PAINT can put the gloss on any car but often can also hide a multitude of sins.

Beneath the paint on this 1969 Aston Martin DB6 was some less-than-perfect repairs on some body damage to the aluminium made, possibly, decades ago.

The task given to Perth classic car restorers Memory Lane was the take off the paint and remove the bog, then weld and repair the imperfections in the metal. Sounds simple but aluminium is like marzipan, especially when it has been kneaded repeatedly to the point of fatigue.

Most of the damage was round the left-side headlight although additional repair was needed to the guards including the air vents on the flanks.

Additionally, the car was originally fitted with mudguard mirrors so the unsightly holes had to be filled and new mirrors fitted to the doors.

Some of the body repair and removal of the original paintwork has been undertaken by Memory Lane with Colin Bonney’s Paradise garage looking after the mechanical side, including clever upgrades to comfort and convenience features in the cabin.

To power all this, there have been subtle upgrades to the electrics with a bigger alternator and hidden relays. The old alternator was externally regulated and was only good for 30-40amps so a bigger unit made a lot of sense.

This extra electrical performance has allowed the fitment of an electric power steering system for ease of parking.

There has also been major changes to the cooling system with the addition of an alloy radiator and large electric cooling fans.

It will ensure that the Aston will be able to cope with summer heat and will keep the engine at the optimum temperature, especially in stop-start traffic on a hot day.

More importantly, these changes result in an engine that will also cope with the addition of an air conditioner, if required.

Inside there is a new Chrome London Motorola audio system which retains the look and function of the period-correct Motorola but contains Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free conversation, digital frequency, and USB playback and charging.

Chrome London radios are perfect for a restoration of a car that is to integrate with modern lifestyle, but at about $4000, aren’t cheap.

The work on the Aston is extensive but reflects the need to ensure repairs are carried out professionally so they retain integrity while being sympathetic to the era to retain the car’s value.

Typically, a DB6 sells for around $500,000 so repairs have to be first class.

This car will be followed through the rest of its restoration including the painting and fitment of the leather upholstery. — NEIL DOWLING