Highlights

A Series 2 example and an excellent restoration candidate.
Matching numbers example
Stored undisturbed since 1982
In the same family for more than 44 years
Traceable ownership history from factory via Mirabeau garage in Paris
Holds a standard French registration document
Unique opportunity to create your own bespoke DB4

Appeal

The DB5 may evoke the image of a secret agent, but it was arguably the DB4 that launched the first notion of a quick, elegant, hand-built GT, ideal for high-speed cruising on the early motorways. Equipped with the all-new 3.7 L inline-six by Tadek Marek, the DB4 opened a new era for Aston Martin, from which the company still benefits today.

The DB4 Series 2 appeared in January 1960 and is known for introducing the forward-hinging bonnet, a styling feature Aston Martin kept until the Virage in 2000. These models also featured flat, opening rear windows instead of the previous curved items, as well as upgraded front brake callipers and a larger-capacity engine cover with an oil pump revised.

Only 349 examples were produced, from chassis No. 250.

The present example, chassis No. 259, was first registered in 1960. Initially finished in white, it was repainted blue in the early 1970s, at which time the blue leather interior was also recoloured while the car was still on the road.

Clearly a restoration project, but the car would 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 exactly meets their expectations.

The car has belonged to the same family since 1982. A large portion of its prior history is known and summarised below. The seller’s father purchased it with the aim of restoring it, a project that was never undertaken. Since then, it has been securely stored in a barn.

The engine was dismantled in the 1970s and would be complete. The car is equipped with its original DB gearbox, although the clutch has been replaced with a DB5 unit, likely to allow the installation of a five-speed box.

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.

Vendor’s Statement

“One of the few DB4 Series 2 examples found in a barn. Bought for restoration at the age of 30, this car remained immobile for 44 years in a barn, its owner now being 74.”

History and documentation

First registration in 1960
French-English version, left-hand drive according to the seller
Summary of history provided by the seller
New car sold by Mirabeau garage in Paris to Mr. Cavalaire, registered 5539 JH 75
The second owner registered the car under number 1798 TF 75 on 29 May 1967
Mr. Convert, next owner, registered the car on 14 October 1971
Duplicate of the registration certificate issued in May 1979
The previous owner died in 1979
Before his death, works had been undertaken 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
In the same family for over 44 years
Stored in a barn since 1982 with no further work or dismantling, other than door handles removed for safety reasons
French registration card from 1971 present (duplicate issued May 1979)
Error on the registration card: the model is listed as “DBA” instead of “DB4”
Chassis plates damaged: the “R” would have been re-stamped as “L” and the “4” altered to resemble an “A”
According to the seller, these alterations were probably made to match the error on the registration document
Chassis number: DB4/259/R
A car advertised as matching numbers
Five-digit odometer reading showing 8,603 miles
The seller estimates the real mileage could be 108,603 miles, with no guarantee
No current MOT; the car has not been driven since the 1970s

Additional seller statement

“This DB4 Series 2 was bought by my father in 1982, aged 30. Unfortunately, life circumstances meant he could never start its restoration. Now aged 74, he has decided to sell the car to pursue another restoration project and his professional activity.”

The DB4 has remained stored in our barn since 1982, with no work or dismantling, other than door handles removed for safety. It presents exactly as it did at the time of acquisition.

Newly sold by Mirabeau garage in Paris to Mr. Cavalaire under registration 5539 JH 75, it subsequently belonged to a registered owner 1798 TF 75 from 29 May 1967. The next owner, Mr. Convert, registered it on 14 October 1971. A duplicate of the registration card was issued on 15 May 1979, with an error noting “DBA” instead of “DB4”.

Mr. Convert died in 1979 aged 35. According to the garage that sold the car to my father after the succession, he had begun preparing the car for competition use.

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 plaques were damaged. Someone attempted to re-stamp the “R” as “L” and added an extra strike to transform the “4” into an “A”. This was probably done to match the error on the registration document.

The car was acquired by my father in May 1982. Since then, the DB4 has remained stored in our barn without any work or dismantling, other than door handles removed for safety. It presents exactly as it did in 1982.

Of course, it requires a full restoration, both cosmetically and mechanically. The car is advertised as “full matching numbers.”

The odometer shows 8,603 miles, but it is a five-digit unit. Given the condition of the pistons and crankshaft, the real mileage could be 108,603 miles.”

Condition

Described as a complete restoration project both cosmetically and mechanically
The seller notes that the chassis and Superleggera structure show little corrosion
We are advised that the floors and chassis have factory anti-corrosion red coating
Minor deformation visible on the right-front lifting brace
The front edge of the bonnet needs repair, a known issue on the DB4, DB5 and DB6
The aluminium bodywork requires a full restoration
According to the seller, the roof shows no signs of electrolytic action
Originally delivered in Desert White, then repainted blue in the 1970s
The original colour would still be visible behind the Aston Martin badge on the front, today missing
Interior largely complete, except for the driver's-side inner door trim
Initial upholstery was white then re-trimmed in blue between 1971 and 1978
Rodents have damaged part of the leather and seat foams
Equipped with two rear Borrani RW3696 wheels, a model used from 1961 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 build 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 in enhanced and evolutive directions.

The seller notes that the car is largely complete, which buyers can verify in the photos. It has been partially dismantled, but the interior remains mostly intact. It will require a complete restoration.

Mechanical

3,700 cm3 Tadek Marek engine with four valves per cylinder in-line
Manual 4-speed gearbox
The engine was dismantled in the 1970s and is believed to be complete
The seller notes wear on the crankshaft centre bearing but not extensive
David Brown gearbox with numbers matching the factory spec
The DB5 clutch would probably be compatible with a conversion to a 5-speed ZF gearbox
The brake calipers are missing
The car is running but the engine is not fitted

Alongside the stylish Touring bodied coachwork, the DB4 is remarkable to enthusiasts for introducing Tadek Marek’s all-new 3.7 L inline six. The engine was removed and dismantled in the 1970s and is reputed to be complete.

This car has not been used since the 1970s and will therefore require a thorough restoration. The matching-numbers factory specification offers an excellent starting point.

BEFORE BUYING

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