One owner since 1971, one of only 21 examples
1970 Aston Martin DB6 Mk2 Volante
Registration no. YAH 666J
Chassis no. DB6MK2/VC/3783/R
Engine no. 400/4682

As one would expect of a low-mileage, well cared-for car offered from long term ownership of over 43 years, 'YAH 666J' is exceptionally original and an excellent example of the marque, hence its selection for inclusion in a forthcoming book by Simon Clay - 'The Original Series - Aston Martin DB4/5/6' - for which it was photographed last year.

Offered with the documentation detailed below, this very rare beautiful DB6 Mark 2 Volante represents a unique opportunity to acquire one of the most exclusive and highly sought after of post-war Aston Martins offered from careful long-term ownership of over 43 years.

'I have driven most of the Aston Martin models that have been produced, from the racing twin-cam 1½-litre of the 1920s onwards. For years my favourite has been the DB3S sports-racer, but now my allegiance is wavering. There can be little doubt that the DB6 is the best Aston yet and it is a credit to British engineering.' - John Bolster, Autosport, 21st October 1966.

In 1958 Aston Martin introduced its DB4 model, the first of a line which culminated in the DB6 built between 1965 and 1969. A key factor in the success of the DB6's DB4 progenitor was general manager John Wyer's decision that the new car be styled in Italy, rather than by the works, and the commission was superbly executed by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan. The platform chassis was the work of Aston Martin's chief engineer Harold Beach, while the new twin overhead camshaft engine had been conceived by his colleague, Tadek Marek, and race tested in the DBR2 sports-racer before its production debut in the DB4. With the arrival of the DB5 in 1963, engine capacity was upped, by enlarging the bore from 92 to 96mm, from 3.7 to 4.0 litres and this power unit was carried over to the DB6 for 1966. Power output on triple SU carburettors was 282bhp, rising to 325bhp in Vantage specification on triple Webers. Borg-Warner automatic transmission was offered alongside the standard ZF five-speed manual gearbox, and for the first time power-assisted steering was an option.

The DB6 differed principally from its immediate predecessor by having a longer wheelbase. This meant more room for rear passengers, making the DB6 more of a family man's car and helping it sell better than the earlier models in the series. The bodywork was distinctive, with a slightly higher roofline than the DB4 and DB5, and featured an aerodynamically efficient abbreviated 'Kamm' tail.

Introduced at the same time as the saloon, the DB6 Volante convertible marked the first occasion that this evocative name had been applied to a soft-top Aston Martin. The stylish Volante offered four-seat accommodation and was generously appointed with leather upholstery, deep-pile carpets and an electrically operated hood. After 37 Volantes had been completed on the shorter-wheelbase chassis of the outgoing DB5, the convertible model adopted the DB6 chassis in 1966 and was first displayed in this form at that year's London Motor Show in October.

In the summer of 1969 the Mark 2 DB6 was announced in saloon and convertible versions. Distinguishable by its flared wheelarches and DBS wheels, the DB6 Mark 2 came with power-assisted steering as standard and could be ordered with AE Brico electronic fuel injection. When DB6 production ceased in 1970, a total of 1,575 saloons had been made, plus 178 of the long-wheelbase Volante convertibles (140 Mark 1 versions and only 38 Mark 2s).

Manufactured in April 1970 and one of only 38 DB6 Mk2 Volantes made, this beautiful right-hand drive example was sold when less than a year old to the current vendor's company and for the next ten years served as his 'company car', hence there are no bills on file relating to this early period of its life. The accompanying guarantee form and service record shows that the Aston was retailed via Botwoods of Norwich and intended for a local customer, but was in fact sold to a company in Essex, the warranty being transferred in September 1970. The original colour scheme is recorded as Silver Birch with dark blue Connolly leather, trim, matching carpets and Everflex hood, while the only items of non-standard equipment listed are Borg-Warner automatic transmission and front seat belts.

Transferred from company ownership to the vendor's private ownership in July 1981, the DB6 was his pride and joy and arguably the love of his life. A much loved possession he looked after very well. Prior to the Mark 2 he owned a DB6 Mark 1 Volante (which he part exchanged for the Mark 2) and he normally had a second Aston Martin as his main car, eventually ending up with a DB9. He proudly kept the DB6 for special occasions, including chauffeuring his daughter to her wedding at Lulworth Castle, as a long term member he attended local Aston Martin Owners Club events in his home county of Dorset or just to enjoy on local trips on fine days.

There are bills on file from Aston Service Dorset dating from 1984 to the present day (the most recent dated March 2014 for an MoT test). Also, Westover Jaguar Ltd of Poole has been responsible for some recent works and servicing. The Aston was repainted in 1987. Between 2010 and 2013, marque specialists Wren Classics of Shaftesbury completed an inspection and report (list and bill on file) and carried out various works, mainly mechanical, during this period at a cost of around £5,000. The current odometer reading is circa 90,000 miles and there are numerous expired MoT certificates on file dating back to mid-1980s (at 83,000 miles) confirming that the car has covered only 7,000-or-so miles over the course of the last 30 years. The car also comes with a current MoT certificate (valid until March 2015) and V5C registration document.

Also included in the sale are the original keys and Aston Martin key fob, an original DB6 sales brochure, and a fitted car cover. The original tools are included in very good original condition.