To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Monterey event, 15 - 17
August 2019.
Estimate:
$780,000 - $1,000,000
- Equipped with factory-original Special Series engine
- One of 97 such left-hand-drive examples
- Retains its original matching-numbers engine
- Fully restored by Aston Martin Works
The DB4 marked a significant development for Aston Martin: a sleek
Italian-styled GT with a Tadek Marek-designed engine for which
demand was instantaneous. Throughout the five-year production run,
modifications to the model resulted in aficionados separating the
models into five series. Offered here is one of the more desirable
Series IV, equipped with the uprated Special Series (SS)
engine.
The upgrades of the later-series DB4 are apparent in DB4/965/L. By
the later years of production, mechanical issues such as engine
overheating had been solved, yet the model retained that pure DB4
appearance that was so popular. Subtle body modifications,
including recessed rear lights, a lower bonnet scoop, and a new
grille with vertical bars, meant that the DB4 became even
better-looking. What truly set the Series IV apart, however, was
the introduction of the Special Series engine�an optional extra for
those owners requesting additional power.
DB4/965/L was factory-equipped with one of these SS engines; fitted
with three SU HD8 carburetors, with a higher compression ratio and
larger valves, the engine was quoted as producing 266 bhp�nearly 30
bhp over the standard power plant. Although this engine evolved
into what became the Vantage engine, it would be inaccurate to call
DB4/965/L a DB4 Vantage. DB4/965/L was also ordered with the
optional overdrive and chrome road wheels, as well as the highly
desirable electric window lifts.
Originally delivered to Henri Annecorde of Paris through French
Aston Martin dealer Mirabeau, much of the early life of this DB4 is
unknown. The build sheet on file records a further French owner�Mr.
Le Geuzec, though the Aston Martin was later sold into the United
Kingdom. By 1988 a Mr. W.F. Gilbertson-Hart owned the DB4, and he
appears to have sold the car through well-known Rolls-Royce dealer
P&A Wood a few years later. In 1990 the car was registered to
Ms. Susie Dixon Smith, who then became the married Susannah Mary
Harris. After two further British owners, the later of whom
returned the DB4 to its original Caribbean Pearl, the Aston Martin
was purchased by its current owner in 2006.
At that time, the DB4 underwent a full Aston Martin Works
restoration. Chassis DB4/965/L was meticulously restored with the
intention of returning the vehicle to as-new delivery
specification. Now in fully restored condition and accompanied by a
build sheet confirming the matching-numbers SS engine, this 1962
Aston Martin DB4 is without a doubt one of the finest Series IV SS
examples available.
Please note that this car was fitted with a DB4 Series V body by
Aston Martin in March 1963 at 3059 km following an accident.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo19.