We've been getting excited about classic car auctions in Scottsdale, Arizona and at Rétromobile over the last week. But what's happening in the UK vintage car markets?
A classic piece of British automotive history is auctioning in Buxton, Derbyshire next Thursday (February 16).
This 1969 Aston Martin DB6 Mark 2 was the last of the marque's classic DB-series family. This car is for sale billed as "the ultimate evolution of the iconic Aston Martin DB4/DB5/DB6 line."
The DB6 Mark 2 first entered production in July 1969, but wasn't formerly unveiled until a month later. It was built on the same sheet steel platform chassis as its immediate predecessor and shared many of its features, albeit with a number of improvements.
Thanks to its wider wheels and fatter tyres - notice the car's flared wheel arches - the Aston Martin DB6 Mark 2 had a sharper and more responsive drive. This was aided by its standard-fit power assisted rack and pinion steering.
The car's 3995cc DOHC straight-six engine was designed by Tadek Marek, the Polish automobile engineer best-known for his Aston Martin engines. This was complimented by a five-speed ZF manual gearbox and more positive Borg & Beck clutch.
 The Aston Martin DB6 Mark 2 |
Marek's engine could also be bought equipped with an embryonic form of electronic fuel injection. However, many Mk2s were later converted to Vantage specification by the factory when this system proved troublesome.
Modifications to the Mk2's interior included revised seating. Today, many collectors still consider this car to be the "most comfortable" of the DB-series.
With production only lasting until November 1970, DB6 Mark 2s have always been rare. Just 239 DB6 Mk2 saloons are thought to have been produced, with only 122 made to triple SU carburettor-fed specification.
According to its vendor, this 1969 Aston Martin DB6 Mark 2's engine, transmission, interior, wheels and tyres are all "very good".
It also has a "good" chassis and bodywork" and "good" paintwork with some blemishes. (The car was originally finished in Caribbean Pearl before being expertly repainted in Dark Blue during the late 1990s.)
This 1969 Aston Martin DB6 Mark 2 is for sale with comprehensive documentation, including a large history file. It carries a presale estimate of £100,000-120,000.
Watch this space for more news from the UK classic car markets.
