1960 Aston Martin DB4 Series II
Superleggera Coachwork by Touring
Chassis No. DB4/305/R
Engine No. 370/339
Desirable SII Coachwork - Amongst the Purest DB Designs
1 of Only 249 DB SIIs Originally Constructed
An Extraordinary Example Ideal for Immediate Vintage Touring &
Concours Events
Interesting Period Hill Climb History; Eligible for Tours/Rallies
Around the Globe
Participant in the Copperstate 1000, Quail Motorsports & Going to
the Sun Rallies
Includes Build Sheet & Service Record
Retains Original, Matching-Numbers Engine
• Upgraded to Vantage-specifications - 4-Liter DOHC, Triple SU
Carbureted
Currently Fitted with 5-Speed Manual Transmission; Factory Unit
Included
Beautifully Restored; Extensive Dossier of Restoration & Servicing
Records
Extensive Mechanical Restoration by Renowned Specialists Kevin
Kay
Classically proportioned and instantly recognizable from the moment
of its introduction, the Aston Martin DB4 established a look that
would survive, with minor revisions, until 1970. At its launch in
October 1958, the DB4 marked a major turning point for post-war
Aston Martin as it was completely designed and engineered from a
blank slate. Moreover, it was the first Aston Martin to carry
Carrozzeria Touring's 'Superleggera' coachwork. The result was a
car whose sleek lines were described as 'unmistakably Italian and
yet... equally unmistakably Aston Martin.'
According to the factory build sheet copies, chassis number
DB4/305/R was completed in early 1960 for home market delivery to
Alan Stross, a textile merchant in Yorkshire. The DB4 wore Peony
Red paint over Black Conolly leather and was fitted with a
power-lock differential. The Saloon would receive factory engine
enhancements, including a modified front bearing and oil passages,
machined pistons and rings, elevated oil pressure and valve cover
breathers at 195 recorded miles. Shortly after, it would also
receive two factory transmission replacements, including gearbox
number S.432/3/494 on 11/11/1960 - which accompanies the vehicle
today. A factory notation records "Car took part in Competition
Castle Howard, September 1960". The Castle Howard Hill Climb was
supported by the Yorkshire Sports Car Club (Y.S.C.C.) from April
1960-1962. The Hillclimb took place September 17, 1960.
By the 1970s, the Aston Martin had found its way to California,
residing in Beverly Hills and Palm Springs, where at some point
during the 1980s was repainted a Dark Blue Metallic color. The
Series II DB4 was later acquired by a new caretaker in 1980 and
would remain under his ownership for the following 20 years, while
treated to diligent mechanical and cosmetic refurbishments and
upkeep.
In 2007 the Aston Martin was exported to Australia by its next
custodian. This Series II DB4 was said to have been enjoyed on the
open roads, and reported to run "soft, loud and satisfying".
Seeking to bring the car back to its best cosmetic and mechanical
condition, while not erasing the originality and patina, the native
Australian later commissioned a sympathetic restoration by the
noted Hills & Company restoration shop in Taree, New South Wales.
Carried out from 2010- 2011, with specialist work including a
repaint of the original Touring Superleggera bodywork to period
appropriate Silver Birch. The full strip to bare metal revealed
only light age and electrolysis to the aluminum bodywork, as would
be expected from a car which lived much of its life in the hands of
enthusiasts in the mild Southern California climate. The interior
was carefully removed, evaluated, and only replaced in areas where
needed, while delicate sound insulation material was fitted
underneath. Mechanical work performed at work at Hills & Company
included attention to the original matching-numbers engine and
driveline, including a negative ground conversion, and fitment of a
more reliable alternator and starter motor.
The Silver Birch Aston Martin would later migrate back to Southern
California (Malibu), where it was sold to its most recent owner in
2013, a long-time devoted collector and connoisseur of exceptional
European sports cars. The car formed part of his impressive
collection, while receiving devoted service and maintenance. Soon
after acquiring the rare Series II DB4, he entrusted the car to
renowned Aston Martin specialist Kevin Kay of Redding, California,
who would treat the car to a n extensive mechanical refurbishment.
The work included a desired Tremec 5-Speed transmission conversion,
upgrade of the original engine to Vantage specifications, and Steel
Wings performance suspension - while fuel and electrical systems
received refurbishments as well. Over $100,000 was invested and
documented the vehicle's large binder of extensive recent servicing
records.
In the years following, additional cosmetic and mechanical
restorative work ensued to its current outstanding presentation.
Notably, engine number 370/339 was fitted with larger forged
pistons and 96mm liners (4.0L conversion) by British Motors of
Orange, California. Among many other freshened items and over
$70,000 invested. The car has subsequently been toured on prominent
North American classic car rallies, including the Going to the Sun
Rally in Montana, 2015 Copperstate 1000, 2016 The Quail Motorsports
Rally, and competition show display at La Jolla Concours.
This spectacular 1960 Aston Martin DB4 Series II Sports Saloon
presents beautifully throughout, and as importantly is a tried and
tested strong performer. In addition to incredibly robust
mechanical prowess, all lights, instruments, safety and electrical
equipment remain in proper working order.
In addition to an abundance of refurbishment, maintenance and
service receipts, and the aforementioned copy of the factory build
sheet, DB4/305/R is joined by an Instruction Book (copy owner's
manual), Workshop Manual, spare tire assembly, reproduction tool
kit, and car cover. The DB4 Series II remains one of the most
desirable iterations of the celebrated Aston Martin model,
featuring the 'cathedral style' taillights, tall bonnet scoop and
original front grill design, and this stunning example offers the
next owner a proven performer, which would make its mark on both
the concours field or open road.
$428,500
(Aprox. €363,800. £323,400)
Offers/Trades Welcomed
Third Party Finance Options Available
To learn more about this vehicle, please contact our sales
department at (281) 497-1000 or
[email protected]
INTERESTED IN SELLING YOUR CAR?
Our Philosophy is Selling Made Simple! We are a Leading Buyer of
Fine Motorcars since 2005. We are actively seeking Classic European
Sport Cars, from One Vehicle to Entire Collections
The above vehicle information is accurate to the best of our
knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. It is provided
'as-is', without warranties as to its accuracy, whether expressed
or implied, and is intended for informational purposes only.
Corrections or additional information is always appreciated.
All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any
finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and
shipping expenses. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. DriverSource
is not liable for any errors, omissions, or mistakes.
