OWNER

OWNER - Dr. David Williams / Aston Martin DB6 Series 1

All images: Del Gregory

I first met Dr. David Williams a couple of years ago and enjoyed looking around his different barns full of cars. One of my favourites of his collection is his recently fully restored 1968 series 1 Aston Martin DB6 in striking Autumn Gold with an equally striking Ox Blood interior.

David, like myself lives in the Cotswolds, so I proposed we met in a village many will already know because of its Motor Racing heritage - Castle Combe.

As a trackside photographer (many years ago), I was very nearly ‘taken out’ at Castle Combe Racetrack whilst shooting a race, when a Ferrari F40 decided to go backwards at around 120mph for what seemed like eternity, whilst managing narrowly to miss everything in its path - (including me) as I managed to dive - (camera still in hand) out of its path.

A day I will always remember, as I’m sure will the marshals who were also nearly mowed down, and I’m sure the driver will too, who I seem to remember was not actually very flustered.

Anyway, as usual I digress and so less reminiscing about antics at Castle Combe Racetrack and more about the more sedate photo shoot of this fabulous DB6 in the village.

To me there’s nothing better than waking up to the dawn chorus of birdsong in the English countryside and making some coffee before setting off on a photo shoot, especially when there’s an Aston Martin DB6 involved! Arriving into Castle Combe I took some time to take some images in the village, before I heard the rumble of the 6 cylinder DB6 breaking the early morning silence as it came down the hill. Arriving right on time at 8am, David brought the sunshine with him as it started to break free of the early morning cloud.

I love my job. Although let’s be honest it’s not really a job is it. To me it’s 40 years of doing something I absolutely have loved doing from day one. Add in some fabulous cars over the years and what’s not to like. (Apart from the British weather), which is why I ended up working in LA for a number of years where the weather is pretty much always guaranteed, although amusingly it rained on the one day last year when I visited Magnus Walker…

Castle Combe is a stunning village which has had its fair share of photoshoots and in normal circumstances would be packed full of tourists walking around, but we are not in normal circumstances due to the pandemic and so it was a slightly eerie and completely empty Castle Combe, which I certainly myself have never witnessed before. Perfect for empty road shots of David’s stunning DB6.

Occasionally a car would enter the village, or someone would walk past with a dog, or we’d see a jogger and all would stop and say hello and wanted to know about the car and one or two asked for selfies, such is the rarity and beauty of this car.

So let’s tell you a bit about David’s DB6.

This particular model was first registered in 1968 and is the more favoured series 1. The colour is fantastic as it seems to change in different light. It’s officially Autumn Gold, but on the day I could see Rose Gold and various other shades. For the interior however there’s no mistaking the richness of the Ox Blood leather.

The intention of this restoration was to fully restore the car to as new condition. Additionally, it’s had a number of improvements to enhance its usability, reliability, and safety under the conditions that it is likely to encounter when being used on today’s roads.

In order to achieve this, whilst ensuring the finished car retains the maximum possible originality, painstaking effort has been taken at every stage of this six year restoration project. From carefully recording the condition and originality of every component removed from the car during its dis-assembly, to in-depth research into the origin of the smallest parts, no stone has been left unturned.

Where components were found to be unsuitable for refurbishment they have been replaced with new components that match or exceed the specification of the original component. Similarly, where items have been refurbished this has been carried out to a standard which is as good or in some cases better than when the components were new.

The restoration itself was carried out using a combination of both traditional and modern techniques. The bodyshell has been treated to a full body off, bare metal restoration which has resulted in a body shell that has a flawless finish and is resplendent in its Autumn Gold colour. All of the cars brightwork has been restored or renewed contributing to the cars as new appearance.

The car further benefits from having new glass and window rubbers throughout.

The chassis, suspension and steering components have been completely restored or replaced and the car has the addition of a Harvey Bailey handling kit. Additionally, the back axle is equipped with a limited slip differential.

The engine has been totally rebuilt and restored to the enhanced vantage specification. The engine also benefits from being fitted with a modern digital ignition and Jenvey fuel injection all being controlled by a Motech M800 ecu. Whilst these components are not period correct, they substantially enhance both performance and the cars’ ability to be used in modern driving conditions. Should any future owner prefer a more period correct approach to the fuel delivery for the engine, it’s possible to remove the Jenvey fuel injection and fit either; Webber DCOE carburettors, Webber Heritage throttle bodies or the standard equipment SU carburettors.

David specified that the gearbox in the car be capable of coping with modern traffic conditions and deliver a seamless

gear change. In order to facilitate this the car has been equipped with a ZF 4HP automatic gearbox of the type fitted to modern sporting Jaguar cars. Once again, should a new owner prefer to have the car configured with a manual gearbox, the car can be returned to a manual gearbox utilising either a five speed or six speed gearbox.

Moving onto the passenger cabin, the car has been treated to a full retrim of the seats and door cards in Ox Blood Connolly leather. The car has also been treated to new carpets throughout the passenger cabin and boot area. All of this work was completed by craftsmen using the original seat covers etc as patterns for the newly crafted seat covers, door cards and carpets.

Passenger comfort is enhanced by the fitment of air conditioning and electric windows. The car is also equipped with an in-car entertainment system that has modern capabilities whilst retaining a period correct appearance. The passenger cabin and boot area benefit from extensive high quality sound proofing.

Staying within the passenger cabin, all of the cars’ instruments, switchgear and control surfaces have been restored or replaced with new components, contributing to the as new feel that this DB6 imparts when sitting in it.

David with his DB6

Since completion of the restoration, the car has been rolling road tuned and undergone shakedown road testing. David has also completed some road testing and it’s estimated that the car has completed in the region of just 200 miles since its completion.

This DB6 is a truly special restoration and can genuinely be described as a full nut and bolt restoration, with no part or component on the car being left unrestored or renewed and is a credit to its fastidious owner.

All images: Del Gregory @b500magazine Photographed on location in Castle Combe Village. With thanks to Dr. David Williams. Dr. David Williams and his Aston Martin DB6 65