To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' London event, 24 October
2019.
Estimate:
£310,000 - £350,000
- One of only 125 LHD Series II DB4s built
- U.S.-delivery example
The DB4 secured the Aston Martin legend not only in its own right,
but through the lineage of exquisite cars that followed it. When it
debuted at the Paris Motor Show in 1958, the DB4 stunned the
motoring world thanks to the combination of elegant styling and 140
mph performance.
Carrozzeria Touring of Milan had utilised its Superleggera
construction method using small-diameter steel tubes which were
then clothed in aluminium panels to create the beautiful body. This
was married to a platform chassis designed by Harold Beech in just
six weeks. At its heart was an all-new 3.7-litre inline
six-cylinder engine designed by Tadek Marek. Featuring twin SU HD8
carburettors, it delivered 240 brake horsepower at 5,500 rpm. The
car also benefitted from all-round Dunlop disc brakes, which were a
rarity on road cars.
Autocar's road testers concluded it was the fastest four-seater GT
in production.
The Series II cars benefitted from window frames to reduce noise
and improved engine mechanicals to improve reliability. It also
featured a front-hinged bonnet that would become a style feature of
subsequent Aston Martins. The design would also lead to the
lightweight DB4GT and GT Zagato, which were both race winners, plus
the legendary DB5 and finally the DB6. In total, 349 Series II DB4s
were made, of which 125 were factory left-hand drive, as is the
example offered here.
Chassis number DB4/56/L was delivered in March 1961 to Frederick
Willcox of New Canaan, Connecticut, finished in Desert White over
black Connolly leather trim. Options ordered from the factory
included a limited-slip differential, chromed wire wheels, a heated
rear light, driver's side wing mirror, and a Motorola radio.
It was considered lost by the Aston Martin community until it
resurfaced in 2016. The DB4 was returned to Aston Martin Works for
assessment, resulting in a full report for potential restoration
and recommissioning. Today, the green-tinted glass is retained
along with U.S.-specification lights. The bodywork is finished in
Raven Black Super Lustre with black leather interior. The original
dashboard has been retained, and a later air-conditioning system
has been installed.
The DB4 represents a seminal moment in Aston Martin's history, and
this vehicle represents an ideal opportunity to acquire an example
that is ready to be reimagined according to the vision of its new
owner.
Please note that UK registration has been applied for and the new
UK V5C registration document will follow post-sale.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/lf19.