Aston Martin DB6 Mark II Volante

• 1 of only 38 Mark 2 Volantes ever built
• Presented in its original factory specification
• Beautiful Midnight Blue with Tan Connolly hide interior
• Extensively restored
• Power Steering, Electric Windows and Power Hood
• Model owned famously by King Charles III

In 1958 Aston Martin introduced its DB4 model, the first of a line which culminated in the DB6 built between 1965 and 1969. A key factor in the success of the DB6’s DB4 progenitor was general manager John Wyer's decision that the new car be styled in Italy, rather than by the works, and the commission was superbly executed by Touring of Milan. The platform chassis was the work of Aston Martin's chief engineer Harold Beach, while the new twin overhead camshaft engine had been conceived by his colleague, Tadek Marek, and race tested in the DBR2 before its production debut in the DB4. With the arrival of the DB5 in 1963, engine capacity was upped, by enlarging the bore from 92 to 96mm, from 3.7 to 4.0 litres and this power unit was carried over to the DB6 for 1966. Power output on triple SU carburettors was 282bhp, rising to 325bhp in Vantage specification on triple Webers. Borg-Warner automatic transmission was offered alongside the standard ZF five-speed manual gearbox, and for the first time power-assisted steering was an option.

The DB6 differed principally from its immediate predecessor by having a longer wheelbase. This meant more room for rear passengers, making the DB6 more of a family man's car and helping it sell better than the earlier models in the series. The bodywork was distinctive, with a slightly higher roofline than the DB4 and DB5, and featured an aerodynamically efficient abbreviated ‘Kamm’ tail.

Introduced at the same time as the saloon, the DB6 Volante convertible marked the first occasion that this evocative name had been applied to a soft-top Aston Martin. The stylish Volante offered four-seat accommodation and was generously appointed with leather upholstery, deep-pile carpets and an electrically operated hood. After 37 Volantes had been completed on the shorter-wheelbase chassis of the outgoing DB5, the convertible model adopted the DB6 chassis in 1966 and was first displayed in this form at that year’s London Motor Show in October.

In the summer of 1969 the DB6 Mark 2 was announced in both saloon and convertible versions. Distinguishable by its flared wheel arches and wider DBS wheels, the DB6 Mark 2 came with power-assisted steering as standard. When DB6 Mark 2 production ceased, just 248 saloons had been built and even more scarce was the ultimate Volante produced in just 38 units. 

Manufactured in April 1970, this beautiful right-hand drive Mark 2 Volante was sold new to E. Christian & Co Ltd of London SE1 and originally registered ‘17 HRH’. In February 1977 the car was sold by ‘Roberta of Golders Green’ to SSC of Highgate, North London, by which time it had been re-registered ‘VKM 449H’. On 3rd October 1985 the DB6 was sold by Silvertune (Barry Silver Ltd, 32 Queens Gate Mews, London) to the (fourth) private owner. The car retains its original factory colour scheme and interior, and is presented in superb mechanical and cosmetic condition. There are numerous servicing/maintenance invoices on file from marque specialists Ian Mason and Goldsmith & Young dating from the 1980s, while more recent bills issued by Gipimotor (2007) and Carrosserie Piemontaise (2008), both of Brussels, total more than €31,000.

This beautiful DB6 Vantage Volante represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most exclusive and highly sought after of post-war Aston Martins possessing continuous history.

Now available for viewing at the DD Classics Dealership in London, please call to book an appointment.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the above information but errors may occur. Please check with a salesperson.