THE BEAULIEU SALE COLLECTORS' MOTOR CARS & AUTOMOBILIA - 2 September 2023, 14:30 BST - Beaulieu, National Motor Museum
Lot to be sold without reserve
1970 Aston Martin DB6 Mark 2 FI Sports Saloon
Est: £100,000 - £150,000
Registration no. not UK registered
Chassis no. DB6MK2EFI/4253/R
Engine no. 400/4595/FI
• One of only 245 DB6 Mk2s made
• Manual transmission
• Present ownership since 2008
• Stored since acquisition
• Requires re-commissioning
In 1958 Aston Martin introduced the DB4, the first of a line that would culminate in the DB6 built between 1965 and 1969. Introduced at the 1965 London Motor Show, the DB6 was recognisably related to the Touring-styled DB4 but abandoned the Superleggera body structure of its predecessors in favour of a conventional steel fabrication. At 8' 5¾" the wheelbase was now 3¾" longer than before, resulting in an extensive restyle with more-raked windscreen, raised roofline and reshaped rear quarter windows. The result was significantly increased interior space, making the DB6 a genuine four-seater and greatly extending its appeal. Opening front quarter lights reappeared but the major change was at the rear where a Kamm-style tail with spoiler improved the aerodynamics, greatly enhancing stability at high speeds. This device had first been tried on the DP214 and DP215 DB4GT-based Le Mans prototypes, yet another example of racing improving the breed.
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. Borg-Warner automatic transmission was offered alongside the standard ZF five-speed gearbox, and for the first time there was optional power-assisted steering.
In the summer of 1969 Aston Martin announced the DB6 Mark 2 in saloon and convertible versions, this being the final development of the noble line that had begun with the DB4 back in 1958. Distinguishable by its flared wheelarches and DBS wheels, the DB6 Mark 2 came with power-assisted steering as standard and could be ordered with AE Brico electronic fuel injection. When DB6 Mark 2 production ceased in November 1970, a total of 245 had been made, of which only 46 left the factory fitted with the optional fuel injection like this example. Last-of-the-line models are always sought after by discerning collectors, and few are more highly prized that the final flowering of the glorious 'David Brown' six-cylinder series, considered by many to be the last of the 'real' Aston Martins.
Little is known about the history of this Mk2 DB6 apart from the names of previous owners on copies of old V5 and V5C documents on file. The current vendor purchased the DB6 from marque specialist Desmond J Smail in February 2008 (copy invoice on file), since when it has been kept on static display. Recommissioning will be required before the car returns to the road.
Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.
Please note that this car has been converted from its original specification Fuel Injection to triple carburettors.
Text & Image: Bonhams
