DB4, DB5 and DB6 (1958-1970)

The Aston Martin DB4 was built at Newport Pagnell from 1958 to 1963 in 1204 examples. The design of the car had changed. The new model had a platform frame with very light bodywork and an in-line six-cylinder engine completely redesigned by Tadek Marek, producing 240 bhp and displacing 3670 cc. The DB4 still had a rigid rear axle, but a Dunlop servo-assisted disc brake system on all 4 wheels. Aston Martin produced 75 examples of the DB4 GT. In addition, Zagato produced a further 25 DB4 GT Zagato cars with a very light special body and slightly more powerful engine and Girling disc brakes all round. The production of the DB4 was divided into five series, respectively facelifts, which differed only in details. 1059 units of the successor DB5 were built from 1963 to 1965, the most important customer was James Bond. The DB5 is a further development of the fifth series of the DB4, which differs from the previous series mainly by the aluminium engine block with 3995 cc capacity. The body was designed by Touring and the car had four-speed transmission with overdrive. An automatic transmission by Borg Warner was offered as an option to the later 5-speed ZF gearbox. There was a Vantage version of the DB5 with 3 Weber carburettors instead of the SU carburettors of the standard cars.The DB6 was sold in 1788 units from 1965 to 1970. The DB6 was based on the DB5, but again had an in-house designed conventional body with a clear focus on better aerodynamics and greater strength. The wheelbase was lengthened by 3.75" and the roofline raised by 2", making both entry and passenger accommodation more comfortable. Automatic transmission, power steering and air conditioning were optional. There was also a 325 hp Vantage version of the DB6 with 3 Weber 45DCOE carburettors. The DB6 was considered to be a four-seater. With the second series, the Mark II, available from 1969, the car received independent suspension on the rear axle and the engine was optionally equipped with fuel injection. At the end of its production period, the car seemed comparatively outdated, especially compared to the DBS, which had been available since 1967.