The 1967 Aston Martin Vantage is a bit of a rare bird and often misunderstood due to the overlap in terminology used by Aston Martin during the 1960s. Here's the story behind it—clearing up the confusion and diving into the unique place it holds in Aston Martin’s history. What Was the 1967 Aston Martin Vantage? The “Vantage” name in 1967 didn’t yet refer to a separate model as it would later (like the V8 Vantage of the '70s and beyond). Instead, it referred to a high-performance variant of existing models—specifically the Aston Martin DB6 at that time. So when people talk about a 1967 Aston Martin Vantage, they’re usually referring to the Aston Martin DB6 Vantage, a more powerful version of the DB6 introduced in 1965 and produced until about 1970. Key Features of the DB6 Vantage (1967) Engine: The DB6 came with a 4.0-liter inline-six designed by Tadek Marek. The Vantage version featured triple Weber carburetors, which boosted output to around 325 bhp—the same engine spec later used in early DBS Vantages. Performance: With this setup, the Vantage could sprint from 0–60 mph in under 7 seconds—impressive for a luxury GT in the late '60s. Design: The DB6 retained much of the DB5’s legendary styling (yes, the James Bond DB5), but had a longer wheelbase and a Kamm-style tail for better aerodynamics. Luxury: True to Aston Martin form, it featured plush leather, wood trim, and was built largely by hand. Rarity and Special Status Aston Martin made around 1,788 DB6s, but fewer than 150 Vantage versions (depending on body style and market specs). This makes the 1967 DB6 Vantage particularly rare and desirable today. The Vantage wasn’t flashy on the outside—no bold badges or wide body kits—so it’s a sleeper in the truest sense. All the power, none of the show-off. Where It Fits in Aston Martin’s Timeline The 1967 DB6 Vantage represents the pinnacle of the “gentleman’s GT” era before the transition to the more muscular, modern styling of the DBS. It’s part of that golden line that includes the DB4, DB5, and DB6—cars known for sophistication and understated speed. It was also among the last of the true David Brown-era Astons before changes in ownership and direction began to reshape the company. Legacy Today Collectors and Aston fans love the DB6 Vantage for its: Classic Aston styling. High-performance inline-six. Low production numbers. Connection to the DB lineage that made the brand famous. So, while “1967 Aston Martin Vantage” doesn’t refer to a standalone model, it’s shorthand for one of the most desirable configurations of the DB6—a refined brute cloaked in a tailored suit. This rare car was imported into New Zealand by a returning Kiwi in 1983. Purchased by the third New Zealand owner and acquired the car in 2007 in original condition but with a tired engine. After driving it for 18 months, in early 2009 the car was taken off the road and began a complete bare metal nut and bolt restoration over 13 years (extensive photo history and receipts file available: all new fasteners in stainless steel throughout, except where higher tensile required, or chrome screws). Any rust (minimal) was addressed (in driver’s side footwell - above master cylinders - and sills, metal replaced with new where appropriate. Sills and other chassis cavities rust proofed). Two-pot epoxy to underside, engine bay and boot, and textured black overcoat on top of that in wheel arches. “Lizard Skin” heat and acoustic paint systems (two separate treatments) to interior. Re-painted period-correct AM “Old English Pewter”. New OEM headlining (and re-trimmed sun visors), new Wilton carpets and re-trimmed leather where required with correct OEM Connolly Vaumol black leather. Re-finished dashboard/glovebox. Many upgrades including: · Engine fully rebuilt to 4.2 litres (block machined by specialist JMB Services in UK plus many JMB improved parts in rebuild). · Rebuilt 5 speed ZF gearbox and LSD. · Conversion to efi with Jenvey Heritage Throttle Bodies (designed to look like the original Webers. All original fuel system parts, including Webers, still with car), twin electric fans (does not overheat in traffic in NZ summer). · EPAS from GTC Engineering, new smaller (15inch) steering wheel. · Uprated wiper motor (with intermittent function). · Uprated brake boosters and new brake lines throughout. · Quikfit retractable seat belts. · Music connectivity from phone through hidden head unit in customised centre console. · New stainless steel exhaust, with improved “Jet-coated” headers. · New stainless steel bumpers. · New heat deflectors. · New screens front and rear. · All new rubber seals everywhere. · Harvey Bailey suspension (including Konis and uprated sway bar) plus Aston Engineering improved lever arm dampers at rear (original Armstrong Selectarides still with car). · Anything shiny that needed re-plating (if it was not replaced) has been, with surfaces as per original. Very strong performer, handles exceptionally well. Shipping can be arranged.