In 1958, Aston Martin debuted the DB4, initiating a prestigious lineage culminating in the DB6, produced from 1965 to 1969. General manager John Wyer’s pivotal decision to enlist Italian styling expertise from Touring of Milan rather than relying solely on in-house design significantly contributed to the DB4’s acclaim.
The foundational chassis, crafted by chief engineer Harold Beach, complemented the innovative twin overhead camshaft engine, conceptualized by Tadek Marek and rigorously tested in the DBR2, which debuted in the DB4.
By 1963, the DB5 introduced an enlarged engine capacity, expanding from 3.7 to 4.0 liters, carried over to the DB6 in 1966. Equipped with triple SU carburetors, the engine outputted 282bhp, rising to 325bhp with triple Weber carburetors in Vantage specification. The introduction of Borg-Warner automatic transmission alongside the ZF five-speed manual gearbox, along with optional power-assisted steering, enhanced the DB6’s appeal.
Distinguishing itself with a longer wheelbase, providing more rear passenger space, the DB6 featured distinct bodywork, including an aerodynamically efficient ‘Kamm’ tail and a slightly raised roofline. The summer of 1969 saw the announcement of the Mark 2 DB6, recognizable by flared wheel arches and DBS wheels, offering standard power-assisted steering and optional AE Brico electronic fuel injection. Production ceased in 1970, with 1,567 saloons produced, including 240 Mark 2 models.
Source: Bonhams
