The DB4 immediately attracted attention when it was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, with its sharp design paired with an advanced 3.7-litre inline six-cylinder engine designed by Tadek Marek, whose name became synonymous with Aston Martin’s standards of engineering and excellence. The powertrain continued in various forms in other Aston Martin models until 1972. Equally important to the DB4’s performance characteristics was its Superleggera (“super-light”) body design by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan, Italy, which offered both a lightweight and strong framework of small-diameter tubes clad in aluminum plates. In addition, four-wheeled Dunlop disc brakes were introduced, allowing the DB4 to hold the record for the first production car to reach 100 mph and come to a stop in less than 30 seconds.
A golfer’s grand tourer
According to the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust, this Aston Martin DB4 was completed on 5 October 1961 at the Newport Pagnell plant. A copy of the production shows that the vehicle was originally finished in Fiesta Red via faean interior trim with overdrive and C-spoke wheels in chrome as an option. In November 1962, the Aston Martin was delivered to its first owner, the World Golf Hall owned by Ken Venturi of Hillsborough, California.
The history of the car in the following decades remains mysterious, but the “Aston Martin Owners Club Registry” reports that the DB4 remained in the United States until 1992. At that time, the car was exported to Germany and it is believed that it received cosmetic and mechanical work. The vehicle was shipped to Japan in 1996 and registered for the first time in February, according to the available export documents. During its time in the Far East, the car took part in a number of events with the Aston Martin Owner’s Club and took part in the Rally Nippon from 2010 to 2013.
In 2013, the DB4 returned to the United States. Just a year later, the car received a full chassis service and detailing, improved suspension with a Harvey Bailey handling package, conversion to telescopic rear shocks, carburetor conversion, ignition service, exhaust replacement, full brake service, differential service, and finally a gearbox overhaul and clutch replacement.
Last year, the car underwent extensive cosmetic work, during which the body was stripped down to the bare metal for repainting. In addition, the interior received new carpets, headliner, dashboard and upholstery. Finally, the reworked exterior panels were installed along with new chrome bumpers. Importantly, according to the certificate from the British Motor Industries Heritage Trust, it retains its matching number engine.
This recently restored Aston Martin DB4, now finished in navy blue with tan leather interior, is a wonderful touring car thanks to its powerful six-cylinder engine, luxurious interior and attractive design. Its lucky next owner will have the opportunity to experience first-hand a model that was style-defining at the time – and has now become more and more attractive over time.
Aston Martin DB4 Series IV Coupe
Built in 1961
Chassis No. DB4/781/L
Engine No. 370/810
Price: $750,000 USD
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