1970 Aston Martin DB6 Mk2 Vantage

• Chassis # DB6MK2/4256/R is one of only 71 DB6 Mk2s equipped with the Vantage engine by the factory when new
• Seemingly always a cherished example with several AMOC Concours successes in the 1970s and 1980s
• Finished in the beautiful colour combination of British Racing Green with Natural leather
• An original factory manual transmission example, the car retains its matching numbers Vantage engine
• Significant recommissioning by Aston Martin Works including an engine overhaul
• Offered at a very competitive guide price and presented to auction freshly MOT’d with its V5 and an interesting history file

Considered by many to be the last 'real' Aston Martin, the DB6 was launched in 1965 and replaced the DB5. The wheelbase was now 4" (100mm) longer than before, resulting in an extensive restyle with a more steeply raked windscreen, reshaped rear quarter windows, and a raised roofline which made the rear seats considerably more viable. Opening front quarter lights made a reappearance, but the major change was at the rear where a 'Kamm' tail with spoiler improved the aerodynamics, greatly enhancing stability at high speeds. The Tadek Marek-designed, six-cylinder engine, which had been enlarged to 3,995cc for the preceding DB5, remained unchanged and the power output on triple SU carburettors was 282bhp.

By 1969, Aston Martin was winding down production of the DB6, which was now over a decade old, and as attention turned towards the newer, more modern-looking DBS, Aston Martin unveiled a final swan song - the DB6 Mk 2. Mechanically, the Mk 2 was largely unchanged from its predecessor; the Borg & Beck clutch plate was replaced by a 10.5-inch version, and the, previously optional, power-assisted steering was now fitted as standard. Both the ZF five-speed manual gearbox and the automatic transmission were available; however, a new option of Brico fuel injection was offered and fitted to just 46 cars. Visually, the new Mk 2 benefited from several DBS components utilised to keep costs down while subtly upgrading the look of the DB6. Most recognisable of these upgrades was the wider 8.15×15-inch Avon wheels, which necessitated flared front and rear wheel arches. Previously optional three-ear knock-offs were fitted as standard, and the interior was redesigned to more closely resemble the DBS - including trimming the front seats with pleated leather.

As was customary for Aston, the Vantage engine was available as an option to those owners who wanted that extra power boost. Having evolved from the DB4 Special Series engine first seen in 1961, Vantage engines were fitted with three Weber carburettors instead of the standard two. In the highest ‘C’ state of tune, the DB6 Mk 2 Vantage engine now produced 325bhp as compared to the standard 282bhp.

This very rare, desirable and simply lovely DB6 Mk2 Vantage was manufactured in April 1970 and records show that it was sold by HR Owen in London and registered in September 1970. The car was supplied by the factory with the Vantage engine and ZF manual transmission options, and was originally finished in Burnt Almond with an interior in Natural leather.

It seems the car remained a cherished example throughout its life as the Aston Martin Owners Club (AMOC) Register notes that #4256/R enjoyed several club Concours successes in 1979, 1985, and 1986. Although it is unknown when the car adopted the lovely shade of British Racing Green it wears today, we imagine it was a regular at AMOC events and competed in many Concours events over the years, in addition to the events at which it was awarded a prize.

More recently, the DB6 was acquired in August 1997 by an Aston Martin Owners Club member who resided near Birmingham, and he kept it for thirteen years until its most recent owner acquired it directly from them in May 2010. Soon after purchase, the Vantage was exported to the Middle East where it joined their significant car collection and remained on display in perfect storage conditions.

Upon the cars return to England in 2018, Aston Martin Works were tasked with carrying out a significant recommissioning of the mechanicals, including an overhaul of the original Vantage-specification engine. Pleasingly, the work was carried out by Aston Martin technicians in the same facility in which the car was originally constructed.

Of the 240 DB6 Mk2s produced, only 71 had the Vantage engine from new and less than half of those were right-hand drive saloons with a factory-fitted manual gearbox, which makes this example a very rare car. The Aston presents well in a delightful colour combination with a classic DB interior which proudly displays its original radio. We feel the car is competitively guided given its rarity and recent recommissioning by the ‘Works’. Freshly MOT’d, this beautiful DB6 is ready to be enjoyed by its next lucky owner.