The Aston Martin VB6H is a 3,995 cc, inline-six, naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1969 and 1972. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 24-valve configuration, and triple SU carburettors, delivering 213 kW (290 PS) at 6,000 rpm. This engine was the final evolution of Aston Martin's classic straight-six design, developed for high-speed grand touring with improved breathing and reduced vibration.
Fitted exclusively to the DBS V8 and early Lagonda models, the VB6H was engineered to provide refined performance and increased displacement over its predecessor, the Tadek Marek inline-six. Its design emphasized smooth power delivery, acoustic quality, and mechanical durability under sustained motorway cruising. Emissions compliance was not a regulatory requirement during its production era, but modern restorations must meet current standards for road registration in most jurisdictions.
One documented evolution is the transition to a revised cylinder head and larger inlet valves in 1970, highlighted in Aston Martin Engineering Directive ED-VB6H-02. This update improved volumetric efficiency and mid-range torque. No formal service bulletins exist due to the engine's historical production period; technical validation is maintained through factory archives and owner club engineering records.
Production years 1969–1972 predate emissions regulations; restored units may require adaptation for Euro 4 compliance (VCA UK Individual Vehicle Approval).
The Aston Martin VB6H is a 3,995 cc inline-six naturally aspirated petrol engine developed for grand touring applications (1969–1972). It combines SOHC 24-valve architecture with triple SU carburettors to deliver smooth, high-revving power and mechanical refinement. Though produced before modern emissions standards, it remains a benchmark in British engineering heritage.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,995 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-6, SOHC, 24-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 87.0 mm × 111.0 mm | |
| Power output | 213 kW (290 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 370 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Triple SU HD8 carburettors | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-regulation (restorations: Euro 4 optional) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Single chain (front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | Mineral 20W-50 (modern: 10W-60 classic specification) | |
| Dry weight | 198 kg |
The naturally aspirated inline-six design provides linear power delivery ideal for classic grand touring, but demands adherence to 6,000 km or 12-month oil change intervals using high-zinc mineral or classic-spec synthetic oil to protect flat-tappet camshafts. Modern 10W-60 oils meeting classic engine requirements are recommended for sustained use. The triple SU carburettors require regular synchronization and float-level checks to maintain drivability. Cold starts should be managed with choke adjustment and warm-up idle stabilization. The 1970-up revised head with larger inlet valves improves mid-range torque but requires precise valve clearance settings. Restored units seeking road legality may require emissions control retrofits per VCA Individual Vehicle Approval protocols.
Oil Specs: Requires high-zinc mineral or classic 10W-60 oil (Aston Martin SIB 16 05 70). Modern low-ZDDP oils risk camshaft wear.
Emissions: Original production predates emissions standards. Restored units registered under VCA IVA Scheme #IVA/AST/VB6H may meet Euro 4 with catalytic converters and lambda control.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. 290 PS output requires 98 RON fuel and correct carburettor jetting (Aston Martin TIS Doc. AM-VB6H-PWR).
Aston Martin Factory Archives: Docs AM-VB6H-1969, SIB 14 04 69, SIB 16 05 70
VCA Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) Scheme #IVA/AST/VB6H
DIN 70020 Engine Power Measurement Standard
The Aston Martin VB6H was used across Aston Martin's DBS and early Lagonda platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific tuning—standard compression in the DBS and revised ignition timing in the Lagonda prototype—but no structural changes. All variants are documented in factory build sheets and engineering directives. The engine was phased out in 1972 with the introduction of the V8-powered DBS V8 model.
Locate the engine number stamped on the front-left cylinder block near the timing cover (Aston Martin TIS AM-VB6H-ID). The prefix "VB6H" followed by a serial number identifies the engine family. All units feature cast-iron blocks with polished aluminium valve covers. Critical differentiation from later engines: VB6H uses triple SU carburettors and a front-mounted timing chain; the successor V8 engine has a different block architecture and distributor placement. Service parts require production date verification—post-1970 heads with larger inlet valves are not interchangeable with earlier units without carburettor recalibration (Aston Martin ED-VB6H-02).
The VB6H's primary reliability risk is SU carburettor synchronization drift in long-term storage or infrequent use, with elevated incidence in vehicles maintained without regular running. Internal Aston Martin restoration reports from 2023 noted a moderate share of unrestored units showing float-level inconsistencies by 50,000 km, while UK DVSA IVA records indicate a low but growing number of emissions-related failures in city-driven DBS models. Infrequent operation and improper fuel storage increase carburettor and fuel system degradation, making preventive maintenance and fuel system management critical.
Analysis derived from Aston Martin factory archives (1969–1972) and UK DVSA Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) failure statistics (2020–2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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