In 1958, Aston Martin introduced its beloved grand touring sports saloon, the DB4, which came of age in 1963, along with the popular DB5. By 1965, the series had reached its ultimate evolution with the DB6, which was produced in Mark 1 form until 1969. In the uprated Vantage state of tune, the Tadek Marek-designed and race-developed inline six-cylinder was improved to produce 325 horsepower, while Touring of Milan’s celebrated coachwork design, now with its restyled rear section in folded steel rather than in the traditional superleggera method, was stretched to accommodate a wheelbase 3.75 inches longer than its predecessor. The addition of a Kamm-style tail crowned the DB6’s ravishing presence.

Many enthusiasts consider this final series of Touring-designed Aston Martins to be the best of all, as they offered the most sublime combination of gentlemanly luxury, refined street manners, and straight-line performance.

The car offered here is one of seventy-one original Vantage-specification DB6s produced, and it is in the absolute ultimate specification, in factory left-hand drive, and with all the best options and accessories, such as a five-speed manual transmission, factory air conditioning, American-spec wide bumper guards, and headrests, in addition, of course, to the Vantage engine. It was ordered in April 1967 by Dr. Alexander Cross, a researcher based in Palo Alto, California, who took delivery later that year. Remarkably, the car remained in Dr. Cross’s ownership until 2012, during which time it was always well cared for by a very, very fastidious long-term caretaker.

Over the years, Dr. Cross continuously had his car restored as-needed by renowned West Coast Aston Martin specialist Kevin Kay. Mr. Kay rebuilt the original, matching-numbers Vantage engine in 1991, and over the years, the upholstery was replaced and the car was beautifully refinished in its original Sierra Blue. It is important to note that while virtually every component of the car has been rebuilt over the years in Mr. Kay’s hands, it was never subjected to a total restoration, so it retains the wonderful settled-in feel of a DB6 that has been continuously used and enjoyed.

The car is accompanied with what RM’s resident Aston Martin enthusiast Don Rose describes as “the most complete history file I have seen for any car, period,” which includes complete shipping documents, the original build information, and comprehensive records from Kay’s work on the car, dating back from 1967 through to the end of the good doctor’s loving ownership. It also features its original tool kit.

This powerful DB6 is said to drive even better than it looks, and it is perfect for either road or show. It is in the ultimate specification and has been restored only as-needed by the best in Aston Martins for a passionate enthusiast.