Bonhams Aston Martin Sale - May 2017:

FOOTNOTES

• As production of the new DB6 began towards the end of 1965, an initial batch of convertible models, dubbed 'Volante', was commenced on the shorter chassis of the outgoing DB5. This stylish and luxurious 'soft-top' offered four-seat accommodation and was generously appointed with leather upholstery, deep-pile carpets, aircraft-like instrument cluster, and electrically operated hood. After 37 Volantes had been completed on the DB5 chassis, the model adopted the longer DB6 chassis in October 1966. Production of the long-wheelbase DB6 Volante amounted to 140 Mk1s and only 38 Mk2s, making the latter one of the rarest of Aston Martin convertibles. 
  
  Right-hand drive chassis number '3778' was sold new to Sir John 'Jake' Saunders, Chairman of the Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking Corporation. His wife is named as purchaser on the accompanying copy guarantee form, with the address given as 37 Plantation Road, Hong Kong. The car was originally finished in Silver Birch with black Connolly hide interior trim, while non-standard items of equipment specified included a Radiomobile radio and front seat belts. Servicing is recorded up to February 1974. 
  
  The second owner purchased the car from Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd circa 1974 while it was back in this country for minor cosmetic attention, and cherished it for the following 30-plus years. The registration number 'XEH 300M' was assigned on the car's return to the UK. 
  
  Ordered with automatic transmission, like the majority of DB6 Mk2 Volantes, '3778/R' was fitted in the 1980s with the enthusiast-preferred ZF five-speed manual gearbox, which was rebuilt in the mid-2000s by marque specialists, Chris Shenton Engineering. When offered for sale by its second owner at Bonhams' Goodwood Revival Sale in September 2008 (Lot 322), the car was described as in generally very good condition, the engine in particular being smooth and free running while displaying regulation oil pressure. 
  
  When inspected recently by Bonhams, our lot number tag '322' was still attached to the keys. The car retains its original engine block (number '4585'), while both the trim and hood appear original. The engine runs well, displaying good oil pressure when cold. A total of 24,001 miles is displayed on the odometer, though it is not known of this is the distance travelled from new. The car comes complete with tool kit, tonneau cover, and the instruction book, the latter containing some restoration photographs. A wonderful opportunity to acquire an example of one of the rarest and most desirable of all David Brown Aston Martins. 
  
  Should the vehicle remain in the EU, local import taxes of 5% will be applied to the hammer price.
  

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