An extremely Rare 'Bahama Yellow' DB6

Mike Grinstead has been the owner of this 1969 Aston Martin DB6 for 34 years. Of course he is proud of his Aston and this pride is evident in the beaming smile he wears on his face.  At first sight I drool and begin a child like skip around his driveway where the car sits, taking in every angle possible. ‘Of the three, one is owned by David Brown’s son, the owner of Aston Martin, the other is thought to be somewhere in America.’ Mike informs me. I see we are in good company then.

As we roll off the drive and head for some open road my senses are in overload. The quality of the interior, electric windows, chrome finish and wooden wheel are in beautiful condition. The exhaust emits a deep rumbling note that belongs in an orchestra and my rear is firmly planted in what is actually a surprisingly gentle ride.

Aston Martin had always intended that the DB6, launched at the 1967 London Motor Show and the first all-new model for many years, would be powered by its new V8 engine. However, due to delays developing the V8, the straight six was installed, the twin-cam engine was available in standard or (as here) in Vantage form. The Vantage was a no-cost option producing 325bhp at 5,750rpm and fitted with triple Webers. This car also features the standard five-speed ZF gearbox. Allowing it to achieve 0 to 60 in just 6.1 seconds. John Bolster, a famous racing driver and road tester of the 50’s and 60’s, managed to get a top speed of 152mph.

The DB6 evolved from Aston Martin wanting a true four seated car. Although it’s often thought this made it much heavier, the difference from that of a DB5 is only 17lb, mainly due to it’s folded steel rectangular roof frames and extra 4 inches of length. The tubular main supporting frames system was designed by Touring of Milano and called Super Leggera and translates to Super Light.

This Aston was one of last the in a short production run of just 1,300 cars. You can get a closer look at it at the Island’s classic car show next year and at the Old Gaffers Festival in June 2010. Or should you want to hire it and Mike for weddings or other special occasion telephone 760108.

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EDITORS NOTE:

The first owner of this car, whom Mike purchased it from, was a director of one of the major Japanese car companies. When his employer discovered he was driving a British car they had a major sense of humour failure and made him sell it and drive Japanese, his wife was in floods of tears! Not surprising really when you consider what the Japanese were producing in 1975