At first glance the Aston Martin DB6 Volante may look very much like the DB5 Convertible but the differences run throughout the car. Not least it had a longer wheelbase and a chopped off Kamm tail making it more stable at speed. The longer chassis also improved rear seat legroom while a taller, more steeply raked windscreen provided more headroom. The complex superleggera coachwork technique of the DB5 was abandoned for the stronger but heavier body-on-platform style.
Visually in addition to the Kamm tail were design changes including front quarter-light windows, split quarter front and rear bumpers and a redesigned oil cooler aperture in the front valance.
Built at the then new Newport Pagnell facility, the Aston Martin DB6 Volante was introduced at the 1966 London Motor Show. 140 were built, including 29 high-output DB6 Vantage Volante versions which benefited from triple side-draft Weber 45DCOE carburettors along with other minor revisions which produced a power output of 325 hp. These more powerful cars claim the highest prices due to their rarity.
The DB6 was a fashionable car among those who could afford its high price. Famous owners include HRH Prince Charles who received the car as a gift from his mother, Queen Elizabeth II on his 21st Birthday. Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, Twiggy and Peter Sellers were also proud owners of one of Britain’s finest cars.
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