Description

1968 Aston Martin DB6 Sports saloon
Registration no. GCK 222F
Chassis no. DBVC/3368/R
*Automatic transmission
*Well documented

Considered by many to be the last 'real' Aston Martin, the DB6 was launched in 1965, updating the DB5. Although Royal patronage of the marque undoubtedly helped DB6 sales, the car arrived at a difficult time for Aston Martin, with the home economy in a parlous state and the US market subject to ever-more restrictive legislation.

Though recognisably related to its Touring-styled DB4 ancestor, the DB6 abandoned the underlying Superleggera body structure of its predecessors in favour of a conventional steel fabrication while retaining the aluminium outer panels. Somewhat confusingly, 'Superleggera' badges continued to be applied for a time, presumably until stocks ran out. The wheelbase was now 4" (100mm) longer than before, resulting in an extensive restyle 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. 'The tail lip halves the aerodynamic lift around maximum speed and brings in its train greater headroom and more luggage space,' declared Motor magazine, concluding that the DB6 was one of the finest sports cars it had ever tested.

This automatic-transmission DB6  was sold new in February 1968 via H R Owen to Spillers Ltd, the well known flour milling, bakery, and pet food company. Its accompanying copy order form shows that the car was originally finished in Dubonnet Rosso with natural Connolly hide interior trim. The DB6 also came with just about every conceivable 'extra': power assisted steering, heated rear screen, chrome road wheels, 3-ear hubcaps, Motorola radio, power aerial, safety belts, two Sebring wing mirrors, Marchal fog lamps, and a 'GB' plate being among the items of non-standard equipment listed. The guarantee form also specifies automatic transmission of the DB5 type ('3368/R' has the column-mounted shift lever). The car's original registration mark was 'GCK 222F', which it retains.

Service records show that within a couple of years the DB6 had covered over 50,000 miles, and there are numerous invoices on file issued by Aston Martin Works Service during the 1970s and 1980s. Correspondence on file shows that by the end of the 1970s 'GCK 222F' was in the ownership of a Mr & Mrs Edwards, who had it repainted Windsor Red Metallic and re-trimmed in Magnolia by AML Ltd.

The Aston subsequently passed to a Mr Ian Pattison, and there are numerous service invoices on file issued by a local company, Falcon Engineering Services. Mr Pattison owned the DB6 from 1993 to March 2004 when it was acquired by the current vendor. While in the vendor's care the car has been repainted again, on this occasion to the current dark grey. Photographs relating to the re-spray are on file, and the Aston also comes with a current MoT certificate, a UK V5C registration document, and a quantity of expired MoTs dating back to the late 1970s.

This is a superb example of the amazing Aston Martin DB6 which really needs to be seen to be appreciated.

Please contact Roger or Marc on 01508 530491 for more details.