'I have driven most of the Aston Martin models that have been produced, from the racing twin-cam 1½-litre of the 1920s onwards.

For years my favourite has been the DB3S sports-racer, but now my allegiance is wavering.

There can be little doubt that the DB6 is the best Aston yet and it is a credit to British engineering.' - John Bolster, Autosport, 21st October 1966.

John Bolster's 1966 test car was a Vantage model, which despite its heightened state of tune surprised the veteran journalist with its good road manners.

'On taking over the DB6 one is immediately astonished by its flexibility.

In spite of multiple carburettor chokes, it will idle through traffic like a dowager's limousine and will accelerate on a high gear in a manner which is rare even among the biggest V8 power units.' Considered by many to be the last 'proper' Aston Martin, the DB6 was launched at the London and Paris Motor Shows in 1965, updating the DB5.

Although recognisably related to the Touring-styled DB4, w...