DB6 Shooting Brake by FLM Panelcraft
DB6 Shooting Brake by FLM Panelcraft

DB6 Shooting Brake by FLM Panelcraft

In addition to Harold Radford, another independent coachbuilder also offered a shooting brake conversion for the DB6. FLM (Panelcraft) Ltd were based in the Kings Cross area of London and were experienced at converting saloons to both estate and convertible spec.

DB6 Shooting Brake by FLM Panelcraft

These FLM cars retained the distinctive DB6 Kamm tail above the tailgate and unlike the Radford cars, had a split tailgate where the glass panel was hinged upwards, and the tail panel dropped down. Sadly, the side view of the FLM cars is spoiled by clumsy window frames and a C pillar that was obviously then copied on the 1970’s Austin Allegro Estate.

The car illustrated here was commissioned by  the racing driver, Innes Ireland (and later BRDC President)  as his daily driver and as of November 2013, was on sale by Aston Martin Works. It is finished in its original, extremely attractive colour scheme of Versuvio Silver, complemented beautifully by the sumptuous deep Claret Connolly Hide interior with matching Wilton carpets. It was restored by Works Service in the late 1980’s and features Vantage spec engine with triple Weber carbs and a ZF 5 speed manual gearbox. Another DB6 Shooting Brake is privately owned in France. The whereabouts of the third mystery FLM shooting brake is unknown.

In addition to two or three DB6 Shooting Brakes, FML Panelcraft also built the single example of the DBS Shooting Brake.