1968 Aston Martin DB6 Coupe

Introduced to the public at the 1965 London Motor Show, the Aston Martin DB6 was very much an evolution of the previous DB5 and represented the final generation of the GT cars, both in styling and mechanical terms, that began with the DB4 some six years previously.  The shape of the new DB6 was very similar to that of its immediate predecessor apart from one important aspect, namely the Kamm-style rear end incorporating a small rear spoiler to aid with high speed stability.  Other notable changes included a longer wheelbase and relocated rear axle, along with a higher roofline for more passenger space (particularly in the rear compartment), quarter vent windows and split bumpers.  As a result of these changes to the bodywork and because of the need for a more rigid shell, Touring of Milan no longer employed their patented superleggera construction method.  Tadek Marek’s classic in-line six-cylinder engine was retained under the shapely bonnet, now with ZF’s five-speed box as standard (Borg-Warner gearboxes were a no cost option).  Fed by triple SU carburettors, the 4-litre engine produced 282 bhp at 5500 rpm with an 8.9:1 compression ratio, enough to push the relatively heavy DB6 to an impressive top speed of 150 mph.  All DB6s came with chrome wire wheels as standard equipment, with items like power steering and air conditioning optional.  As with any of Aston Martin’s bespoke models, the DB6 was produced in very limited numbers and just 1,504 Mark 1s left the Newport Pagnell works between 1965 and 1969, with a further 278 stopgap Mark 2s made before the DBS V8 arrived in 1970.