| The DB6 marked Aston Martin's first real departure
in body shape from a design that appeared as the DB4 in 1958. The
DB5 that followed was a truly beautiful car with impressive performance,
but Aston Martin felt that a wider market required increased front
and rear legroom, always a criticism of the DB4/DB5. In order to achieve
this the platform chassis was lengthened, increasing wheelbase by
almost four inches. The rear of the coachwork was also redesigned
to incorporate a drag-reducing Kamm tail. In addition the roofline
was raised by two inches to increase headroom, while other differences
included a more steeply raked windscreen and split front and rear
bumpers. Yet, despite all these changes over the DB5, the DB6 was
just 17 Ib heavier.
Power was provided by the same 3,995cc twin-cam straight six engine
developing 282bhp at 5,550rpm, although the Vantage engine option
was now quoted at 325bhp against the 314bhp of the DB5. Transmission
remained a ZF five-speed unit but a Borg Warner three-speed automatic
option was now available at no extra cost. Suspension remained as
per the DB5.
Launched in October 1965 at the London Motor Show, the DB6 received
a warm welcome; although not quite as graceful as the DB4 or DB5
it was more comfortable. And despite appearing heavier, it had lost
none of the DB5's performance, being capable in Vantage trim of
0-60mph and 0-100mph in 6.1 and 14.9 seconds respectively and a
148mph maximum.
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