• Thought to be one of just 268 examples of the DB6 Vantage coupé
• Delivered new to Mr Richard ‘Dick’ Robinson of Hyde Hall, who created and later gifted the Essex garden estate to the Royal Horticultural Society
• Delivered new in Charcoal Grey over a Natural Connolly leather interior; currently finished in black over natural leather
• Accompanied by a copy of its factory build sheet
• Believed to be fitted with a restamped engine block; requires recommissioning prior to road use

In addressing the shortcomings of the DB5, the DB6 featured a wheelbase four inches longer and a higher roofline to improve leg and head room. Further alterations included a steeply raked windscreen, front quarterlights, and opening rear windows—as fitted to the DB4 GT Zagato. However, the employment of a Kamm-style tail—as pioneered on the charismatic Project 212, 214, and 215 racing cars—in the interests of improving high-speed stability and reducing drag, further distinguished the DB6 from its predecessor. During production, Aston Martin abandoned the Superleggera body construction method, although early series examples were fitted with the appropriate bonnet-mounted logos and enjoy enhanced collector status as a result.

Mechanically, the DB6 remained largely unaltered, retaining the DB5’s 4.0-litre engine and was made available in both standard and modified Vantage specification, the latter boasting 325 horsepower. As a result, the new car’s top speed bettered that of the DB5 by 5 mph (8 km/h), raising it to the magical 150 mph (241 km/h) mark.

Manufactured in 1966, chassis DB6/2636/R is believed to be one of 268 examples of the DB6 Vantage to leave the Newport Pagnell factory. Sporting Charcoal Grey paint over a Natural Connolly leather interior, it was specified with chrome wheels, a heated rear screen, three-ear hub caps, and a power-operated aerial. Sold via Botwoods of Norwich, chassis DB6/2636/R was purchased new by Richard ‘Dick’ Robinson of Hyde Hall, in Chelmsford, Essex. Mr Robinson and his wife were well known horticulturalists in the second half of the 20th Century, having transformed Hyde Hall from a working farm to 26 acres of gardens. Upon Mr Robinson’s death in 1997, Hyde Hall was gifted to the Royal Horticultural Society and remains open to the public today.

Little is known of this car’s history following Mr. Robinson’s ownership, other than that it was acquired by a Kuwaiti collector in the 2000s and exported. Today, chassis DB6/2636/R is finished in black, but retains its factory-correct Natural Connolly leather interior. Upon inspection, the engine is found to have been restamped, and is likely a replacement unit. Buyers should note that this vehicle has been on static display for a number of years, and will require recommissioning prior to use.

As one of a small number built of the DB6 Vantage, this Aston Martin is a rare beast and awaits a new owner to return the car to its former glory.

Please note this lot has entered the EU on a temporary import bond, which must be cancelled either by exporting the lot outside of the EU on an approved Bill of Lading with supporting customs documentation or by paying the applicable VAT and import duties to have the lot remain in the EU.

Veuillez noter que ce lot est entré dans l'UE sous couvert d'une autorisation d'importation temporaire, qui doit être annulée soit en exportant le lot en dehors de l'UE avec une lettre de débarquement approuvé accompagné des documents douaniers nécessaires, soit en payant la TVA et les droits d'importation applicables pour que le lot reste dans l'UE.

To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/mc24/.