Description
The Aston Martin DB6 is one of the most elegant and historically important grand tourers of the 1960s, representing the peak of Aston Martin’s classic “DB” lineage before the company moved into a new design era.
Origins and Development
The DB6 was introduced in 1965 as the successor to the highly successful DB5, which had already achieved global fame thanks to its association with James Bond. While the DB6 looked similar at first glance, it was a more mature, refined, and practical evolution rather than a radical redesign.
Aston Martin’s goal was to improve:
High-speed stability
Passenger comfort
Long-distance touring capability
These priorities reflected the DB6’s role as a true Grand Tourer, designed for fast continental travel rather than outright racing.
Design and Engineering
Exterior
Styled by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan
Retained the DB5’s proportions but with a longer wheelbase
Introduced the distinctive “Kamm tail” (cut-off rear)
Improved aerodynamic stability at high speeds
Reduced rear-end lift, a known issue on earlier DB models
Interior
More spacious rear seating than the DB5
Improved ventilation and comfort
High levels of hand-crafted luxury: leather, wool carpets, walnut trim
Mechanical Specifications
Engine: 4. 0-liter inline-six
Output: ~282 bhp (standard), ~325 bhp (Vantage)
Top speed: ~150 mph (Vantage models)
Transmission:
5-speed ZF manual
Optional Borg-Warner automatic
Variants
DB6 (1965–1969)
The standard model
Focused on comfort and refinement
DB6 Vantage
Higher compression engine
Triple Weber carburetors
More performance-focused and rarer
DB6 Volante (Convertible)
Produced from 1966
One of the most elegant open-top GTs of its era
Far rarer than the coupe
DB6 vs Mark II
DB6 (1965–1969): Original design
Mark II (1969–1970):
Wider wheels
Flared wheel arches
Optional fuel injection
Built in smaller numbers
Cultural and Historical Significance
Unlike the DB5, the DB6 never officially appeared in a James Bond film
However, it became a favourite among royalty, industrialists, and celebrities
Famously owned by Sir Paul McCartney, whose DB6 gained legendary status after a psychedelic paint job in the late 1960s
The DB6 marked the end of the Touring-bodied DB era. Its successor, the DBS, signalled a shift toward a more modern, angular design language.
Legacy and Collectability
Today, the Aston Martin DB6 is prized for:
Its understated elegance compared to the DB5
Superior driving comfort
Classic British craftsmanship
Collectors often view it as:
More usable than the DB5
Slightly less famous, but arguably more refined
A purist’s choice among classic Aston Martins
In Summary
The Aston Martin DB6 represents:
The culmination of Aston Martin’s classic 1960s grand touring philosophy
A bridge between old-world craftsmanship and modern performance thinking
One of the finest expressions of British automotive elegance ever built
This Car
This 1969 Aston Martin DB6 was one of the last batch of cars built before the DB6 MKII was launched. Sold new by HR Owen in London and order in Silver Birch with Black trim, ther extras order at the time were:
Borg Warner Automatic Transmission
Air Conditioning
Power Steering
Immersion Heater
Front Seat Belts
Chrome wire Wheels
Heated Raer Screen
Three eared Wheel Spinners
Limited Slip Diff 3. 54:1
Power Aerial
White Wall Tyres
The car was fitted with a Tudor/ Webasto sunroof in period.
DB6/ 4070/ R was Purchased by the current owner in 2006 and has been subject to a full stage by stage refurbishment with the following work carried out by known Aston Martin specialist:
New inner and outer side sills
New front end and wings
Total bare metal repaint in Caribbean Blue by Colbrook Ltd
New sunroof
Engine block welded by RS Williams and engine re-built to standard 4. 0 litre specification by Chris Woodgate in 2013
Gearbox overhaul by Chris Woodgate
Refurbished oil cooler and coolant radiator and heater radiator
All new suspension and Brakes
New Avon Tyres
All chrome work by Darby plating
The list continues and all in keeping with the correct Aston Martin methods and specification.
A great driver's car and pretty a car not to worry about and accepted in any motoring event.
