The image of the quintessential British gentleman is exemplified no more fittingly than with Aston Martin’s iconic DB series of sports cars, produced during David Brown’s ownership. The last of the series, the DB6, drove better, looked better, and even held more people—truly the best of the line.

Production of the new Aston Martin DB6 was heralded by a display at the London Motor Show in October 1965, with its open-top version debuting a year later. Though later referred to as the ‘DB6 Volante’, the convertible version of the DB6 followed the nomenclature of the DB5-based Short Chassis Volante and was originally simply designated ‘Volante’. This term would become Aston Martin’s signature term for its convertible variants.

Offered here is one of the rare Mark I DB6 Volantes, nearly identical to the coupé version, with the exception of an open roof. Although chassis 3633 is in need of a full mechanical and cosmetic restoration, it is still easy to see the many design elements which made the DB6 Volante such a success. At the rear, the addition of the aerodynamic Kamm tail spoiler greatly improved handling and stability at high speeds – an issue which had become apparent on the DB5. A long wheelbase means extra legroom for the rear passengers, always exceedingly valuable in a convertible. This particular example is fitted with the optional 3-speed automatic transmission. Although the engine fitted to the car is not original, looking at the block and head numbers, it is highly likely that the engine in the car today was a factory replacement unit fittted early in the cars life.

Although the history of this DB6 Volante is lost to time, the car is offered with a British Motor Museum Heritage Certificate. Presented as a restoration project, chassis 3633 offers a new owner the exciting opportunity to build the DB6 Volante of their dreams.