Many enthusiasts consider the DB6 to be the best of the David Brown-era Aston Martins, as it offers the most highly developed combination of luxury, gentlemanly street manners, and muscular straight-line performance. Touring of Milan’s celebrated coachwork design, built under license, was stretched two inches to accommodate a wheelbase 3.75 inches longer than its predecessor, offering more refined ride quality with increased space for rear-seated passengers. The punctuation of the coachwork with a new Kamm-style tail crowned the DB6’s striking appearance.

As had become customary for Aston Martin, the optional Vantage engine was offered for clients who preferred a more powerful driving experience. Having evolved from the DB4 Special Series engine first seen in 1961, Vantage engines were specified with three Weber carburetors, high-compression heads, and a more aggressive camshaft profile. In the uprated Vantage state of tune, the Tadek Marek-designed and race-proven inline six-cylinder engine developed 325 horsepower.

Benefitting from a short ownership chain of just three caretakers over its 60-year lifetime, and equipped with desirable factory specifications, this DB6 is a particularly appealing example. According to the records of the Aston Martin Heritage Trust, chassis number 2850/R is one of 300 closed Vantage examples configured in right-hand-drive, and one of 421 total DB6 saloons fitted with a Vantage engine.

As confirmed by a build certificate from the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust and a build sheet copy on file, chassis number 2850/R completed assembly in June 1966, equipped with the Weber-carbureted Vantage engine, heated rear window, limited-slip differential, powered antenna, and three-eared chrome wire wheels shod with Avon Turbospeed tires. The car was furthermore fitted with a Webasto vinyl-covered sunroof. Finished in striking Pacific Blue paint over an interior trimmed in Black leather, the DB6 was dispatched in March 1967 to the dealer Eton Motor Group Ltd.

The Aston Martin’s first buyer was a Major David Walter, a well-regarded cattle breeder from Scotland. Mr. Walter apparently only modestly drove the DB6 while properly maintaining the car. In 1988, due to aging soft parts, the car was parked in a garage, and it remained there for many years.

In October 2010, the Aston Martin was purchased by Michael James, a technology executive who was close friends with Mr. Walter’s son. Mr. James then entrusted the Vantage to the specialists at Aston Workshop in Stanley, England, to recommission the car for road use. This work included a rebuild of the engine, and tasteful mechanical upgrades with the addition of electronic ignition and power-assisted steering for improved drivability. Cosmetically the car remained highly original, retaining its original paint and interior.

In 2011 Mr. James imported the Aston Martin to the US. After arriving at the port of Long Beach, California, the DB6 was entrusted to Galpin’s classic department for service as needed, and following this work the owner drove the car to his home in Breckenridge, Colorado. Three years later Mr. James relocated to Australia and decided it was time to sell the Vantage. After reaching out directly to Galpin on the basis of the successful service appointment, the owner came to an agreement with Mr. Boeckmann, who was impressed with the car’s well-preserved condition.

Upon becoming the Vantage’s third owner in June 2014, Mr. Boeckmann was initially leaning toward conducting a complete refurbishment to highlight Galpin’s restoration services. But upon further reflection he decided the DB6 was too original and well preserved to merit a restoration, embracing the oft-repeated automotive maxim, “it’s only original once”.

Now offered after 12 years of display on the Galpin floor, this beautiful Aston Martin continues to feature its original factory paint and leather interior. Mechanical stampings corresponding to factory data demonstrate the DB6 retains its matching-numbers Vantage engine, which in combination with the right-hand-drive configuration makes the car one of just 300 examples built. The Vantage is also nicely documented with production records from Aston Martin and the BMIHT certificate, a prior title, and former owner’s correspondence.

Sure to beautifully complement any Aston Martin assemblage or collection of elite grand tourers, this incredibly authentic and original DB6 Vantage would make a fantastic acquisition for any Newport Pagnell enthusiast.