Aston Martin DB6 Volante

About the Aston Martin DB6 Volante

The DB6 was produced from September 1965 to January 1971, and had the longest production run up to that date of any Aston Martin model. The DB6 succeeded the DB5 and featured improved aerodynamics and specification.

Introduced at the 1965 London Motor Show, the DB6 shares a large resemblance to its predecessor, the DB5; with the most noticeable differences being its wheelbase, side profile, split front and rear bumpers and rear panels incorporating the Kammback tail rear end. The tail, combined with the relocated rear-axle and the 3.75-inch (95 mm) lengthened wheelbase, provide more stability at high speed. Though fashionable-the rear-end Kamm-styled design was similar to the Ferrari 250-it did not prove popular with conservative, tradition oriented Aston clientele when the DB6 was introduced. Performance was satisfactory: road-tests of the day observed top speed of the Vantage model between 145 mph to 148 mph, with intrepid and fearless John Bolster aboard a Vantage spec DB6 reaching a two-way average of 152 mph.

The DB6 continued with then high-tech Armstrong Selectaride cockpit-adjustable rear shock absorbers as available on the DB5. Other highlights include adopting front-door quarter windows, an oil-cooler air scoop low on the front valance, quarter-bumpers at each corner, revised tail-lamp clusters; additionally the spoiler with the luggage capacity affected overall proportions of the DB6, to an increased length approximately two inches.

Steel chassis
Transmission : 5 speed manual or automatic, rear wheel drive.
Front suspension: independent, coil springs
Rear suspension : live axle, coil springs
Brakes : discs front and rear

The convertible version of the DB6 called the Volante was unveiled at the 1966 London Motor Show, a year after the GT and replaced the short lived, short chassis Volante.