1966 Aston Martin DB6

The 1966 Aston Martin DB6 Sports Saloon is the ultimate evolution of Aston Martin's legendary "DB" series. Building upon the timeless foundation that began with the groundbreaking 1958 DB4 and matured through the iconic DB5, the DB6 refined the formula without compromising the beauty, craftsmanship, and character that made its predecessors automotive legends. Widely celebrated among the David Brown era of six-cylinder grand tourers, it remains one of the most desirable Aston Martins ever produced.

Introduced in September 1965 at the London Motor Show, the DB6 may appear familiar to admirers of the DB5 at first glance. Despite many similarities, this model undertook a substantial redesign to improve comfort, practicality, and high-speed stability. The wheelbase grew by nearly four inches, creating much-needed rear passenger space, while a more steeply raked windshield, raised roofline, and redesigned rear quarter windows enhanced cabin comfort. The introduction of the Kamm-style tail and integrated spoiler significantly improved aerodynamic efficiency and high-speed stability, becoming one of the model's defining visual signatures. Other updates included front-door quarter windows, revised tail lamps, quarter-bumpers, a front oil-cooler scoop, and Armstrong Selectaride adjustable rear shock absorbers.

Though this car features “Superleggera” badging, the DB6 phased out the Carrozzeria Touring-developed Superleggera framework in favor of a more modern steel structure beneath its aluminum body panels. Even with these advancements, the elegance and handcrafted character of its predecessors remain intact, giving this Aston Martin a presence that remains unmistakably sophisticated generations later.

This 1966 DB6 Sports Saloon left the Newport Pagnell factory finished in striking Dubonnet Red over black trim. Delivered new to the United States in left-hand-drive configuration, it was ordered with an impressive list of factory options including chrome wire wheels, FIAMM horns, a Blaupunkt Köln stereo, Britax safety belts, and a limited-slip differential, with power delivered through a Borg-Warner automatic gearbox. Built with touring in mind, it was also equipped with factory-fitted Normalaire air conditioning. Over the years, the car was refinished in slate gray and upgraded with the highly desirable ZF five-speed manual transmission. The cabin remains remarkably inviting and authentic, retaining period details such as the Blaupunkt Köln radio and Smiths instrumentation that contribute to its unmistakable 1960s identity.

Powering the DB6 is its original 4.0-litre dual overhead-cam inline six-cylinder engine, designed by Tadek Marek. Equipped with triple S.U. carburetors, it produces 282 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm, delivering effortless performance and long-distance cruising ability. The DB6 can reach a top speed of 150 mph and accelerate from 0–60 mph in just 6.2 seconds. The independent wishbone front suspension includes a De Dion rear axle with rear coil-spring suspension and cockpit-adjustable ride control. Meanwhile, rack-and-pinion steering and four-wheel disc brakes provide reassuring stopping power, giving the DB6 road manners that were among the finest available in any grand touring car of its era.

More than six decades after its introduction, the 1966 Aston Martin DB6 remains a masterclass in style, engineering, and craftsmanship. Of the 1,788 DB6s produced between 1965 and 1971, just 1,321 were coupés, making surviving models increasingly coveted by collectors. Its enduring appeal is further reflected in its association with cultural icons such as Paul McCartney, who famously composed portions of "Hey Jude" while driving his ‘66 DB6, and Mick Jagger, whose Midnight Blue car became an enduring symbol of the Swinging Sixties. Today, the DB6 maintains its status as one of Aston Martin's most revered and desirable models.