For those who want a dash of James Bond at a more affordable price, this Aston Martin DB6 Mark 1, seen at last week's Concours d'Elegance in Dana Point, might be just the ticket.
 On a list of cars that most auto enthusiasts would want to own some day, Aston Martins usually rank high on the wish list. Obviously the connection to the James Bond film series is one of the primary reasons why. What can possibly be more iconic than driving a Silver Birch DB5 being driven through the mountain passes of Switzerland? Starting with "Goldfinger" in 1964 and being connected to the series many times right up until the present day, 007 and Aston Martin are forever linked together. But with the prices of DB5 now in the stratosphere--especially those finished in Silver Birch--is there an alternative for those who want a dash of Bond, at a more affordable price. Here's one such choice; a 73,000-mile 1967 Aston Martin DB6 Mark 1 offered for sale in Southern California.
 While it shares its basic silhouette with his more famous DB5 counterpart, the 1965 to 1970 DB6 features a higher roofline with a longer wheelbase. This allows the DB6 to accommodate a driver and three passengers although adults in the back might find space a bit wanting. Externally, its more aerodynamic Kamm tail distinguishes the DB6 from its more recognizable DB5 counterpart, which was produced from 1963 to 1966. (Production of the DB6 in its Mark 1 and Mark 2 versions totaled , making it relatively rare, even by sixties sports car standards.) The DB6 is seen by some as a transition car, spanning the gap between the classic DB series dating back to the 1948 2-liter DB1 and the more modern DBS that came in 1967, styled by William Towns and seen in the 1969 Bond film, "On Her Majesty's Secret Service"...the one starring that "other" Bond, George Lazenby. (The Mark 2 version of the DB6 shared many mechanical parts with the then-new DBS.)
 This particular DB6 is noteworthy for its transmission upgrade. Originally most DB6s were equipped with a standard ZF five-speed manual unit with a Borg-Warner three-speed automatic offered as a no-cost option. This right-hand-drive DB6, which has undergone a complete engine rebuild by vintage Aston Martin specialist Art Nisson of British Motor Services in Orange, California, has been upgraded to a Borg-Warner 12 four-speed automatic transmission, enhancing its driving capabilities. The 4-liter straight six produces 282-horsepower giving the car true 140-mile-per-hour capabilities, great for a cross-country trip from New York to LA or a cross-continental trip from London to Rome.
 This car has benefited from a number of mechanical and appearance upgrades. On the outside the body was stripped to bare metal and re-sprayed in Oyster Dark Silver. The exterior is matched by the interior re-trimmed in contrasting Biscuit Connolly leather with new Wilton carpet. A new sunroof--an unusual option in a DB6--with the original folding pattern makes this a standout DB6. Sitting in the comfortable leather bucket seats, behind the wood-rimmed steering wheel, looking out at the white-on-black Smith's gauges, is an experience that any auto aficionado would relish. Other updates include new proper Michelin XAS tires, new stainless steel exhaust, rebuilt brakes, rear-end, and radiator. This is a car that is ready for a new owner and based on recent sales on both sides of the Atlantic, is priced competitively at $179,000. If you're ready to fulfill that childhood James Bond fantasy,
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and we will put you in direct contact with the seller.
If you would like more information on the entire history of Aston Martin you might want to head over to your local Borders or Barnes & Noble. There you'll find what's called a MagBook in the magazine section, Aston Martin the Complete Story from the publishers of Octane. This lavish magazine, within its 250 pages, chronicles the complete history of the marque and as expected from Octane, includes spectacular photography of almost every notable model in Aston Martin's storied history.
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