Classic Aston Martin DB6 rolls to $243,197 in UK vintage cars auction

A successor to the DB5 made famous by James Bond, the Aston Martin DB6 Vantage is just as well-loved

They don't make them like this anymore... Since it was launched at the London Motor Show in 1965, the Aston Martin DB6 status as a classic car icon is perennial.

And the ongoing esteem in which this car is held by collectors was again demonstrated in an auction at the Brooklands Museum, Kent, on February 18.

A successor to the highly successful DB5 - immortalised, of course, by the 1964 James Bond film 'Goldfinger' - the DB6 looks similar. But closer inspection reveals a very different beast...

Modifications to the DB6 included a longer wheelbase for additional passenger space in the rear, a raised roof line, and rear quarter lights reminiscent of the DB4GT Zagato.

Further modifications such as split front and rear bumpers and a restyled Kamm tail helped reduce aerodynamic drag and gave the car more stability at speed.

The classic 1965 Aston Martin DB6 Vantage car

Under the bonnet was the DB5 engine, a 3995cc twin overhead cam straight six with triple SU carburettors. The DB5 engine produced 282bhp, while the Vantage version could claim 325bhp thanks to its triple Weber carburettors.

This particular DB6 Vantage was fully-restored between 2000 and 2007 by marque specialist Ricky Cann. Its engine was upgraded to a 4.2 litre unit for smoother power delivery, and also converted to run on unleaded fuel.

Much time and attention was spent on this 1965 Aston Martin DB6 Vantage's coachwork, including a full 'bare metal' re-spray. The car has been well looked-after in the five years since its restoration, having been run for only a few miles and kept in "extremely fine order".

Sold by an enthusiastic classic car collector who decided it was time for this 1965 Aston Martin DB6 Vantage to find a new home, the car in the end brought £155,000 ($243,197) including commission.

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Images: Historics At Brooklands