By 1969, Aston Martin was winding down production on the DB6—the iconic model had evolved from the DB4 and was now over a decade old. As attention turned towards the newer, more modern-looking DBS, Aston Martin unveiled a final swan song—the DB6 Mk 2.

Mechanically, the Mark 2 was largely unchanged from its predecessor; the Borg & Beck clutch plate was replaced with a 10.5-inch version, and the previously optional power-assisted steering was now fitted as standard. Both the ZF five-speed manual gearbox and the automatic transmission were available; however, a new option of Brico fuel injection was offered and fitted to just 46 cars. Visually, the new Mark 2 benefitted from several DBS components utilized to keep costs down while subtly upgrading the look of the DB6. Most recognizable of these upgrades are the wider 8.15×15-inch Avon wheels, which necessitated flared front and rear wheel arches. Previously optional three-ear knockoffs were fitted as standard, and the interior was redesigned to more closely resemble the DBS—including trimming the front seats with pleated leather.

As was customary for Aston Martin, the Vantage engine was available as an option to those owners who wanted that extra power boost. Having evolved from the DB4 Special Series engine first seen in 1961, Vantage engines were fitted with three Weber carburetors instead of the standard two. In the highest “C” state of tune, the DB6 Mk 2 Vantage engine now produced 325 bhp as compared to the standard 282 bhp. Only 71 Mark 2s were fitted with the Vantage engine from new, of which only a handful were delivered left-hand-drive, including the example offered here.

With production of the Mark 2 lasting for less than a year, a majority of the cars ordered were right-hand-drive. Offered here is one of the very rare left-hand-drive Mark 2s, thought to be one of just nine ever made. Chassis DB6MK2/4125/L was originally ordered by Archduke Joseph Árpád of Austria to his residence in Switzerland. The car subsequently made its way to Belgium, where it resided for many years in a prominent Aston Martin collection. After passing into the United Kingdom in the late 1990s, a comprehensive restoration was undertaken by Goldsmith and Young of London. At the same time, the engine was rebuilt by Aston Martin specialist R.S. Williams. Painted in the handsome color of silver over black leather, the restoration still presents in good condition.

One of the rarest David Brown–era Aston Martins, and the culmination of over a decade of engineering advancement, this matching-numbers DB6 Mk 2 Vantage is a wonderful example of the British “Gentleman’s Express.”