Footnotes

• 'If you want a truly British driver's car, the ultimate development of a continuous line of thoroughbreds from the Vintage era to the present day, there is nothing in quite the same field as the Aston.' – The Motor on the DB6, 26th November 1966.
  
  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 had been introduced in 1965, updating the DB5. Although recognisably related to the Touring-styled DB4 of 1958, the DB6 abandoned the Carrozzeria Touring-developed Superleggera body structure of its predecessors in favour of a conventional steel fabrication while retaining the aluminium outer panels.
  
  Increased rear-seat space was the prime DB6 objective so the wheelbase was now 4" longer than before, resulting in an extensive re-style with more-raked windscreen, raised roofline and reshaped rear quarter windows. 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. These many dimensional changes were integrated most successfully, the DB6's overall length increasing by only 2". Indeed, but for the distinctive Kamm tail one might easily mistake it for a DB5.
  
  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 carburettors was 282bhp, rising to 325bhp in Vantage specification, complete 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.
  
  Like Motor, Autocar found much to commend in the DB6 Vantage, remaking on the car's much improved handling, outstanding adhesion and exceptionally good braking figures. A mean maximum speed of 148mph was achieved while the standing quarter-mile time of 14.5 seconds was the fastest the magazine had recorded for a four-seater. At 120mph the Aston was as effortlessly relaxed as other powerful cars at 80.
  
  A home-market model manufactured to Vantage specification, chassis number 'DB6/2594/R' was ordered with Motorola radio, chrome road wheels, heated rear window, three-ear hubcaps, power aerial, anchorage points for front seat belts, and two extra sets of carpets. The original colour scheme was Celeste metallic with dark blue Connolly leather trim, while the Webasto sunroof is a later addition. Originally registered 'WPE 828G', the Vantage was sold new via H W Motors to Anthony F Klima Esq of Banstead, Surrey. The original engine was '400/3669/VC'.
  
  The Aston previously belonged to the vendor's late brother, though the precise date of the latter's acquisition is not known (believed 1998). The owner before him (from 1977) was a Dr William Markland of New Romney, Kent, and there are expired MoT certificates on file showing that Dr Markland covered only 789 miles in the car between January 1980 and July 1985.
  
  When acquired by the vendor's brother, the Vantage had light frontal damage. From 2001 onwards, the vendor accumulated parts necessary to repair the car, the works subsequently carried out being detailed in a document on file (perusal recommended). The engine had been dismantled prior to 2001 and was rebuilt with new parts wherever necessary. The original (cracked) block is available. We are advised that the engine runs and displays good oil pressure, but would benefit from fine tuning. Chassis plates are not fitted but are included in the sale. Works still to be carried out include a repaint, fitting new headlining, reinstalling the re-trimmed Webasto sunroof, and general re-commissioning.
  
  Accompanying documentation consists of a copy of the original logbook, three expired MoTs and a V5 registration document, and the car also comes with its original tool roll, original Epco jack, and an owner's manual.
  

Saleroom notices

• Please note that the correct Chassis number is: DB6/3504/R and is misprinted in the description text but is correct in the chassis number heading. The horn push, (the correct DB6 type), the tool kit, jack, tool role and two DB6 Badge shields are available from the owner post sale. There is no Owners Manual with the lot.