Classic Grand Tourer: 1966 Aston Martin DB6 Vantage Offers Timeless Elegance: This 1966 Aston Martin DB6 Vantage stands as a testament to the golden era of British grand touring, one of approximately 268 Mark I Vantage saloons produced. Finished in its original shade of Platinum over a black leather interior, this DB6 boasts a 4.0-liter DOHC inline-six engine, triple Weber 45 DCOE carburetors, and a ZF five-speed manual transmission, offering a blend of performance and sophistication. This example, distributed in the US through British Motor Car Distributors, is a remarkable piece of automotive history.
Design Evolution: DB6 Features Refined Styling and Enhanced Comfort: Introduced in 1965 as the successor to the DB5, the DB6 featured a longer wheelbase and a redesigned body structure, shifting from Superleggera construction to folded steel box sections. The aluminum bodywork, while retaining the Touring design cues of the DB5, incorporated a Kamm-tail rear profile, a higher roofline, increased overall length, front quarter windows, and an oil-cooler air scoop with horizontal slats in the front valance. These changes not only enhanced the car’s aerodynamics but also improved passenger comfort and practicality.
Exterior Details: Platinum Finish and Classic Chrome Accents: This DB6 is finished in its original Platinum shade, a timeless color that accentuates the car’s elegant lines. Close-ups of the finish, trim, and lenses reveal the car’s well-preserved condition. Exterior features include split front and rear bumpers with overrider bars, faired headlights, a low-profile hood scoop, fender vents, a fender-mounted antenna, and a driver-side mirror. Chrome wire wheels, secured by three-eared knock-offs and wrapped in Pirelli P4000 tires, add to the car’s classic aesthetic. Servo-assisted disc brakes all around, along with power-assisted steering, ensure a confident and comfortable driving experience.
Interior Luxury: Black Leather, Wood Accents, and Modern Conveniences: The left-hand-drive cabin is trimmed in black leather over 2+2 seating, with matching upholstery on the door panels and color-keyed carpeting. Silver front shoulder belts, a lockable glovebox, air conditioning, power windows, a Blaupunkt push-button radio, and a fire extinguisher mounted along the passenger side of the console highlight the car’s blend of luxury and practicality. The wood-rimmed steering wheel sits ahead of Smiths instrumentation, including a 180-mph speedometer, a 6k-rpm tachometer, and an ammeter. Auxiliary instruments monitor fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure, and oil temperature.
Performance Powerhouse: 4.0-Liter Inline-Six and Five-Speed Transmission: The 4.0-liter straight-six engine, an evolution of Tadek Marek’s DOHC design, features an aluminum block and cylinder heads. The Vantage variant, with revised camshaft profiles, a higher compression ratio, and triple Weber 45 DCOE carburetors, delivers a factory-rated 325 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque. Standard equipment includes an oil cooler and an alternator. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a ZF five-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential. The suspension, featuring a double-wishbone independent front setup and a solid-axle rear with parallel trailing links and a Watt’s linkage, provides a balanced and refined ride.
Documentation and Provenance: Build Sheet and Heritage Trust Certificate: The factory build sheet lists the car’s original colors, equipment numbers, and optional equipment, including a Vantage engine, a 3.73:1 limited-slip differential, air conditioning, chrome wheels, and Britax shoulder belts. A British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate further authenticates the car’s history and specifications.
Summary:
- 1966 Aston Martin DB6 Vantage, Platinum exterior, black leather interior.
- 4.0-liter DOHC inline-six engine with triple Weber carburetors.
- ZF five-speed manual transmission, limited-slip differential.
- Chrome wire wheels, servo-assisted disc brakes, power-assisted steering.
- Air conditioning, power windows, Blaupunkt radio.
- Factory build sheet and British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate.
Disclaimer: Vehicle specifications and condition are based on information provided by the consigning dealer. Mileage readings are as indicated at the time of cataloging. Final results may vary. Prospective buyers are encouraged to conduct their own inspections.
Source: bringatrailer.com
This article was crafted with assistance from Gemini
