325 bhp, 3,995 cc DOHC inline six-cylinder engine, ZF five-speed manual transmission, independent coil spring front suspension, live rear axle with coil springs, and four-wheel power-assisted disc brakes. Wheelbase: 101.5"

• Matching-numbers British grand tourer

• Professional conversion to Vantage spec and left-hand drive

• California car for most of its life

• Superb, no-expense-spared restoration

The Aston Martin DB6 has a glorious heritage not only in the extraordinary sports and racing cars of Sir David Brown but more directly in the DB4 of 1958, which was an entirely new car. This new car was powered by a new DOHC six designed by Tadek Marek and displaced 3,670 cc. Fed by twin SU carburetors, it made 240 bhp. Front suspension was independent with coil springs and wishbones; the live rear axle used coil springs with a watt linkage. Steering was by rack and pinion, and the car featured four-wheel disc brakes, both quite innovative at the time on a production automobile. A final evolution of the DB4 was the DB5, introduced in 1963. With a larger (4.0 liter) engine, three SU carburetors as standard equipment and a five-speed transmission, it was faster and longer legged than its predecessor, the most prominent example being the trick model built for the 1964 James Bond film Goldfinger. A high-performance Vantage model, with triple Weber 45DCOE carburetors, was also offered as an option and is today quite rare.

For the DB6 of 1965, Aston Martin conducted extensive wind tunnel testing, resulting in a longer wheelbase and Kammback tail contour. This reduced aerodynamic lift, improving stability at high speeds. The roofline was raised slightly, giving rear seat passengers more room. The drivetrain was continued from the DB5, including the availability of the Vantage performance option. The DB6 proved to be the longest-running and most prolific of Aston Martins to that time, with 1,967 built through 1971, including the final Mk2 variant.

This matching-numbers DB6 was delivered new in the United Kingdom to Alexander Georgiadis through H.R. Owen, Limited of London. The car made its way to California in the mid-1970s, where it remained in the ownership of Edward Mathers until 2003.

In 2006, this rust-free example from a kind climate was given a comprehensive restoration by Jim Simpson at Contemporary Classics in Clinton, Washington. The car was converted to left-hand drive, and the engine was upgraded to Vantage specification, with the correct triple Webers. Additional work included full rebuild of suspension (including the proven and desirable Steel Wings handling kit), along with hydraulic components, a new wiring harness, new stainless bumpers and a complete new interior. Tasteful updates include DB6 Mk2-style fender flares with the appropriate wider wheels and tires and a high-quality CD stereo sound system. Impressively documented by photographs of the exhaustive restoration, and returned to its original Silver Birch-on-Black color combination, the car is once again the epitome of subtle sophistication. Having covered very few miles since refurbishment, it remains in excellent condition, features power steering and comes with owner’s manual. A California car for most of its life, this Aston Martin DB6 is clean from roof to undercarriage. A superb example of a British grand touring automobile, it is stylish, comfortable and fast.

Please note this car was delivered new in 1968 but is titled as 1967.