 January 2012, 13:00 PST
Arizona, ScottsdaleSold for US$298,500 inc. premium
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The Ex-Bing Crosby, fewer than 7,000 miles recorded
1966 Aston Martin DB6 Vantage Saloon
Chassis no. DB6/2389/L
Engine no. 400-2474-V
1966 Aston Martin DB6 Vantage Saloon
Chassis no. DB6/2389/L
Engine no. 400-2474-V
*3,995cc DOHC in-line six cylinder engine
*325bhp with triple Weber carburetors
*Five-speed manual transmission
*Documented celebrity provenance
*Desirable Vantage specification
*Factory left-hand-drive example
The culmination of Aston Martin's long-running line of 'DB' six-cylinder sports saloons, and thus considered by many to be the last 'real' Aston, the DB6 was introduced in 1965, updating the DB5. Aware that increased headroom and legroom were required to extend the car's appeal to a wider market, Aston Martin lengthened the wheelbase by 4" and undertook an extensive re-style, incorporating a more-raked windscreen, raised roofline and reshaped rear quarter windows. Although still recognizably related to the original Touring-styled DB4 of 1958, the DB6 abandoned the Superleggera body structure of its predecessors in favor of a conventional steel fabrication. Opening front quarter lights made a reappearance, but the major change was at the rear where a Kamm-style tail with spoiler improved the aerodynamics, greatly enhancing stability at high speeds.
The Tadek Marek-designed six-cylinder engine had been enlarged to 3,995cc for the preceding DB5 and remained unchanged. Power output on triple SU carburetors was 282bhp, rising to 325bhp in Vantage specification with triple Webers. Borg-Warner automatic transmission was offered alongside the standard ZF five-speed gearbox, and for the first time there was optional power-assisted steering.
This DB6 Vantage, a left-hand-drive example to manual gearbox specification, has a significant albeit brief history. It was believed to be sold new to noted American singer and actor Harry Lillis "Bing" Crosby. Early records are not available to confirm with certainty that Bing was its original caretaker, however, accompanying the vehicle is a copy of a 1976 California title in the name of Harry L Crosby, registered to a Burlingame, California address. Indeed, a man of Bing's stature would likely not have had a "used" Aston!
The indicated mileage of just under 7,000 is said to be actual according to the Aston's present long-term owner; the original interior, showing signs of careful use but in very good order overall, would seem to confirm this statement. The Vantage engine, designated as such by the 'V' suffix to the engine number, retains triple Weber carburetors. Painted in 2006 in its current grey hue, this DB6 is a lovely example overall, in desirable Vantage specification, with documented celebrity provenance. With the values of LHD DB5 models approaching stratospheric levels, a factory LHD DB6 in such good order would seem a smart investment indeed.
*325bhp with triple Weber carburetors
*Five-speed manual transmission
*Documented celebrity provenance
*Desirable Vantage specification
*Factory left-hand-drive example
The culmination of Aston Martin's long-running line of 'DB' six-cylinder sports saloons, and thus considered by many to be the last 'real' Aston, the DB6 was introduced in 1965, updating the DB5. Aware that increased headroom and legroom were required to extend the car's appeal to a wider market, Aston Martin lengthened the wheelbase by 4" and undertook an extensive re-style, incorporating a more-raked windscreen, raised roofline and reshaped rear quarter windows. Although still recognizably related to the original Touring-styled DB4 of 1958, the DB6 abandoned the Superleggera body structure of its predecessors in favor of a conventional steel fabrication. Opening front quarter lights made a reappearance, but the major change was at the rear where a Kamm-style tail with spoiler improved the aerodynamics, greatly enhancing stability at high speeds.
The Tadek Marek-designed six-cylinder engine had been enlarged to 3,995cc for the preceding DB5 and remained unchanged. Power output on triple SU carburetors was 282bhp, rising to 325bhp in Vantage specification with triple Webers. Borg-Warner automatic transmission was offered alongside the standard ZF five-speed gearbox, and for the first time there was optional power-assisted steering.
This DB6 Vantage, a left-hand-drive example to manual gearbox specification, has a significant albeit brief history. It was believed to be sold new to noted American singer and actor Harry Lillis "Bing" Crosby. Early records are not available to confirm with certainty that Bing was its original caretaker, however, accompanying the vehicle is a copy of a 1976 California title in the name of Harry L Crosby, registered to a Burlingame, California address. Indeed, a man of Bing's stature would likely not have had a "used" Aston!
The indicated mileage of just under 7,000 is said to be actual according to the Aston's present long-term owner; the original interior, showing signs of careful use but in very good order overall, would seem to confirm this statement. The Vantage engine, designated as such by the 'V' suffix to the engine number, retains triple Weber carburetors. Painted in 2006 in its current grey hue, this DB6 is a lovely example overall, in desirable Vantage specification, with documented celebrity provenance. With the values of LHD DB5 models approaching stratospheric levels, a factory LHD DB6 in such good order would seem a smart investment indeed.
Saleroom notices
As the catalog went to press Bonhams obtained a copy of the original build sheet for this car. The recorded mileage of under 7,000 is now not believed to be original, as the factory records record the car returning to the Works for service in 1971 with indicated mileage exceeding 39,000. The car was delivered new to Garage Mirabeau in Paris and served as a demonstrator.