Highlights

Impeccably presented Series IV car in Burnt Almond Metallic
Matching numbers example with UK/EU registration
Comprehensively restored with bespoke upgrades to a very high standard
Upgraded to 4.2-litre Vantage specification with Tremec five-speed gearbox
Fitted with air conditioning, power steering, uprated suspension and heated seats
DB4GT rear wheel arch specification
Barely used since completion

The Appeal

Its successor may have stolen silver screen glory, but arguably, the DB4 is the more significant car. Its Touring design introduced the fastback style that has typified Astons ever since, and it was the first car to be built at the firm’s spiritual home, Newport Pagnell.

Just 184 Series IV cars were built from September 1961. These cars got cosmetic improvements, notably including the introduction of the barred grille that is now a marque staple.

This example was one of the last Series IV cars built and was first registered on 8th June 1962 in Florida. It returned to the UK in 2015. Since arrival, it has been extensively restored and sympathetically upgraded to a very high standard. Finished in smart Burnt Almond metallic with beige leather interior, it is tastefully specified and has been converted to RHD. The engine has been upgraded to 4.2L Vantage specification and mated to a Tremec five-speed manual gearbox. The suspension has also been improved, and the car fitted with power steering. Elsewhere, there is air conditioning, heated seats, classic-style stereo with modern connectivity and DB4GT rear wheel arches.

With exceptionally few miles covered since completion, this carefully restored and cleverly upgraded DB4 is a real collector-grade prospect.

The vendor says:

“Specially commissioned with the intention of restoring and specifying bespoke upgrades to make this sensational DB4 enhance its usability in modern traffic conditions, with driver comfort/handling and refinements key to the new owner’s enjoyment of the vehicle.

“Accompanying the car is a highly detailed restoration file documenting the works completed.”

History and Paperwork

Originally registered 8th June 1962 in USA
Supplied new by Aston Martin Ltd to first keeper in Jacksonville, Florida
Correct matching numbers car we are told
First UK registered December 2015
Two UK keepers since arrival
Current keeper since February 2016
Last MOT expired November 2016 with no advisories
81,605 miles on MOT test and 81,686 miles showing in photos
Comprehensive restoration file documenting all works completed
Specially commissioned restoration with bespoke upgrades to enhance usability
VIN number DB4926R
Series IV built between chassis numbers 766 and 950

Commissioned works advised by the seller:

Body, paint and chassis works/DB4GT rear wheel arch specification
Interior re trim with VM846 hides and Wilton carpets
Engine upgraded to 4.2 ltr. Vantage specification and unleaded fuel
Aluminium radiator & electric cooling fan
Variable power-assisted steering
Air conditioning
Heated front seats
Inertia reel seat belts
Uprated adjustable suspension & larger anti-roll bar
Coopercraft brakes
Tremec five-speed gearbox, clutch & conversion kit
iPod & Bluetooth connectivity

The vendor says:

“The DB4 was launched at the 1958 London Motor Show to a sensational debut. The factory made substantial changes with the introduction of the DB4, making the driving much more pleasurable than the previous model with much improved handling and better driving characteristics. Bodywork was designed by Touring, and the building retained the “Superleggera” process of a steel tube frame with an all-aluminium body. The DB4 was a major success for Aston Martin, and production continued until 1963.

“It should be noted that the DB4 was a milestone in the history of Aston Martin, as this model was the first car to be built at the company's Newport Pagnell works. Without doubt, DB4 is regarded by motoring experts as an iconic motorcar and probably the best sports car of its era.

“September 1961 saw a revised DB4 introduced with several noticeable changes to the motorcar and designated as such being a “Series IV”. The revisions were mostly external and make this variant quite easy to identify. The ‘egg box’ style grille was replaced by a barred type with only seven vertical bars. The air scoop on the bonnet was substantially lowered and lost its grille. Both the lower bonnet air scoop and barred type grille lasted in production through to the DB5 right through to the last variant of the DB6’s, being the Mark II. The much-needed oil cooler became a standard feature with it’s easy to spot intake under the front bumper although amazingly was a delete option at the time, and finally, the rear lights were recessed into the bodywork.

“Our magnificent DB4 was supplied new on the 8th June 1962 to Glenn W Farrar of Jacksonville Florida. Supplied directly by Aston Martin Ltd for home delivery – export scheme.”

The Condition

Body extensively restored with DB4GT rear wheel arch specification
Finished in tasteful bronze metallic with paintwork in very good order
Car has been barely used since the restoration was completed
Purposeful de-bumpered look
Sits on Borani-style chrome wire wheels with quality Avon tyres
Interior retrimmed in beige with quality hides and Wilton carpets
Heated front seats and inertia reel seat belts fitted
Modern iPod and Bluetooth connectivity discreetly integrated
Classic-style Motorola radio and wood-rimmed three-spoke wheel
Air conditioning system installed

We imagine that it would have been very easy to take ‘the Bond route’ and restore this DB4 in Silver Birch metallic. What a relief that didn’t happen because the result is this extremely tasteful car in bronze metallic with tan leather. The de-bumpered look and Borani-style chrome wires add to the evocative Touring lines. It is all, as you can see in the photos, in extremely good order.

Inside, the theme continues, the high-quality retrim in beige complements the paintwork. The cabin incorporates some neat features like a/c, heated seats and modern stereo.

With that clever blend of old and new, this car is very usable. But it has been barely used since completion, so the buyer gets the full benefit of all that work.

The Mechanics

Matching the numbers car according to the seller
Original 3.7L Tadek Marek straight six upgraded to 4.2-litre Vantage specification
Converted to run on unleaded fuel
Tremec five-speed manual gearbox
Variable power-assisted steering
Uprated adjustable suspension with larger anti-roll bar
Coopercraft brake system
Aluminium radiator with electric cooling fan
The vendor states the vehicle is in fully restored mechanical condition
Barely used since completion

The DB4 introduced Tadek Marek’s six-cylinder masterpiece to complement the Touring GT lines. Originally 3.7L in displacement, this car was upgraded to 4.2L Vantage specification during its restoration. The engine is mated to a five-speed Tremec box to make lighter work of high-speed cruising. The vendor tells us that the car has matching numbers.

Other improvements include upgraded suspension, cooling system and brakes, plus power steering to improve drivability. With caring storage but so little use since completion, as the photos show, this car presents mechanically in much the same order as it was when the work was finished.

Whether you choose to preserve this car in your collection or get out and experience all those improvements, it is a hugely tempting proposition.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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