2006 ASTON MARTIN DB9

This Aston Martin DB9 is a wonderful modern GT car, presented with comprehensive service history, which is ready to drive and enjoy. Under the bonnet is a 5.9-litre V12, producing 450bhp and 420lb-ft of torque, coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission with ‘Touchtronic’ paddle shift. The odometer shows 87,370 miles, which may increase slightly as the car is being used for short local trips.

An original UK-market car, this DB9 left the factory finished in the handsome hue of Midnight Blue, complemented by a black leather interior. The car was first registered on 15 December 2006 and has seven previous registered keepers. It has been with the current owner since March 2018.

Its bodywork presents in very good order, with no known previous damage. The Midnight Blue paint finish is believed to be entirely original, and now does have a few blemishes commensurate with the age and mileage. A strip of lacquer on the nearside door mirror has flaked off, some paint has worn away at the bottom of the rear wheel arches, and there is a slight blemish on the nearside front wing from a bird dropping. Other imperfections are presented honestly and shown in the gallery, including some minor bubbling at the bottom of the nearside door, the A-pillar, wheel arch, and a couple of spots around the door handles.

However, it would be fair to say that this DB9 still presents well overall, and has just been treated to a Stage 1 paint correction detail to smarten up the finish and remove swirl marks. The vendor also notes some small scrapes under the front chin spoiler. It rides on the optional multi-spoke alloy wheels, which have some lacquer damage visible on the driver’s side and some tiny grazes on the passenger side, so would benefit from refurbishment in due course. The only exterior modifications are the later style OEM clear tail lights and front grille.

In the cabin, the black leather upholstery is generally in excellent condition for its age, with only modest signs of use and no heavy wear or discolouration. There is some noticeable wear on the driver’s floor mat, and the odd mark around the interior trims, but it remains a smartly presented place to spend time on the road. The vendor notes in particular a split in the optional Piano Black wood trim in the centre console, which runs from behind the sat-nav unit to the top of the dashboard where it meets the windscreen - so is hidden from view for most of the time. It was caused by a faulty folding mechanism in the media screen module, which requires a new spring to make it work correctly again. However, the vendor uses a modern smartphone navigation setup, so has never needed to have it rectified.

The factory-fitted equipment includes climate control, cruise control, heated seats, and full electric adjustment for the front seats including lumber support. There are also front and rear parking sensors, though the vendor notes that these are temperamental – the visual warning works as it should, but the audio ‘beep’ does not. Finally, while the radio works perfectly, the six-disc CD player is currently inoperative and failing to load discs.

As the summary below shows, this DB9 has been regularly serviced from new by Aston Martin main dealers and specialists. The last scheduled maintenance was in May 2019 at 76,265 miles at Martin’s Aston Services in Glasgow. This comprised a full annual service to the manufacturer schedule.

Over the last couple of years, the same specialist has also carried out a number of repairs and preventative maintenance tasks. These have included a replacement starter switch and stop light switch, new wheel speed sensor wiring, a new fuel cable, and repairs to the rear lights. The latter have been drilled in the back of the cases for ventilation, so while they occasionally do show some condensation – a common Aston Martin issue of this era – they also dry out after a short time. The vendor also notes that the gas strut pressure in the doors and bonnet is starting to weaken.

Martin’s Aston Services also replaced the front brake discs, pads and sensors in January 2020, and the rear discs, pads and sensors in November 2019. The offside front coil spring has also been renewed, along with a track rod end. Prior to this, other recent maintenance included a service in March 2018 at 66,861 miles, carried out by Bridge Hill Motors, which included replacement of the coil pack and spark plugs; and a service in November 2017 at 65,440 miles at Stratstone Aston Martin in Cheshire. The only known mechanical foible is occasional tappet noise, which is believed to be a common fault with valves in the hydraulic lifters losing pressure - and is understood to cost around £1,500 to fix.

The most recent MOT test was carried out on 14 February 2020 at 83,266 miles. Initially the car failed on a faulty registration plate lamp, which was subsequently rectified, and then passed on the same day with the only advisories being slight wear to the windscreen wipers, minor chips on the headlights, and a loose centre exhaust heat shield. The wheels are shod in Bridgestone Potenza tyres, which were fitted around 18 months ago. They are still in good condition, although one tyre has received a plug repair after a puncture.

Accompanying the car is the original Aston Martin handbook and stamped maintenance record, as well as comprehensive paperwork from main dealers and specialists who have worked on the car. Two key fobs are also present, as well as three keys and a genuine Aston Martin keyring.

This Aston Martin DB9 is a characterful grand tourer, presented in good mechanical condition. While there are a few areas for cosmetic improvement that the next owner could attend to in due course, this is still a smart modern classic that is always an event to drive. Whether savoured solely on the occasional weekend, put to use as a left-field daily driver, or taken to the continent for a longer road trip, this V12 Aston should delight its next owner wherever they choose to take it.

Summary of service history:

• 1,939 miles - 04/01/2007 - Broughtons Aston Martin, Cheltenham
• 10,636 miles - 28/02/2008 - Broughtons Aston Martin, Cheltenham
• 16,293 miles - 15/01/2009 - Stratstone Aston Martin
• 20,831 miles - 30/06/2010 - Lancaster Aston Martin, Reading
• 27,472 miles - 03/10/2011 - Stratstone Aston Martin, Cardiff
• Unrecorded - ??/??/2012 - Stratstone Aston Martin, Park Royal
• 39,262 miles - 11/04/2013 - Stratstone Aston Martin, Park Royal
• 52,441 miles - 13/03/2015 - HWM Aston Martin, Walton on Thames
• 58,818 miles - 29/04/2016 - HWM Aston Martin, Walton on Thames
• 60,920 miles - 04/11/2016 - HWM Aston Martin, Walton on Thames
• 65,440 miles - 07/11/2017 - Stratstone Aston Martin, Cheshire
• 66,861 miles - 12/03/2018 - Bridge Mill Motors
• 76,265 miles - 30/05/2019 - Martin's Aston Services

Please note: the vendor has just processed the request to remove the cherished registration shown on the car, and is therefore now awaiting the updated V5C from the DVLA. It will be returning to the age-related plate of VX56 MFK.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence through HPI checks and MOT history. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.

Please note: the cherished plate shown on the car is not included in the sale. It will be switched back to an age-related registration plate in the event of a successful auction.