Clearly evolved from the DB4 and DB5, the new model was announced at the London Motor Show in October 1965. The most noticeable styling changes on DB6 were the Kamm tail rear spoiler, which improved high speed stability, the split front and rear bumpers; a redesigned oil cooler aperture in the front valance, a higher roof line (136 cm) and longer wheelbase (258.5 cm), 9.5 cm more than DB5, giving an overall length of 462 cm. The increase of space in the rear made DB6 a more practical family proposition. The last thirty-seven DB5 chassis were used in conjunction with some DB6 design cues to build the desirable Aston Martin Volante (often called Short-Chassis Volante), completed between October 1965 and October 1966. This was indeed the first Aston Martin convertible to be called a ‘Volante’ – a derivation of the Italian word for ‘flying’. DB6 was a highly fashionable car to be seen in, famous owners included HRH Prince Charles, Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, Twiggy and Peter Sellers. At a business function in London in 1968, David Brown was approached by an old contact and friend, who asked him if it would be possible as a favour to purchase a new DB6 at cost price. David Brown replied that he would be delighted to oblige, and several days later the friend received an invoice for £1000 more than the published list price for the car. Embellished story or not, it is certainly true that in this era, craftsmanship took priority over profit.
Engine
Configuration
Straight 6
Location
Front, longitudinally mounted
Construction
alloy block and head
Displacement
3,995 cc / 243.8 cu in
Bore / Stroke
96.0 mm (3.8 in) / 92.0 mm (3.6 in)
Compression
9.4:1
Valvetrain
2 valves / cylinder, DOHC
Fuel feed
3 Weber 45DCOE9 Carburettors
Lubrication
Wet sump
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Power
324 bhp / 242 kW @ 5,500 rpm
Torque
393 Nm / 290 ft lbs @ 4,500 rpm
BHP/Liter
81 bhp / liter
Drivetrain
Chassis
pressed-steel frame
Front suspension
double wishbones, coil springs, telescopic dampers, anti-roll bar
Rear suspension
live axle, trailing arms, Watts linkage, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers
Steering
rack-and-pinion
Front Brakes
Girling discs, 292mm (11.5 in)
Rear brakes
Girling discs, 274mm (10.8 in)
Gearbox
5 speed Manual
Drive
Rear wheel drive
Dimensions
Weight
1,550 kilo / 3,417 lbs
Length / Width / Height
4,623 mm (182 in) / 1,676 mm (66 in) / 1,359 mm (53.5 in)
Wheelbase / Track (fr/r)
2,584 mm (101.7 in) / 1,372 mm (54 in) / 1,359 mm (53.5 in)
