Reg Number: MEW345H
Chassis Number: DB6MK2/4116/R
Engine Number: 400/4326
Cc: 4200
Body Colour: Dark Blue
Trim Colour: Dark Blue
MOT ExpiryDate: Sept 2012
Entering production in July 1969 but not formally unveiled for another month, the rakishly elegant DB6 Mk2 was the ultimate evolution of the iconic Aston Martin DB4/DB5/DB6 line. Sharing the same sheet steel platform chassis as its immediate predecessor complete with all-round coil-sprung suspension (independent double wishbone front, trailing arm / beam axle rear), four-wheel disc brakes and Armstrong Select-a-ride adjustable rear shock absorbers, the newcomer nevertheless incorporated a host of detail improvements. Sharper and more responsive to drive thanks to wider wheels and fatter tyres (hence the need for its trademark flared wheelarches), the Mk2 also benefited from the provision of standard-fit power assisted rack and pinion steering. Automatic transmission remained a 'no cost' option, while cars equipped with the five-speed ZF manual gearbox gained a lower first gear ratio and more positive Borg & Beck clutch. The fabulous Tadek Marek designed 3995cc DOHC straight-six engine could be had with a nascent form of electronic fuel injection. However, the majority of buyers wisely opted for carburettor-fed variants in standard (triple SU, 282bhp) or high-performance Vantage (triple Weber, 325bhp) tune. Indeed so troublesome did the AE Brico EFI system prove that several Mk2s were converted to Vantage specification by the factory. Revised seating both front and rear meant that the last of the classic DB-series family could also lay claim to being the most comfortable. Only in production until November 1970, just 239 DB6 Mk2 saloons are thought to have been made (of which a mere 122 were reputedly to triple SU carburettor-fed specification).
'MEW 345H' is a DB6 Mk2 that was delivered new to the supplying dealer, Sundridge Park Motors Ltd, on September 24th 1969. The options listed were a Borg Warner three-speed automatic gearbox and seat belts for the front occupants. The Aston was originally finished in Caribbean Pearl, but the body colour was changed to Dark Blue in 1998, courtesy of Rainbow Restorations. The vendor acquired the car from Aston Workshop six years later, when the odometer read 69,600 miles, and it was at this stage the car was converted to negative earth, equipped with Kenlowe electric fan and Scorpion alarm, and received an upgraded starter motor and hazard warning light system.
In 2005 the original gearbox was replaced with a more refined four-speed automatic unit by G Whitehouse. JP Exhaust was responsible for fitting a stainless steel manifold and Aston Workshop for the installation of a stainless steel exhaust system and new front and rear screens. The registration was changed from 'FFY 245H' to 'MEW 345H' (the car's original number plate). A year later the Aston was treated to a set of four chrome wire wheels from MWS and Avon CR622 tyres. The engine was enlarged to 4.2-litres and converted to run on unleaded fuel by Post Vintage. In 2007 the leather interior was refurbished in the original Blue (VM3282) by Leather Care Renovations and new underlay and Wilton carpets fitted by the vendor. A further year later Post Vintage refurbished/replaced the instruments and the rear axle was treated to a limited slip differential of slightly lower 3.7:1 ratio. In the last two years, Four Ashes Garage have overhauled the engine and improved low end torque and power output; upgraded the alternator, water pump and electronic ignition; refurbished the rear Selectaride dampers and fitted inertia reel seat belts all round. The exhaust manifold and system have been heat coated by Zercotec and the rear brake system completely replaced.
This attractive DB6 is considered by the vendor to have "very good" engine, transmission, interior and wheels and tyres, "good" chassis and bodywork, and "good (with blemishes)" paintwork. It is being sold complete with DVLA log book records from 1978, general history and record of services and MOTs from 1991, plus one valid into September of this year.
