BUYER’S GUIDE

Aston Martin DB6 review

Perhaps overshadowed by the DB5, the DB6 has all the glamour and performance but at a relatively more attainable price…

What Is It?

The swansong for Aston Martin’s iconic Superleggera-bodied DB family, the DB6 combines the beauty and glamour of its predecessors with some welcome modernising features. That it could be mistaken for a DB5 by the uninitiated but is simultaneously different enough to swerve the emotional baggage of Bond associations (and the price premium that brings) are attractions in their own right, the DB6 the most attainable of all this famous series of cars. All things relative. With its more spacious cabin, improved driveability and all the ‘60s glamour, there’s also an argument it’s the best to actually live with.

Corrosive Areas

Front bulkhead

Sills and jacking points

Rear suspension mounts

Checklist

DB6 launched in late 1965 as a replacement for the DB5
Much was carried over from the DB5, including the 4.0-litre twin-cam straight-six, available in standard and various levels of uprated triple-Weber Vantage trim
Longer wheelbase, quarter-style bumpers and Kamm style tail the most obvious changes over the DB5, though family resemblance is strong
First run of 37 convertible Volantes built on DB5 foundations and known as ‘Short-Chassis’ models before later convertibles switched to full DB6 foundations; these remain considerably more valuable, especially in Vantage trim
Small number of shooting brakes converted by respected aftermarket coachbuilders and sought after today
MkII DB6 launched in 1969 as a stopgap to prop up disappointing DBS sales – look for lip added to arches to accommodate wider tyres and standard power-steering, fuel-injection was optional though proved unreliable
Engines tough when looked after properly — seek evidence of regular oil changes as a minimum and be wary of low pressure once engine has warmed through
Also beware overheating, and signs thereof
Many engines retrospectively uprated to Vantage spec, which isn’t a problem unless you’re chasing absolute originality
Selectaride switchable dampers at rear add novelty and a taste of modernity but make sure they work; if not present it’s likely they were swapped out by a previous owner
Three-speed automatic was an option but dulls driving experience
Any bubbles in the aluminium skin are a warning sign of further horrors beneath
Steel box-section/tubular chassis has many rust traps —inspect beneath car and under carpets and trim where possible
Documentation supporting any major restoration is desirable for checking quality of work
Cars may have gone through multiple colour changes over their lives — ensure any paint has been done to sufficient standard

How does it drive?

Although relatively dated mechanically by mid-60s standards, a well-sorted DB6 should still be a delight to drive, and a little easier to live with than DB4s or DB5s by virtue of conveniences like power steering and a full-synchro five-speed gearbox. True, purists may consider those earlier cars a little closer to the family’s sporting roots, but the DB6 is a superlative fast tourer with looks to die for.

The famous Tadek Marek twin-cam straight-six is an absolute delight as well, with strong performance and a gloriously sophisticated bark. Sucking through triple Webers in uprated Vantage trim, it may not be quite as exotic as a Ferrari V12 but it has class and character of its own.

What’s good?

Hard to find a bad word to say about the way any ‘60s Aston Martin looks, and the DB6 has the perfect combination of elegance and swagger. Extra space in the back makes it a viable four-seater, so more sociable than its earlier equivalents, while a bigger boot means no need to pack light for longer tours.

While prices are well into six figures, relative to its siblings the DB6 looks decent value for money as well. Values are only ever likely to go one way, too. It’s also more numerous, so you can afford to be picky, look at a few and find the one with the right combination of condition and history to suit your tastes and budget.

What’s bad?

Not everyone digs the Kamm-tailed look of the DB6 compared with the fins of the DB4 and DB5, and in some eyes it will always be the poor relation for this and the fact there are more of them around. By the time it had launched, the DB6 had become more grand tourer than true sporting coupe as well, and lacks the competition provenance.

While one step removed from Bond, you’ll never be able to escape those associations, either. And it goes without saying it’s going to be as expensive to run and restore as it is to purchase; buying with the heart rather than the head could end up very costly indeed for the fact any work will have to be carried out to a sufficient standard.

Which model to choose?

Tastes differ but the good news is the foundations of the DB6 are sound and, details and potential retrofit upgrades aside, there isn’t a huge agony of choice when it comes to models. Volante convertibles are desirable and seemingly more valuable as a result, while MkIIs are also coveted for relative rarity and the slightly more muscular lines.

Any with period Vantage engine mods will also be prized, though many will have been upgraded to the same level later in life, so unless you’re a matching numbers fetishist it’s better to just accept that and enjoy the extra power. Our choice? The nicest saloon our money could stretch to, preferably with a documented history and recent restoration by a respected marque specialist so we could enjoy it to the full.

Specifications – Aston Martin DB6

Engine

4.0-litre six-cylinder petrol

Power

286PS (211kW) @ 5,500rpm

Torque

380Nm (280lb ft) @ 4,500rpm

Transmission

Five-speed manual, rear-wheel drive

Kerb weight

1,468kg

0-62mph

c. 6.1 seconds

Top speed

148mph

Production dates

1965-1970