BTCC champion’s Aston Martin DB6 heads to auction

An Aston Martin that was owned by a former British Touring Car Champion is heading to auction. The 1971 DB6 Mk2 Vantage Saloon belonged to racing driver, commentator, and TV personality John Cleland. It will go under the hammer at Silverstone Auctions’ sale on Saturday, 13 May.

One of 34 examples made, this right-hand drive manual example has matching engine and chassis numbers. Chassis 4286/R is finished in Dubonnet Rosso with a tan leather interior, flared wheel arches, and DBS wheels. Power comes from a six-cylinder engine with triple Weber carbs.

In 2012, it was acquired by John Cleland, dealer principal and owner of Cleland's Volvo on the Scottish Borders. Better known as a successful touring car driver (he was BTCC champion in 1989 and 1995), Cleland purchased the car to add to his private collection and has enjoyed driving it for the past five years.

Owned by a long line of known collectors and fastidious keepers, the DB6 has been routinely serviced and meticulously maintained, including an engine out refresh, engine bay rewiring and tidying, engine decarbonisation and unleaded fuel conversion, as well as a new clutch and flywheel, all carried out by Aston Engineering over the past 17 years.

With an unwarranted 36,924 miles on the clock, it will be offered at a sale estimate of £325,000 to £375,000 as part of the sale, which takes place at Silverstone race circuit in Northamptonshire. 

Nick Whale, managing director at Silverstone Auctions, says, ‘This stunning DB6 is possibly the best factory Mk2 Vantage a buyer can find. The bodywork is in truly excellent condition with some of the best and most consistent shut lines we have ever seen on a hand-built Aston.’

The accompanying history file includes various letter and invoices as well as driving diaries kept by a previous owner to individually record miles travelled.

To find out more about the 1971 Aston Martin DB6 MKII Vantage Saloon for sale at Silverstone Auctions’ May auction visit silverstoneauctions.com.