One of only forty DB4 Series V Convertibles ever built
Documented factory restoration at Newport Pagnell in 1992
Recent concours-quality restoration by marque specialist Desmond Smail
Matching numbers engine upgraded to RS Williams 4.2-litre specification producing 275 bhp
Extensive history file dating back to 1963 delivery
The Appeal
The 1969 film 'The Italian Job' showcased '60s Britain at its swinging best. British cars play a central role on screen, from the trio of red, white and blue Minis to an armoured Land Rover and a duo of Jaguar E-Types. For the main character, Michael Caine's lovable rogue Charlie Croker, the choice of vehicle had to be something truly special. The filmmakers chose an Aston Martin DB4 Convertible, fittingly, a car that combined British engineering with Italian style.
Just seventy were ever made, of which this 1963 example, chassis number 1091/R, is one of forty late-production Series V Convertibles - the final and most refined iteration of the DB4 line before the introduction of the DB5.
Finished in the fetching hue of Sierra Blue, this DB4 Convertible has benefited from not one but two comprehensive restorations - first by the Aston Martin factory at Newport Pagnell, and more recently by renowned marque specialist Desmond Smail to return it to concours standards. Its Tadek Marek-designed DOHC engine has been rebuilt and upgraded to RS Williams 4.2-litre specification, now producing 275 bhp.
Accompanied by a substantial and carefully curated history file, this exceptionally rare, collector-grade convertible grand tourer awaits its next custodian.image.png3.44 MB
History and Paperwork
First registered in March 1963 through the Brooklands agent to Wrinton Vale Nurseries of Congresbury, Somerset, with the registration '247 EXN'
Returned to Aston Martin for its first service at 1,888 miles in March 1963
Factory service records from 1964 (27,831 miles) through 1968
Passed through several owners, including G V Helmer in Southampton and Arthur Moore of Dorset (1978-1986)
Purchased by D. Menzies Hart in 1986 in partially disassembled condition
Acquired by M. Albert of Euro Cellular Limited in December 1989
Complete ground-up restoration carried out at Aston Martin's Newport Pagnell factory, completed in June 1992 at a cost of over £73,000
Entered in AMOC Concours d'Elegance events at Silverstone, finishing 3rd in 1992 and 2nd in 1993
Purchased by J.W. Cashin in September 1993 for the Sondes Fields Collection, having covered less than 100 miles since restoration
Used sparingly in the collection, covering approximately 5,000 miles over 20 years
Second restoration to concours standards by Desmond Smail in 2014
Accompanied by an expansive and fully detailed history file documenting the car's provenance
Sierra Blue paintwork presented in immaculate order following refinishing by Spraytech
Excellent bodywork with well-fitting doors, bonnet and boot lid
Chrome brightwork and trim present superbly throughout
New convertible hood fitted during the most recent restoration
Front windscreen replaced due to delamination
Connolly leather upholstery finished to an exemplary standard
Dashboard and instrumentation present beautifully
Having undergone a superlative restoration and concours preparation with absolutely no expense spared, it should come as no surprise that this Aston Martin is in excellent condition throughout. As the photographs and extensive history file attest, a significant amount of time and indeed funds have been invested to make this the very best possible example it possibly can be. Since the most recent restoration, which began in 2014, the DB4 has appeared at Salon Prive in 2018 and Villa d'Este in 2019 at the special request of Pirelli.
The DB4, including convertible versions, were hand-built in Newport Pagnell using Carrozzeria Touring's 'Superleggera' construction, hand-forming aluminium over a tubular steel frame. The DB4 Convertibles were also fitted with a more luxurious interior, including a body colour-matched dashboard panel. Series Vs received 15-inch wheels (down from 16) and revised tail light clusters incorporating a reverse light. image.png3.64 MB
The Mechanics
Matching numbers 4.2-litre DOHC straight-six (upgraded from original 3.7-litre specification)
Four-speed manual transmission
RS Williams engine upgrade producing 275 bhp at 6,000 rpm and 290 ft-lb of torque at 4,500 rpm
Upgraded power output represents a significant increase over the standard 240 bhp at 5,000 rpm
New clutch fitted during the recent restoration
Engine and mechanical components fully restored and prepared to concours standards
Maintained by marque specialists
Tadek Marek's all-alloy twin-cam straight-six is undoubtedly among the greatest internal combustion engines of the 20th Century. It powered innumerable racecars to victory, and could be found under the bonnet of some of the most elegant and exclusive grand tourers the world has ever seen.
Our DB4 originally came with a 3.7-litre engine, yet this unit has now been rebuilt and upgraded to 4.2-litre 275 bhp spec by RS Williams. The result is one of the best-driving and therefore most usable DB4 Convertibles out of the handful that remain. As shown in the photographs, the engine compartment presents impeccably, and we're informed that the car drives exactly as it should, with ample performance available.image.png3.18 MB
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