An early-production Series 2 in need of restoration
Chassis and engine numbers reported as matching
An authentic vehicle found in an attic, stored undisturbed since 1982
Owned by the same family for over 44 years
Traceable ownership history from the factory via the Mirabeau garage in Paris
Holds a standard French registration document
A unique opportunity to create your own bespoke DB4
The appeal
The DB5 may conjure up images of a secret agent, but it was the DB4 that first embodied the concept of a fast, elegant, hand-built grand tourer, ideal for high-speed driving on the then-emerging motorways. Fitted with Tadek Marek’s brand-new 3.7-litre straight-six engine, the DB4 ushered in a new era for Aston Martin, one from which the company still benefits today.
The DB4 Series 2 appeared in January 1960 and remains best known for introducing the forward-tilting bonnet, a stylistic feature that Aston Martin would retain right up to the Virage in 2000. These models were also distinguished by flat, opening rear windows, replacing the previous curved ones, as well as improved front brake calipers and a larger-capacity engine sump fitted with a revised oil pump.
Only 349 examples were produced, starting with chassis no. 250.
This particular car, chassis no. 259, was first registered in 1960. Originally painted white, it was repainted blue in the early 1970s, at which time the blue leather interior was also reupholstered, whilst the car was still on the road.
This is clearly a restoration project, but the car is said to be ‘matching numbers’ and largely complete. As such, it represents a fascinating and extremely rare opportunity for its future owner to create a DB4 that meets their exact expectations.
The car has been in the same family since 1982. Much of its previous history is known and summarised below. The seller’s father had acquired it with the intention of restoring it, a project that was ultimately never undertaken. Since then, it has been stored in a dry barn.
The engine was stripped in the 1970s and is believed to be complete. The car is fitted with its original DB gearbox, although the clutch has been replaced with a DB5 unit, probably to allow the fitting of a five-speed gearbox.
With only 1,110 DB4s produced, the majority of which have since been restored and added to long-term private collections, this example represents a particularly rare opportunity for any discerning enthusiast.
Seller’s statement
‘One of the few DB4 Series 2 examples found in a barn. Purchased for restoration at the age of 30, this car remained stationary for 44 years in a barn; its owner is now 74 years old.’
French-spec, left-hand drive according to the seller
Summary of the history provided by the seller
Sold new by the Mirabeau garage in Paris to Mr Cavalaire, registered as 5539 JH 75
The second owner registered the car under the number 1798 TF 75 on 29 May 1967
Mr Convert, the next owner, registered the car on 14 October 1971
Duplicate of the registration certificate issued in May 1979
The previous owner died in 1979
Prior to his death, work had been carried out to convert the car for competition use
Sold in March 1982 to Garage Doucet in Château-Thierry
Subsequently resold to Jean-Paul Guillet (Royal Automobile, La Baule)
Acquired by the seller’s father in May 1982
It has remained in the same family for over 44 years
Stored in a barn since 1982 without any further work or dismantling, except for the door handles, which were removed for safety reasons
French vehicle registration document from 1971 present (duplicate issued in May 1979)
Error on the registration document: the model is recorded as ‘DBA’ instead of ‘DB4’
Damaged chassis plates: the ‘R’ appears to have been re-stamped as an ‘L’ and the ‘4’ altered to resemble an ‘A’
According to the seller, these alterations were probably made to match the error on the vehicle registration certificate
Chassis number: DB4/259/R
Vehicle advertised as matching numbers
Five-digit odometer reading 8,603 km
The seller estimates that the actual mileage could be 108,603 km, but this is not guaranteed
No current roadworthiness certificate; the car has not been driven since the 1970s
Additional statement from the seller
“This DB4 Series 2 was bought by my father in 1982, when he was 30 years old. Unfortunately, life circumstances meant that he was never able to undertake its restoration. Now aged 74, he has decided to sell the car so that he can devote himself to another restoration project as well as his professional work.
The DB4 has been stored in our barn since 1982, without any work being carried out or any parts removed, apart from the door handles, which were taken off for safety reasons. It is in exactly the same condition as it was when it was first purchased.
Sold new by the Mirabeau garage in Paris to Mr Cavalaire with the registration number 5539 JH 75, it subsequently belonged to an owner with the registration number 1798 TF 75 from 29 May 1967. The next owner, Mr Convert, registered it on 14 October 1971. A duplicate vehicle registration certificate was issued on 15 May 1979, containing an error that stated ‘DBA’ instead of ‘DB4’.
Mr Convert died in 1979 at the age of 35. According to the garage that sold the car to my father following his inheritance, he had begun preparing the car with a view to using it in competition.
The car was then sold on 2 March 1982 to Garage Doucet in Château-Thierry, and resold on 5 March to Jean-Paul Guillet (Royal Automobile, La Baule).’
“Unfortunately, the chassis plates have been damaged. Someone attempted to re-stamp the ‘R’ as an ‘L’ and added an extra stamp to change the ‘4’ to an ‘A’. This was probably done to match the error on the registration document.
The car was purchased by my father in May 1982. Since then, the DB4 has remained stored in our barn without any work being carried out or dismantling, apart from the door handles being removed for safety reasons. It is in exactly the same condition as it was in 1982.
Naturally, it requires a complete restoration, both in terms of the bodywork and the mechanics. The car is advertised as ‘full matching numbers’.
The odometer reads 8,603 km, but it is a five-digit odometer. Given the condition of the pistons and the crankshaft, the actual mileage could be 108,603 km.”IMG-20260525-WA0197.jpg384.26 KB
Condition
Described as a complete restoration project, covering both the bodywork and the mechanical components
The seller states that the chassis and Superleggera bodywork show little corrosion
We are told that the floor panels and chassis feature a factory-fitted red anti-corrosion coating
Slight deformation visible on the front right jacking point
The front edge of the bonnet requires repair, a known issue on the DB4, DB5 and DB6
The aluminium bodywork requires a complete restoration
According to the seller, the roof shows no signs of electrolysis
Originally delivered in Desert White, then repainted blue in the 1970s
The original paintwork is reportedly still visible behind the front Aston Martin badge, which is now missing
The interior is largely complete, with the exception of the driver’s side door panel
The upholstery was originally white but was re-dyed blue between 1971 and 1978
Rodents have damaged part of the leather and seat foam
Fitted with two Borrani RW3696 rear wheels, a model used from 1961 onwards on the DB4 GT
Some potential buyers will see a DB4 in need of restoration, but for the ideal buyer, we believe they will see what we see – a blank canvas on which to create a car to their exact standards and specifications. The car could be restored to factory specifications, or developed in the style of many ‘4’s, taking it in improved and progressive directions.
The seller states that the car is largely complete, which buyers can verify from the photographs. It has been partially dismantled, but the interior remains largely intact. It will require a full restoration. IMG-20260525-WA0076.jpg157.3 KB
The mechanics
Tadek Marek 3,700 cm³ engine with four valves per cylinder in an inline configuration
4-speed manual gearbox
The engine was stripped in the 1970s and is believed to be complete
The seller notes some wear on the crankshaft centre bearing, but it is not extensive
David Brown gearbox with a serial number matching the factory record
The DB5 clutch would probably be compatible with a conversion to a 5-speed ZF gearbox
The brake calipers are missing
The car is roadworthy but the engine is not fitted
Alongside its elegant Touring bodywork, the DB4 is notable amongst enthusiasts for the introduction of Tadek Marek’s all-new 3.7-litre straight-six engine. The seller tells us that this manual-gearbox car retains matching numbers. The engine was removed and stripped down in the 1970s and is reported to be complete.
This car has not been used since the 1970s and will therefore require extensive restoration. The factory specification with matching numbers provides an excellent starting point.
This sale is subject to Car & Classic’s terms and conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller, which means that consumer rights under European consumer protection legislation do not apply. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s terms and conditions.
✓ We require a non-refundable fee to be paid if you are the successful bidder or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our FAQs and terms and conditions for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is sold ‘as is’, on an ‘as seen, where seen’ basis and without warranty. Photographs and descriptions are provided for guidance only, and it is standard practice to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle before purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer’s deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final price of the bid or offer, as specified in the listing.
✓ We are as keen as you are for the transaction to go smoothly, which is why cars and motorbikes registered in theand listed for sale on Car & Classic are subject to an HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database flags for damage or theft, and that they are not subject to any financial charge, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are registered as written-off following a total loss at the time the advert is placed on Car & Classic, and we provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) to assist you. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status, and it is always advisable to carry out a full check of the vehicle’s history before making an offer.
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