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  Aston Martin DB6 Vantage      

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Country of origin:Great Britain
Produced from:1966 - 1969
Author:Wouter Melissen
Last updated:May 07, 2017
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Click here to download printer friendly versionAt the 1965 London Motor Show, Aston Martin launched the new DB6. As the name suggests, it was a further development of the DB4 and DB5 models it was based on. Although clearly an evolution of its immediate predecessors, it stands out as being styled in-house instead of by Touring and being the first Aston Martin built in the new Newport Pagnell factory.

For the development of the DB6, Aston Martin engineers used a stretched DB5 chassis, which also featured a DeDion axle. For the final production version, the British specialist manufacturer reverted back to the tried-and-trusted and cheaper live rear axle. The longer wheelbase was used to provide the passengers, particularly those in the back seats with some, much needed additional space.

The passengers were further accommodated by a slightly raised roof. This formed part of the revised exterior design, which was honed in the wind-tunnel instead of an Italian drawing board. In addition to the raised roof, the cabin featured a more steeply raked and taller windshield. The tail featured a distinct cut-off Kamm design intended to reduce drag and lift. More subtle changes included split front and rear bumpers.

Carried over from the DB5 was the four-litre, straight six engine. In 'standard' trim, it was equipped with three SU carburettors and produced 282 bhp, while the optional Weber-carburetted Vantage engine was good for an additional 32 bhp. The DB6 was fitted as standard with a ZF-sourced five speed manual gearbox, while a Borg Warner three-speed automatic was available as a no-cost option.

Shortly after the fixed-head DB6 entered production in the Newport Pagnell factory, it was followed by the similarly styled Volante drop-head coupe model. This was the first regular production Aston Martin to sport the Volante badge. In 1969, a Mark 2 version the DB6 was introduced, which featured some improvements that had been developed for the DBS like revised suspension and wider wheels. A fuel injection system was also offered as an option on the Mark 2.

Production of the DB6 eventually ceased in 1970, when it was replaced by the all-new DBS. The DB6's production run of five years was the longest of any Aston Martin to that date. During that period close to 1,800 examples were built. Today, they are not as sought after as their immediate predecessors but especially the Volante models are gradually becoming very valuable.

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  Article Image gallery (5) Specifications