The Aston Martin DB6 is a classic grand tourer produced by British manufacturer Aston Martin between 1965 and 1970. It was the successor to the iconic DB5, which gained worldwide fame as James Bond’s car in the film Goldfinger.
The DB6 was designed by Aston Martin’s chief designer, William Towns, and was an evolution of the DB5. The car featured a longer wheelbase than its predecessor, which allowed for more interior space and improved comfort. It also had a slightly higher roofline, which made it easier to get in and out of the car.
Under the hood, the DB6 was powered by a 4.0-liter inline-six engine, which was capable of producing up to 282 horsepower. The car also featured a number of innovative engineering features, including an all-new rear suspension system that provided improved handling and stability.
One of the most notable features of the DB6 was its styling. The car had a sleek and elegant design, with clean lines and a distinctive grille. It was also available in a range of different body styles, including a two-door coupe and a convertible.
Despite its high price tag, the DB6 was a commercial success for Aston Martin, with over 1,300 units sold during its production run. Today, the car is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, with well-maintained examples fetching premium prices at auction.
In addition to its commercial success, the DB6 also had a significant impact on popular culture. Like the DB5 before it, the car was featured in a number of films and television shows, cementing its status as a symbol of British style and elegance.
The Aston Martin DB6 is widely regarded as one of the most iconic grand tourers of all time. Its sleek and elegant design, coupled with its powerful performance and advanced engineering features, make it a favorite among classic car enthusiasts.
One of the most notable aspects of the DB6 is its connection to the James Bond franchise. Although the DB5 is perhaps more closely associated with the iconic spy, the DB6 also made an appearance in the film adaptation of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. The car was driven by Bond’s nemesis, Ernst Stavro Blofeld, and featured a number of special modifications, including a rear-mounted ski rack.
Another interesting aspect of the DB6 is its place in the history of Aston Martin. The car was the last in a line of classic grand tourers produced by the company before it was acquired by David Brown in 1947. It also marked the end of an era for the company, as it was the final Aston Martin model to feature the famous DB designation.
The DB6 also played an important role in the development of automotive technology. The car featured a number of innovative features, including a high-performance engine, advanced suspension system, and improved aerodynamics. These technologies helped to improve the car’s handling and performance, and they served as a template for future automotive development.
Finally, the DB6 has had a lasting impact on popular culture. The car has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and other media, and it has become an enduring symbol of British style and design. This cultural legacy has helped to ensure the car’s ongoing popularity and importance in the world of classic cars.
There are a few other interesting facts and details about the Aston Martin DB6:
- The DB6 was available in three different body styles: a 2+2 coupe, a 2-seat coupe, and a convertible. The convertible version, known as the Volante, was produced in limited numbers and is highly sought after by collectors.
- The DB6 was powered by a 4.0-liter inline-six engine that produced around 282 horsepower. This was a significant increase over the previous DB5 model, which had a 4.0-liter engine that produced around 282 horsepower.
- The DB6 was also notable for its improved aerodynamics, which were achieved through the use of a Kamm tail design. This design helped to reduce drag and improve handling at high speeds.
- In addition to its appearance in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, the DB6 has also appeared in a number of other films and television shows, including The Persuaders!, The Saint, and Top Gear.
- The DB6 was succeeded by the Aston Martin DBS in 1967, which featured a more modern design and a larger 4.0-liter V8 engine. However, the DB6 remains a favorite among classic car enthusiasts and is considered by many to be one of the greatest grand tourers of all time.
Here are a few more interesting details about the Aston Martin DB6:
- The DB6 was the first Aston Martin to feature a split-level dashboard, with the instruments located in a separate panel above the main dashboard. This design was inspired by the dashboard of the Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato.
- The DB6 also featured improved brakes, with Girling discs replacing the Dunlop discs used on the DB5. The suspension was also revised, with a longer wheelbase and wider track than the previous model.
- One of the most desirable variants of the DB6 is the Vantage model, which was introduced in 1965. The Vantage was powered by a high-performance version of the 4.0-liter engine, which produced around 325 horsepower. Only 71 Vantage coupes were built, making them extremely rare and valuable today.
- Another rare and valuable variant of the DB6 is the DB6 Shooting Brake. This estate version of the DB6 was produced in limited numbers by coachbuilder Harold Radford and is highly sought after by collectors.
- Despite its high price and exclusivity, the DB6 was a commercial success for Aston Martin, with over 1,300 units produced during its five-year production run. Today, the DB6 is considered one of the most beautiful and desirable sports cars of the 1960s, and examples in excellent condition can command prices well over a million dollars at auction.
