What is this? An Aston Martin DB6 Shooting Brake.

What do you get when you want a station wagon and an Aston Martin DB6? Apparently, this Aston Martin DB6 Shooting Brake. Let us explain.

Aston Martin lore says David Brown wanted a place for his hunting dog to ride in comfort in the back of his DB5. Coachbuilder Radford created a Shooting Brake conversion, with only a dozen made. The same outfit gave the DB6 the same treatment, with only half as many built. However, FLM Panelcraft, best known for Rolls-Royce bodies, also created a Shooting Brake conversion, although only three were ever produced.

United States Grand Prix winner Innes Ireland bought the first one. Of the trio, just one was left-hand drive–this one. A Mr. Farrish of Texas ordered the left-hand drive version, but when it arrived damaged, he lost interest. Its history after that is a bit murky until it resurfaced in the Netherlands in “partly dismantled condition.” It was restored around 1990 and displayed in several concours, including at Goodwood.

Find this 1966 Aston Martin DB6 Shooting Brake by FLM Panelcraft for auction at RM Sotheby’s, with an estimated value of $600,000-$750,000.

How come more shooting brakes, estate wagon, or as we call them station wagons are not made today.?  I have a Corvair wagon, a 122 Volvo wagon, a Volvo estate, Datsun 510 wagon , A Countryman Mini, and two Mini Clubmans. Went to buy a new Clubman and found they do not make them any more. Even worse, they are are all dropping the manual transmission. In 2005 we went to Sweden to buy the V50 estate because  the 6 speed manual was not available here. By the way, the V50 was the worst car I have ever owned and I have owned way to many British sports cars. Parts on the Volvo were stamped "FORD".