1966 Aston Martin DB6 Mk.I

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 an uncertain state and the US market subject to ever-more restrictive legislation. Though recognisably related to its Touring-styled DB4 ancestor, the DB6 abandoned the Superleggera body structure of its predecessors in favour of a conventional steel fabrication. The wheelbase was now 4" longer than before, resulting in an extensive restyle with more-raked windscreen, raised roofline and reshaped rear quarter windows.

Chassis number DB6/2841/RN was originally delivered on 16th January 1966 to Lazenby Garages Ltd, Leicester and was purchased new by none other than Des O'Connor CBE. Every conceivable option was ordered, as detailed in the factory build records, including power steering, heated rear screen, twin Volante fuel tanks, air conditioning and a special red interior. A period photograph in the history file shows Mr O'Connor at the wheel of his newly purchased DB6. Factory service records detail expenditure over the first 5 years with descriptions of the maintenance and servicing carried out by the Aston Martin factory.

Finished today in the original colour combination of Oyster Special Grey with Special Red Interior, this delightful example has never been restored and is in completely original condition. Rarely do we see a car so complete and boasting the original engine, automatic transmission, interior seats, door cards and even the chassis number allocation written under the rear seats. Reading a believed genuine 86,750 miles from new, 2841/RN was dry-stored in the South of France and taken off the road by the current registered keeper in 1992 which was the last time the car was taxed. For 30 years the car remained secluded in a barn until it was pulled out and sent back to England for a mechanical overhaul.

Nearly every conceivable mechanical component has been evaluated, stripped, refurbished or rebuilt. The engine demonstrated a healthy oil pressure when the car was first started and was inspected and found to be in excellent condition. The following works have been recently completed:

Brake calipers rebuilt with stainless steel pistons and handbrake units. Brake hoses replaced.Original Girling servos refurbished. Brake master cylinder refurbished. Triple SU carbs completely stripped and refurbished.All hoses replaced.Engine bay stripped down to bare metal, rust proofed, Waxoyled and stone chip protection paint applied - complete with stage by stage photos.All belts replaced.Radiator flushed and treated.New original set of exhaust manifolds prepared and heat protection applied.Fuel tanks flushed, all lines cleared, reserve solenoids both replaced.Waterpump refurbished.Starter motor refurbished. Alternator refurbished.Cams checked and all new gaskets on cam covers, manifolds, thermostat inlet manifold, air intake box, carburettors plus much more. New ignition leads, fuel pump, coil, condenser etc etc.

A total of approximately 1,000 hours has been spent on this DB6 in the last 6 months. Detailed photographs of all works carried out and can be viewed in the history file. The owner has decided not to repaint the car, but rather leave it its highly original, unrestored state. However the painstaking mechanical overhaul has resulted in every mechanical component being in fully operational order. All gauges and dials are functional and the finished car still demonstrates good oil pressure. A full year's MoT will be supplied prior to the auction. Also available in the history file are bills for parts, some old MoT test certificates, factory records and pictures of the first owner Des O'Connor. Supplied with its original number plate, MNR 477F is a true survivor and is offered for public sale for the first time in over 35 years.