Fantasy Junction

Description

1967 Aston Martin DB6 Volante
s/n DBVC/3635/R, Engine stamped 400/3635
Black Pearl with Red Leather and Black Hood

Introduced at the 1965 London Motor Show, the Aston Martin DB6 was notable as the first model to be engineered following a factory move from Feltham to Newport Pagnell. From the front, the final version of the DB6 looked almost identical to that of the DB5, however, the tail treatment of the DB6 included a Kamm-style rear spoiler inspired by Aston Martin’s racing efforts in the era. The DB6 boasts numerous technical advancements over the DB5, including a 5-speed ZF transmission option, slightly longer wheel base for increased stability at high speed, and improved aerodynamics. The DB6 was the company’s signature road car of the times, yet just 140 of the desirable Volante examples were produced.

The DB6 Volante carried on with the race-proven all-alloy, twin-cam straight six powerplant, in its ultimate 4.0-liter form (rated 282 bhp at 5500 rpm), and fed by triple SU carburetors, as with the DB5. A Borg-Warner automatic transmission was fitted to many cars, with others featuring a 5-speed unit by ZF. With its fifth leg, this improvement greatly enhanced the comfortable highway driving experience over the prior David Brown supplied four-speed box. Rack and pinion steering and dual-system Girling disc brakes on all corners complete the outstanding mechanical specification.

The aluminum alloy body work of the DB6, and later DB6 Mk II models, became the last of the Aston Martins constructed using the patented Touring of Milan ‘Superleggera’ process of wrapping the exterior panels around an open lattice of small-diameter steel tubing, resulting in a structure that is exceptionally rigid as well as lightweight.

The DB6 heralded numerous other refinements to the DB4/5 concept. First, it is visually differentiated by its unified front valance grille for the oil cooler and accentuated by lighter appearing quarter bumpers in the front and back. The taillight treatment was modified significantly to complement the new rear section, which, in the case of the convertible, is set off by the use of the ‘Volante’ logotype applied to the bootlid. Power steering was available for the first time as an option with the introduction of the DB6, and for the DB6 Volante, a power-operated top mechanism was supplied for the first time.

The Volante interior also reflected the DB6 restyle, with V-pattern stitching on Connolly leather in place of its predecessor’s pleats. Plush Wilton carpets were supplied, as per usual practice. The lined convertible top is made of Everflex, a high quality and pebble-grain vinyl also used by Rolls-Royce.

This particular example, s/n DBVC/3635/R is one of only 140 DB6 Volantes constructed. It was sold new by Edwards & Co. on the 26th of June, 1967, finished in platinum with black hides and hood. Optioned with power steering, automatic transmission, power aerial, safety belts, and chrome road wheels with three ear knock offs, it was no doubt an impressive sight when new. Early service history was recorded by Aston Martin up through 10,000 miles. Much more recently, located in Canada, after having spent time in France, this example was determined by marque specialists at Kevin Kay Restorations to be a “good bones” basis for restoration for the current owner, a discerning custodian of several highly collectable and rare English and Italian automobiles.

The recipient of a bare metal up, exceptionally high quality restoration by Kevin Kay, this DB6 Volante makes an as-new presentation on arrival, and boasts a wonderfully fresh mechanical feel on the road. The body condition, panel match, chrome, paint, window glass, and emblems could not be nicer. The engine bay and undercarriage are fully detailed and have clearly seen few fair weather miles since the completion of the restoration. The interior is expertly upholstered in high quality materials. The gauges, switchgear, and under dash area have all been restored, and are faultless. As part of the restoration this example was professionally converted to desirable left hand drive specification, which is a surprisingly simple task on early Aston Martins. A modern Tremec T5 5-Speed full synchromesh transmission replaced the original Borg-Warner automatic (using the well-integrated kit developed by Steel Wings). A striking, period-appropriate color scheme was chosen for the final product: Black Pearl with red interior and black convertible roof, which should be high on anybody’s list of sophisticated presentation, and it is suitable now as much as it was in the day. The result of this ground-up, nut-and-bolt restoration, completed in August 2010, reflects concours levels of detail in all respects. A replacement engine block was sourced, rebuilt, and installed prior to the restoration.

The driving experience this DB6 Volante delivers is very much that of a new 1967 model car. The power delivery is crisp and linear, the clutch, modern transmission (indistinguishable from inside the car), and driveline are all operating as designed, with the modern gearbox representing a vast improvement in driving dynamics over any period unit. Another modern update was installed: electronic power steering by GTC Engineering in the UK. This beneficial setup functions from within the steering column, with a single knob controlling the desired level of assist, and is completely transparent in both the interior and engine bay. The 4-wheel disc brakes are also excellent. In our experience, all the various ancillaries are working properly, right down to the dash lights and power convertible top mechanism.

A full complement of extras is included with the car: period-correct Blaupunkt multi-band radio, restored jack with new copper hammer, a fresh and complete tool roll, and a factory-supplied DB6 instruction book, along with copies of restoration invoices and progress photographs. This particular car was accepted into the prestigious Quail Lodge Show in 2011 and also successfully completed the Quail rally that year.


Aston Martins of this era have always been a top choice for the social elite. Britain’s Prince Charles was given a DB6 Mk II Volante by his mother on the occasion of his 21st birthday, in 1969. It was this car that made the global headlines and newspaper front pages when his son Prince William married Kate Middleton, and the newly minted Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were extensively photographed departing Buckingham Palace in Dad’s car, the DB6 Volante, with the number plate cheekily proclaiming “JU5T WED.”

The image of the quintessential British GT is exemplified no more fittingly than with the Aston Martin DB series of grand touring sports cars, especially in glamorous convertible form. There are few cars from the 1960s with as much visual panache, polished performance, and exclusivity as an Aston Martin Volante. This particular example will appeal to the driving-minded enthusiast looking to acquire an excuse-free, fully and freshly restored car by the best in the business, discreetly fitted with modern driving enhancements.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608