1965 Aston Martin DB6

This 1965 Aston Martin DB6 Saloon represents one of the most desirable configurations of the model: an original left-hand-drive, US-market example equipped from new with the high-performance Vantage-specification engine and a ZF 5-speed manual transmission. Completed on 28 September 1965 and delivered to the United States via British Motor Car Distributor Ltd. of San Francisco, the car served initially as a showroom demonstrator before being sold to its first private owner in December 1966. It was highly optioned when new, featuring factory air conditioning, chrome wire wheels with whitewall tires and three-eared hubs, a heated rear screen, powered radio aerial, and three-point front seatbelts. Unusually, it was also supplied with UK-style silver-on-black “DB6” number plates for showroom use. Originally finished in Pacific Blue over Beige Connolly leather, the car appeared on the cover of Sport Car Graphic magazine in 1966 and is recognized by the Aston Martin Heritage Trust.

Although the car’s ownership history between 1966 and 2002 is not documented, it was subsequently repainted in Silver Birch, replacing its original Pacific Blue exterior. The paintwork presents well overall and has been maintained to a consistent standard over time. The interior retains its original character, with period-appropriate materials and equipment intact. Known updates and changes include the exterior color change, the installation of an MSD ignition system, updated ignition components, replacement power window motors, and the later installation of seatbelts. In 2011, while the car was in Japan, the engine block is said to have been replaced with a new unit supplied by Aston Martin in the UK; as such, the replacement block is not stamped with an engine number.

According to the seller, the DB6 has benefited from long-term ownership by TAKURO (Takuro Kubo), the guitarist, primary songwriter, and leader of the internationally recognized Japanese rock band GLAY. During his stewardship, the car was maintained by specialized repair shops in Japan, with comprehensive service records covering the period from 2002 to 2024. In preparation for participation in the Coppa di Koumi, Japan’s largest historic rally event, the engine, transmission, and supporting mechanical systems were carefully serviced to ensure reliability and safe operation, reflecting a focus on mechanical integrity rather than cosmetic alteration. Major service work during this period includes extensive ignition, drivetrain, braking, and cooling system attention, as well as an engine block replacement ordered directly from Aston Martin. Most recently, the battery was replaced in August 2025, and the car is not currently in need of service. Offered with its documented maintenance history, this DB6 combines notable provenance, rally preparation, and period specification in a well-documented example of Aston Martin’s celebrated grand touring saloon.

• 1965 Aston Martin DB6 Saloon, original left-hand-drive example built to US-market specification

• Vantage-specification 4.0-liter inline-six paired with a desirable ZF 5-speed manual transmission

• Completed on 28 September 1965 and delivered new to the USA via British Motor Car Distributor Ltd., San Francisco

• Originally used as a showroom demonstrator, sold to its first private owner on 17 December 1966

• Highly optioned from new, including factory air conditioning, chrome wire wheels with whitewall tires and three-eared hubs, heated rear screen, powered radio aerial, and three-point front seatbelts

• Unusually supplied with UK-style silver-on-black “DB6” number plates for showroom display

• Originally finished in Pacific Blue over Beige Connolly leather; later repainted in Silver Birch

• Featured on the cover of Sport Car Graphic magazine in 1966 and recognized by the Aston Martin Heritage Trust

• Engine block said to have been replaced in January 2011 with a new unit ordered from Aston Martin UK (engine number not stamped)

• Photos of mechanical servicing including ignition, carburetion, braking, drivetrain, cooling, and electrical systems (2011–2016)

• MSD ignition system installed, along with updated ignition components and replacement power window motors

• Transmission, differential, and braking systems serviced, including brake booster overhauls and new brake pipes

• Seatbelts installed during later servicing

• Maintained in Japan from 2002–2024

• Said to have been owned by TAKURO (Takuro Kubo), guitarist and principal songwriter of the internationally acclaimed rock band GLAY

• Prepared under his ownership for participation in the Coppa di Koumi, Japan’s largest historic rally event, according to the seller

• Offered with photos of maintenance, and Aston Martin Heritage Trust Correspondence