1967 Aston Martin DB6 Volante

PREVIOUSLY THE PROPERTY OF JOOLS HOLLAND
1967 ASTON MARTIN DB6 MK1 VOLANTE
REGISTRATION NO. NLJ 818F
CHASSIS NO. DBVC/3659/R
* One of 140 DB6 Mk1 Volantes
* Upgraded to manual transmission
* RS Williams suspension upgrades

While the introduction of the DB6 in 1965 represented the final development of the six-cylinder 'DB' series that had commenced with the DB4, it also marked the first use of the evocative 'Volante' name, which has been used for soft-top Aston Martins ever since. Though recognisably related to its Touring-styled DB4 ancestor, the DB6 abandoned the Superleggera body structure of its predecessors in favour of a conventional steel fabrication. Despite this change, Touring's Superleggera badges continued to be applied to bodies until stocks ran out! The wheelbase was now 4" (100mm) longer than before, resulting in an extensive re-style with more-raked windscreen, raised roofline and reshaped rear quarter windows. Opening front quarter lights made a re-appearance, but the major change was at the rear where the presence of a Kamm-style tail, complete with spoiler, acknowledged the increasing importance of aerodynamic downforce in sports car design.

The Tadek Marek-designed six-cylinder engine had been enlarged to 3,995cc for the preceding DB5 and remained unchanged. Power output on triple SU carburettors was 282bhp, rising to 325bhp in Vantage specification. Borg-Warner automatic transmission was offered alongside the standard ZF five-speed gearbox, and for the first time there was optional power-assisted steering.
The stylish DB6 Volante convertible offered four-seat accommodation and was generously appointed, featuring leather upholstery, deep-pile carpets, an aircraft-style instrument cluster, and an electrically operated hood. After 37 Volantes had been completed on the DB5 short-wheelbase chassis, the model adopted the longer DB6 chassis in October 1966, first appearing in its definitive form at the London Motor Show.

When DB6 production ceased in 1970, a total of 1,575 saloons had been made plus 178 of the long-wheelbase Volante (140 DB6 versions and 38 Mk2s). Today these rare cars are among the most sought after of David Brown-era Aston Martins.

One of the 140 DB6 Volantes built, chassis number '3659/R' was completed on 26th October 1967 and supplied via H R Owen (Bradway Autos) on 17th November of that year. The car left the factory equipped with automatic transmission, power assisted steering, chrome wheels, three-ear hubcaps, 3.54:1 limited-slip differential, powered aerial, and two seatbelts. It was originally finished in Autumn Gold, and first registered as 'OYV 162F' in London.

Musician and broadcaster, Jools Holland, from whom the previous owner purchased it in 2011, previously owned the Volante. Jools said that he had a lot of fun with the Aston and that he had it repainted (in Deep Purple if memory serves correctly). He also had the transmission changed from automatic to manual. In an interview, Jools recalled his ownership of the DB6: 'A few years ago I bought an Aston Martin convertible: a DB6 Volante. And I remembered that when I was a boy, and we lived in a tiny house in Greenwich without a bathroom or any heating, my dad, who's dead now, bought me a toy model of the same car. And I realised that's why I'd picked that car. So I decided to drive my car back to my old neighbourhood. It was a dark, misty autumn evening and I parked outside my old house. There was no one around. I suddenly imagined my front door opening and my younger self coming down the path and me opening the car door and saying: "Hey, it's me! Jump in!"'.

Shortly after its acquisition by the current owner, the DB6 (at that time registered 'RNB 5') was treated to a bodywork restoration, re-spray, and various other works by LT Classics of London SE16 (see bills on file). More recently (in April 2017), the Aston was despatched to renowned marque specialists RS Williams Ltd for extensive works. These included fitting an RSW up-rated front anti-roll bar, RSW rear springs and an RSW rear telescopic shock absorber conversion; installing new carpets; reconditioning the upholstery; rebuilding both window lift mechanisms; fitting five new chrome wire wheels; fitting a new battery; and carrying out a routine service (see bill on file for £33,533).