1966 Aston Martin DB6 Automatic Sports Saloon

Sought-after, last of the line, matching numbers DB6 Automatic

Now finished in its original colour of California Sage Green with a Tan interior

A history of maintenance by marque specialists Ricki Cann, RS Williams, and Nicholas Mee

Mechanically restored to a high standard by Nicholas Mee & Company in the recent past (c£30,000)

The odometer reading of 75,000 miles is corroborated by a number of older MoT Certificates

Considered by many to be the last 'real' Aston Martin, the DB6 was launched in 1965 and replaced the DB5. The wheelbase was now 4" (100mm) longer than before, resulting in an extensive restyle with a more raked windscreen, raised roofline and reshaped rear quarter windows. Opening front quarter lights made a reappearance, but the major change was at the rear where a Kamm tail with spoiler improved the aerodynamics, greatly enhancing stability at high speeds. "The tail lip halves the aerodynamic lift around maximum speed and brings in its train greater headroom and more luggage space", declared Motor magazine, concluding that the DB6 was one of the finest sports cars it had tested. Famed employee, Tadek Marek, designed the six-cylinder engine, which had been enlarged to 3,995cc for the preceding DB5 and remained unchanged. Power output on triple SU carburettors was 282bhp, rising to 325bhp in Vantage specification. Borg-Warner automatic transmission was offered alongside the standard ZF five-speed gearbox, and for the first time, there was optional power-assisted steering.

This matching-numbers DB6 was originally finished in California Sage but the Aston's penultimate owner decided to repaint it Silver Birch whilst retaining its original tan trim. He was an Aston Martin enthusiast and collector and owned this '6' for 11 years and lovingly looked after it during that period. Regularly used for family days out, 'NGP 92D' had been maintained and was mechanically restored to a high standard by Nicholas Mee & Company whilst in that owner's care.

Works carried out by Nick Mee included removing the engine, gearbox, exhaust system, and suspension; cleaning the underside; welding as necessary; treating with red oxide, and protecting with new under-seal. The cleaned and painted rear axle was then reinstalled with all new bushes, as was the rebuilt and re-bushed front suspension, while the engine bay was cleaned and refinished ready for the re-installation of the engine. The latter's cylinder head was removed, overhauled with new gaskets, and refitted, and the carburettors cleaned and reset. Re-assembly was completed with new exhaust and inlet manifold gaskets, hoses, clips, drive belts, and engine mounts, while all ancillaries were reinstalled having been cleaned and repainted. The exhaust system was refitted with new clamps and mountings. In addition, the brake master cylinder was rebuilt, and the brake callipers removed cleaned and refitted with new flexible hoses. The total cost of the aforementioned works was circa £30,000 and detailed invoices for all of this are in the owner's file.

In 2016, the time came to sell his beloved DB6 and Bonhams were entrusted with bringing the car to market. After a fierce bidding war, our vendor emerged victorious and was the proud owner of well maintained, matching numbers, Aston Martin DB6. Although happy with NGP 92 D in every other way he wasn't sure that he liked the combination of Silver Birch paintwork and a Tan interior. Silver Birch is normally paired with Black or Dark Blue or Burgundy, a nicer combination really, so a retrimmed interior was a possibility. The only problem with that, is the time it takes to turn a brand new interior into the sort of gently patinated, lived-in sort that we all enjoy. No, that wasn't Plan A, meaning that the only other option was to repaint the car, and the decision was taken to return it to California Sage Green, its original colour and one that complements that lovely interior. It may seem like quite a large undertaking but DB Astons are much easier to fully respray as the engine bay, floorpan and boot area are painted black from the start and there is no need to remove the engine, suspension and trim unless you really want to. Interestingly, Astons are one of the few Marques that are not affected financially by a colour change, provided the work is carried out to a very high standard which is certainly the case here.

The owner's file contains lots of history dating back to its original registration and ownership, a number of service and maintenance bills from the late 1980s onwards, plus a quantity of expired MoT Certificates supporting the odometer reading of 75,000 miles.

Very lightly used recently, the car presents exactly as you see it in the photographs and is an absolute delight.

"If you want a truly British driver's car, the ultimate development of a continuous line of thoroughbreds from the Vintage era to the present day, there is nothing in quite the same field as the Aston." – The Motor on the Aston Martin DB6, 26th November 1966.