1965 Aston Martin DB6

The Aston Martin DB6 was the first Aston Martin to carry the name Volante – which means “flying” in Italian. It was in fact the last thirty-seven Aston Martin DB5 chassis that were used to build the short-chassis Volantes and were completed between October 1965 and October 1966.

Although clearly derived from the Aston Martin DB4 through the DB5, the new model was announced at the London Motor Show in October 1965. The most noticeable styling change on the Aston Martin DB6 was the spoiler – then called a Kamm tail – integrated into the tail of the car, which improved high speed stability. The split front and rear bumpers; a redesigned oil cooler opening in the front valance, a higher roof (136 cm) and longer wheelbase (258.5 cm), 9.5 cm more than the DB5, giving an overall length of 462 cm.

Aston Martin DB6 Technical Specifications

• Engine: dohc I-6, 3995 cc, 282 bhp @ 5500 rpm, 288 lbs-ft @ 3850 rpm (Vantage: 325 bhp @ 5750 rpm)
• Transmission: ZF 5-speed overdrive manual or Borg-Warner 3-speed automatic
• Suspension
  • Front: upper-and-lower A-arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar
  • Rear: live axle, Watt linkage, trailing links, coil springs
• Brakes: Servo assisted front/rear discs
• Wheelbase: 8’6″ (2585 mm)
• Weight: 1474 kg (3250 Ibs)
• Top Speed: 148 mph
• 0-60 mph: 6.1 sec.

• Price New: £ 4,998 (Saloon)
• Production: 1327 (Excluding Volante)
• Production Dates: October 1965 – July 1969
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The DB6 Vantage came next, in Mk I and Mk II versions, and followed the same tried and trusted upgrade formula as its potent predecessors. It utilised the same 4.0-litre straight six as it’s DB5 predecessor, with the same 325bhp output.

The car is also again badged as a Vantage – a practice which began with the DB5 – with a discreet but important piece of nomenclature added to the side strakes.

Again, the number of original Vantage-engined cars can be counted in the dozens, rather than the hundreds, meaning that these iterations of the DB6 today remain hugely desirable and jealously guarded by lucky owners around the world.

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