The Aston Martin DB6 was a sports car manufactured by Aston Martin from 1965 to 1970. The car had improved aerodynamics and specification over its predecessor, the DB5.

After Aston Martin had rejected proposals for a replacement for the DB5 from Touring of Milan, the decision was made to focus on their own development car, registered, 4 YMC. Initial testing in a wind tunnel for the first time in February 1965, showed work was needed to counteract the test car’s rear end lift. So the final development phases saw a DB5 chassis, suitably lengthened and titled MP 219, with a rear spoiler and abbreviated Kamm tail that Aston Martin had previously incorporated in sports racers. The decision was made to progress MP 219 as the Aston Martin DB6 although its de Dion rear axle was replaced with a live axle on cost grounds.

Introduced at the 1965 Motor Show, the Aston Martin DB6 was notable as the first model to be engineered following a factory move from Feltham to Newport Pagnell. From the front, the final version of the DB6 looked almost identical to that of the DB5; however, the tail treatments are very different. During development, the DB6's rear-end design incorporated a drag-reducing Kamm-styled tail which Aston Martin had previously incorporated in sports racers to reduce lift. The tail, combined with the relocacated rear axle and the 3.75 inch lengthened wheelbase, provide much more stability at high speed. Though the rear-end Kamm-styled design was much like that of the Ferrari 250 Berlinetta Lusso or 275 GTB, it did not prove popular with buyers when the DB6 was introduced. However, since then, the rear Kamm-styled rear-end design has been implemented by many car manufactures due to its aerodynamic properties and has become almost common place in car design. Examples of this are currently found in the Volvo S60 and the Toyota Prius.

Other recognition points include the return of front-door quarter windows, an oil-cooler air scoop low on the front end, quarter-bumpers at each corner and an overall length of the DB6 was increased by approximately two inches.

Other notable changes:

• Roof line raised by two inches
• More leg room for rear passengers
• More steeply ranked windscreen
• Split front and rear bumpers
• Standard chrome wire wheels
• Optional power steering
• Optional air conditioning
• Standard ZF five speed manual unit and a Borg Warner or optional three speed automatic gearbox available at no extra cost

Another major change from the DB5 to the DB6 was the abandonment of the full superleggera construction technique by stylist Touring of Milan. For most of the DB6's construction, the more common body-on-frame technique was used; this was primarily due to the extended rear requiring a stronger and more rigid design using folding sheet metal frames.

The DB6 is powered by the 3,995cc twin overhead camshaft, straight, six engine Aston Martin engine designed by the legendary Tadek Marek. The engine, with it's triple SU carb setup produces 282bhp (210 kW) at 5,500rpm; the Vantage engine option is quoted at 325bhp against the 314bhp of the DB5.

Although the weight of the DB6 was approximately 17lbs heavier than its predecessor, the stability at high speed and comforts for passengers in this grand tourer more than offset the small loss in performance cause by the additional weight.

A convertible body style was also offered, as was the normal Aston tradition, although for the first time it was called a "Volante", a name still used by the company today for its convertibles. Early (1965-1966) DB6 Volantes had a "short chassis" body. A handful of "Shooting Brakes" were also produced by British coachbuilder Harold Radford.

The DB6 Mark 2 was announced on 21st August 1969, identified by distinct flares on front and rear wheel arches and wider tyres. Available as an optional extra for the Mark 2 was AE Brico electronic fuel injection combined with the higher compression ratio cylinder head. The Mark 2 car shared many parts with the then-new DBS.

With just over 1500 DB6's being produced, it is a much desired collectable in today's classic car market.

Specifications

• Weight: 1550 kg (3417 lb)
• Engine: 4.0 L (3996 cc/243 in³) straight-6
• Power: 325 hp (239 kW) at 5750 rpm
• Torque: 400 N•m (295 ft·lbf) at 4500 rpm
• Top Speed: 241 km/h (150 mph)
• 0-60 mph (97 km/h) Acceleration: 8.4 s

DB6 Vantage

As with previous models, a high-power DB6 Vantage was built. It was equipped with three Weber carburetors and higher compression ratio cylinder head.

DB6 Volante

The convertible DB6 Volante bowed at the 1966 London Motor Show. Just 140 were built, including 29 high-output Vantage Volante versions.

Shooting Brake

6 DB6 Shooting-brakes were produced.

References

• "Newport Pagnell 6 Cylinder Cars". AstonMartins.com. Retrieved on 23 June, 2005.

External links

• Car profile at motorbase
• Aston Martin DB6 Mark I Shooting Brake by F.L.M. Panelcraft - information from AMGE Aston Martin German Enthusiasts on www.auto-welt.info