SOLD
- 1968 Aston Martin DB6 -
Vantage Manual
This 1968 Earls Court Motor Show car is a factory Vantage manual presented in its original dark blue Connolly hide. Single family ownership since 1977. The motor car will be available in late September on completion of the following restoration work:
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Full repaint in its original colour of Celeste Blue
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Refinish of the engine bay & vehicle underside
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Complete mechanical overhaul to the underside & engine bay
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New carpets & head lining
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Extensive road testing & restoration album detailing work carried out
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Highly sought-after original ZF five-speed gearbox
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Fitted with its original Italian triple webers
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Single family ownership since 1977
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The exact car first shown at the 1968 Earls Court Motor Show launch
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Proven to be the only DB6 Vantage ever used by Aston Martin to market their product.
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One of only two DB6's ever used as British show cars.
The DB6 is considered by many to be the last 'real' Aston and was 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.
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, and for the first time there was optional power-assisted steering. Borg-Warner automatic transmission was offered alongside the standard ZF five-speed gearbox, with the later being fitted to this vehicle is question, which is still installed in the vehicle today.
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.
When originally ordered this DB6 was manufactured to Vantage specification. Chassis number 'DB6/3504/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 Blue with dark blue Connolly leather hide & dark blue Wilton carpets, 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 (400/3669/VC) was changed early in the vehicle’s life, due to excessive corrosion. This was replaced with a new factory supplied block (400/2331/V) which is still fitted to the vehicle today. The original block has been retained by the owner, which will be included with the sale of the vehicle, as part of the history.
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. From 2001 onwards, the vendor accumulated parts necessary to repair the car, the works subsequently carried out being detailed in a document on file. The engine had been dismantled prior to 2001 and was rebuilt with new parts wherever necessary.
In more recent times the current owner commissioned British Marque Restoration specialists, Richards of England, to carry out a sympathetic restoration. This is still currently undergoing and has been carefully thought out to allow the car to keep its originality where possible. This car has undergone a full disassembly and repaint in its original colour of Celeste Blue. Work on the engine bay & vehicle underside is currently underway. Following this a complete mechanical overhaul to the underside, suspension, brakes, axle/differential & engine bay will take place. The Wilton carpets and head lining will be restored to factory fit in order to refresh the interior. The original Connolly hide remains as a lasting patina, an original smell and feel, which is irreplaceable. This owes homage to its careful maintenance and low ownership. Still supplied with its original tool roll, Epco jack, and an owner's manual.
Comprehensive road testing and detailing to the highest standard will take place prior to delivery of this motor car. Please contact us to arrange a viewing. We welcome any enquiries. Finance options available. Nationwide covered in transportation included as part of service to our clients. Please note the restoration work will not be complete until the end of September. The photos we have included are either of the cars current progress or of the cars previous condition, prior to arriving to our workshops.
