Although sometimes overshadowed by its more famous predecessor, the DB6 was recently acknowledged by Octane magazine as "even better than the DB5." With top speeds of 150 mph and ample room for four adult passengers, the DB6 is thought of as one of the world's best grand tourers. A more comfortable interior paired with a more stable drive combined to make an elegant tourer that many thought improved upon all the beauty and speed of its forbearers.

As told by the collection of build sheets, the left-hand-drive DB6 offered here has an interesting and unique early history. It was originally delivered on 29 March 1966, to a French gentleman; however, after only 811 km, he returned his DB6 to the Aston Martin Works at Newport Pagnell. The car was then prepared, again, as new. As reflected on the new chassis plate, the original Vantage engine was replaced with a standard unit, the km/h speedometer was swapped with a new Smiths unit reading in mph, and the lighting was changed from French to U.S. specification. The factory also carried out the first 500-mile service, which included work on the gearbox. The DB6 was then sold again on 4 December 1966, through Phillip Long, an auto broker from Southern California, to Mr. and Mrs. William Duke, of Encino, California.

The DB6 was complete with such options as chrome wire wheels with three-eared knock-offs, Normalair air conditioning, a heated rear window, Fiamm electric air horns, a Bosch Köln radio with an electric antenna, two pairs of Britax lap and diagonal safety belts, and a brace of Marchal fog lamps; all of these items are documented on a copy of the factory sales document, which is on file. Along with the automatic transmission and limited-slip rear axle, few DB6s were as well equipped. The Dukes took delivery of their new DB6 from Aston Martin in February 1967, and with it, the factory also transferred the full 12-month warranty to the new owners. During the next 47 years, the car would serve as Mrs. Duke's pampered occasional weekend transportation, accruing an amazingly low number of miles before the family finally parted with the beloved treasure in 2014 to the current owner, its third . . . err, second owner.

Upon purchasing this unique DB6, the new owner dove into this rich history and was delighted to find that the first engine, equipped for the original French buyer, was Vantage specification. Immediately the owner sent the vehicles to famed restorers Kevin Kay, who converted the engine back to Vantage specification, and began a sympathetic restoration. Keeping the flawless original white paint, all the brightwork was redone, and the interior was refinished in blue leather. Additionally, the automatic transmission has been swapped for the much more desirable five-speed, and the car received new tires, brakes, exhaust, wiring, and a host of other small details. Just recently completed, at a cost of nearly $170,000, this restoration elevates an already stunning DB6 to show-ready concours condition.

Chassis DB6/2625/LN is offered with a host of bills from the Dukes' ownership, several build sheets, a Heritage Certificate from the British Motor Industry Trust, and several owner's manuals, instruction books, and an original tool roll.

A truly stunning Aston Martin to behold, this DB6 has been lovingly cared for its whole life, and is now back to first, more potent Vantage-specification, and ready for that truly discerning gentleman owner.