1966 Aston Martin DB6 Mk1 Auto

• Dating from 1966, DB6/2563/R was delivered new to H.W motors Ltd. for its first owner, J.F.P Tate
• Finished from new in Capri Blue with Dark Blue Connolly hide and dark blue carpets
• The accompanying Aston Martin Heritage Trust Certificate confirms the car was right-hand drive and fitted with a Borg-Warner, 4-speed automatic gearbox
• Further optioned with Chrome Wire Wheels, 3-eared spinners, Fiamm horns and Avon Turbospeeds
• The automatic four-speed gear box has received the 'Chapman' upgrade offering seamless gear changes
• Full and interesting ownership history. With our private vendor for the last seven years
• Full matching numbers, factory spec and in a fabulous colour. A lovely example

The culmination of Aston Martin's long-running line of DB six-cylinder sports saloons, and thus considered by many to be the last 'real' Aston, the DB6 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 conventional steel fabrication whilst retaining the aluminium outer panels.

Increased rear-seat space was the prime DB6 objective so the wheelbase was now four inches longer than before, resulting in an extensive restyle with a 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 tail' with spoiler improved the aerodynamics, greatly enhancing stability at high speeds. These many dimensional changes were integrated most successfully, as the DB6's overall length increased by only two inches. 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. Borg-Warner automatic transmission was offered alongside the standard ZF five-speed gearbox, and for the first time, there was optional power-assisted steering. High profile owners in the early days included HRH Prince Charles, Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, Twiggy and Peter Sellers.

DB6/2563/R was delivered new  to H.W motors Ltd for J.F.P Tate, Esq. finished in Capri Blue with Dark Blue Connolly hide (VM 3282) and dark blue carpets. Although subsequently resprayed, the Aston is still presented today in the same Capri Blue with its very nicely aged original interior. The Aston Martin Heritage Trust Certificate confirms the specification being right-hand drive and fitted with a Borg-Warner, 4-speed automatic gearbox plus non-standard equipment including chrome roadwheels, heated rear window, three-eared hub spinners, Fiamm horns, a powered aerial and Avon Turbospeed tyres. The car was in daily use early on in its life and regularly serviced and maintained including a cylinder head overhaul and front suspension rebuild in 1967. It is still matching numbers, today, unlike many DB6s.

The car's second owner was a Mr Pitkethly in 1984 who sold it, in 1992, to a Mr Hine who, in turn, later sold the DB6 to Le Riche 'Automobile Restorers' of Jersey in 2002. A little later, Le Riche were persuaded to part with the Aston by a Mr Hoy of Jersey  (Reg. J 6929) who kept the vehicle until its export out of Jersey in December 2009.

The next change of ownership was to Aston Martin Works Ltd. in April 2014, who sold it to the owner prior to our vendor. He appears to have cherished the car judging by its lovely overall condition today, and covered less than 600 miles in nearly 4 years.

This car retains much of its originality, character and is still on its original number plate. It's matching numbers throughout and presented in the original colour of Capri Blue, a rare hue for a DB6 but one that really suits it making the big GT look slimmer and lighter somehow and will, without a doubt, turn heads as it continues to age gracefully. It is also noted that the automatic four-speed gear box has received the 'Chapman' upgrade, and this is very clear when you experience the smoothness of the shifts.

OPC 308D is supplied with a fascinating history file direct from the current private owner who has had it for the last seven years, covering very few journeys but all of them memorable we are assured!

The history file includes a Heritage Trust Certificate confirming both the original factory specification and matching numbers status.