End of an Era: The 1967 Aston Martin DB6 Vantage

Given that our Collectors’ Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia specialists deal with rare, beautiful and coveted vehicles every day, it takes something truly special to stop them in their tracks. But such was the effect when the details of a rare 1967 Aston Martin DB6 Vantage slid across their desk.

Aston Martin is more than a car brand: it is a British cultural icon in its own right. From its founding in the early 1900s the marque has been defined by an uncompromising dedication to beauty, superior performance, and exceptional luxury and quality — principles that have stood fast no matter the trends, challenges, or socio-economic climate of the day. Aston Martins are a car for true connoisseurs, exemplifying ‘quiet luxury’ many decades before TikTok got hold of the term. And never was this more true than during the Aston’s iconic DB era.

During the golden period from 1947 to the early 1970s, the Aston Martin brand was under the ownership and direction of English industrialist David Brown, who had also purchased Lagonda in the same year. During his time at the helm, Brown revolutionised both companies by consolidating manufacturing and streamlining processes, leading to the production of the 1950 DB2 Le Mans prototype, with a design DNA that still informs Aston Martin produced today. While the uniquely British refinement of the brand was already evident, what really cemented it as a national icon during this era was the DB5, in particular its scene- stealing, gizmo-packed appearance in the 1964 James Bond film ‘Goldfinger’. This breakout role launched Aston Martin from local talent to global superstar.

Introduced in 1965 as the successor to the famed DB5, the DB6 marked the end of this renowned DB line of Aston Martins. Among enthusiasts of the brand, it is often regarded as the final embodiment of the authentic Aston Martin experience. To address the need for increased headroom and legroom, the Newport Pagnell factory extended the wheelbase by four inches while giving the DB6 a more streamlined appearance with a sloping windscreen, raised roofline, and redesigned rear quarter-windows.

Unveiled at the Paris and London Motor Shows in 1965, the DB6 maintained a clear lineage to the Touring-designed DB4 from 1958, while offering the enhanced style and comfort befitting of a true ‘grand touring’ car.

The DB6 that has so excited the Collectors’ Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia team is set to be the star of our upcoming August live auction. It was imported into New Zealand in 1983 by a returning resident, and is currently in the possession of its third New Zealand owner, who acquired the car in 2007 in its original condition. After driving it for 18 months, the owner noticed that the engine was in need of attention, thus, in early 2009, embarked on a meticulous and comprehensive 13-year restoration project, sparing no expense.

To list every enhancement would exceed word count, however, extensive documentation, including photographs and receipts, attests to the thoroughness of this open-chequebook project. Notably, the engine was fully rebuilt, increasing its displacement from 4.0 to 4.2 litres. The 5-speed ZF gearbox and limited- slip differential were also rebuilt, and the car underwent a conversion to electronic fuel injection using Jenvey Heritage Throttle Bodies, designed to replicate the appearance of the original Weber carburettors. Installation of twin electric fans prevents overheating in New Zealand’s summer traffic, while the upgraded suspension with Harvey Bailey components (including Konis and an uprated sway bar) ensure a butter- smooth road experience.

Aesthetically, all necessary replating was performed on the brightwork, while new Wilton carpets were installed inside, alongside re-trimmed leather in the correct OEM Connolly Vaumol black leather where necessary. The dashboard and glovebox well were also refurbished, and the incredible body was refinished in Aston Martin’s period-correct ‘Old English Pewter’. This only touches on the level of loving detail that has gone into ensuring this mid-century icon inspires as much desire today as it did in 1965. The offering includes the original parts, build sheet, spare components, and the odometer currently shows a modest 80,319 miles.

Vintage Aston Martins are widely recognised as resilient investments, akin to blue-chip assets like art. Owning a Newport Pagnell model is a special privilege, and this particular car’s status as one of only 268 right-hand drive Mk1 models produced in the coveted Vantage specification further adds to its desirability. This is the most prestigious vehicle to come to Webb’s so far this year, and it is a true pleasure to bring it to market.

This incredible car will go under the hammer at 2pm on Sunday 27 August as part of the Collectors’ Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia, taking place at the Due Drop events centre, Manukau.

View the full catalogue here.

Caolán McAleer

Head of Collectors’ Cars

caolan@webbs.co.nz

+64 27 929 5603