282 bhp, 3,995 cc DOHC inline six-cylinder engine, triple SU carburettors, five-speed ZF manual transmission, independent front suspension with coil springs, live rear axle with coil springs, and power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes. Wheelbase: 102 in.

• Desirable British grand touring coupé with four seats

• Matching-numbers

• Major refurbishment in the last ten years

Genuine model-to-model improvement over mere cosmetic freshening had been established practice at Aston Martin over the years; in 1965, this practice was clearly apparent with the launch of the DB6. Seven years earlier, the innovative DB4 had been introduced as a formidable competitor in the GT market. The DB5 followed with more power and more room. But the process of evolution still had further potential, which was realized in the DB6, the superb final iteration of a remarkable design.

The development of the DB6 took place at Newport Pagnell. Over the five years following its launch, 1,327 MkI DB6s were built, not including the convertible Volante models. In powertrain specification, the DB6 did not depart from what had worked so well for the DB5, retaining the four-litre DOHC inline six-cylinder engine with aluminium block and wet cast liners, an aluminium head, and triple SU carburettors. The brake-horsepower rating, as published by Aston Martin, remained at 282. Suspension basics were unchanged, including the live rear axle with a coil spring, an arrangement that combined good ride comfort with excellent road manners.

It was in the body structure, aluminium-panelled like the DB4 and DB5, that the DB6 improvements were concentrated, most of them to achieve greater rear passenger comfort as well as aerodynamics. The wheelbase was lengthened by almost four inches for significantly more rear legroom. Rear suspension upper-mounting points were revised to provide more rear seat width. Headroom was also increased. As a result, the DB6 was a real four-seat GT coupé rather than a 2+2, yet it weighed only 17 pounds more than the DB5. Other changes included the addition of front-door quarter vents, larger instruments, a redesign of the seats, and split bumpers in the front and rear. A major styling difference, versus the DB5, was at the rear of the car, with the DB6 being designed with a truncated ‘Kamm’ back with integrated spoiler. These were functional changes made to specifically reduce drag and curb any tendency of rear-end aerodynamic lift at high speeds.

The car being offered here was originally delivered to Hong Kong and then repatriated. Under the current ownership, approximately 11,000 miles ago, the original, matching-numbers engine enjoyed a full rebuild by Aston Workshop, of Beamish, County Durham. Around 2003, the car underwent a rebuild of the front suspension and an extensive body and paint refurbishment by G&A Fabrications, of Surrey. Since then, Koni front and telescopic rear shock absorbers have been installed. It is accompanied by the original handbook, jack, and tools and is further equipped with power steering, which was a factory option. Finished in an attractive Kingfisher Blue, with the original red interior in good condition, this is an attractive car that begs to be driven.

The DB4 and DB5 ushered Aston Martin into the realm of world-class luxury performance machinery. The DB6, superbly executed with comfort and convenience on levels commensurate with its performance and handling, consolidated the company’s right to be counted among builders of the world’s most desirable performance GTs. This fine example promises enjoyment and the prestige associated with one of Britain’s most respected marques.