Highlights

Retains its original engine, gearbox and differential
FIA HTP passport valid until 2027, with eligibility for Le Mans Classic, Goodwood Revival and Tour Auto
FIVA Identity Card No. 052826 issued in 2014, confirming its authenticity and technical integrity
Restored in the Netherlands

The Appeal

The DB4 marked a watershed moment for Aston Martin. Clothed in Touring of Milan's elegant Superleggera bodywork and powered by Tadek Marek's all-new twin-cam straight-six, it was the car that elevated the marque from plucky British sports car maker to bona fide legend when it came to touring. It wasn't a development of what came before; more of a rebuild from the ground up. Fearless Italian-inspired styling, a remarkable new set of mechanics and top-notch performance. A real pop-culture icon had arrived on the scene, and there it would stay, the legendary DB name continuing to this day as one of the pinnacles of petrolhead culture.

This particular car, chassis DB4/427/L, was built in 1960 and delivered to its first owner under Aston Martin's Home Delivery Scheme. That owner drove it across Europe - its first service was carried out in Paris at just 572 miles - before eventually shipping it to the United States. It has since been restored in the Netherlands and comes to us in a metallic green over a rich, red leather interior.

Having had a very storied life across multiple countries, the car is accompanied by an Italian registration document, a Certificate of Origin and its British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate. It's rare that a DB4 ever comes to market - after all, only 1,204 were ever built across all forms - and we're sure that this handsome example will garner plenty of interest at auction.

History and Paperwork

Built in 1960, chassis DB4/427/L
Delivered new under Aston Martin's Home Delivery Scheme
First serviced in Paris at 572 miles
Driven around Europe by its first owner before being shipped to the United States
Restored in the Netherlands
FIA HTP passport valid until 2027
FIVA Identity Card No. 052826 issued in 2014
Engine and chassis numbers match on both FIVA Card and British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate

The Condition

Recently restored in the Netherlands
Handsome metallic green paintwork
Bodywork appears straight and sound
Wire-spoke wheels in fine fettle
Striking red leather interior
Prospective buyers are encouraged to study the photographs closely and arrange an inspection

While this exceptional DB4 looks different to how it did rolling out of the Newport Pagnell plant, it's certainly no less handsome. The striking metallic green - with fetching yellow grille accent - looks track-ready. The bodywork is straight, nicely kept, and sits atop a full set of gleaming wire-spoke wheels.

It's a very seductive car; Federico Formenti at Carrozzeria Touring penned the impressive silhouette, the now-iconic front profile, and the effortlessly sleek, curvaceous lines, and it's become something of a universal language. Everything here is pure Aston Martin magic, and it's bound to stir the soul of even the most jaded enthusiast.

Internally, the red leather appears in good order, with only gentle signs of use. The instruments are clean and legible, and the dashboard is an evocative little time capsule. The carpets and headlining, equally, appear in very good order.

The Mechanics

Tadek Marek-designed 3,670cc twin-cam inline-six engine
Four-speed manual gearbox
Retains its original engine, gearbox and differential
Dunlop brakes
SU carburettors

The straight-six under the bonnet was designed by Tadek Marek, a Polish-born racing driver, and while it's a sensitive beast, the 240hp on tap made for a top speed in excess of 130mph. That was more than enough to excuse any quirks, and as time has gone on, it's become just as fawned over and praised as the bodywork wrapped around it.

This example has been very well looked over with factory-standard specs throughout, right down to the SU carbs and Dunlop brakes. It's a pure ambassador to one of the most iconic cars in history - and the vendor reports that it drives exactly as you'd expect. If you want a mid-century piece of exotica, you've found the ideal opportunity.

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.