Vehicle Description
1960 Aston Martin DB4 Series II
Superleggera Coachwork, Designed by Touring
Chassis No. DB4/305/R
Engine No. 370/339
An Extraordinary Example Ideal for Immediate Vintage Touring &
Concours Display
Desirable SII Coachwork - Amongst the Purest DB Designs
1 of Only 249 DB SIIs Originally Constructed
Interesting Period Hill Climb History
Supported by Original English Registration Book
Verified by Build Sheet & Aston Martin 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
Recent Mechanical Restoration by Renowned Specialists Kevin Kay
Restorations
Accompanied by Extensive Dossier(s) of History, Mementos, &
Servicing Records
Eligible for Numerous Global Events
Participant in the NSW AMOC Ringwood Park Hillclimb, Copperstate
1000, Quail Motorsports & Going to the Sun Rallies
A Cherished Example, Offering Many Opportunities for its Next
Caretaker
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 its Aston Martin build sheet and Service Work log,
chassis number DB4/305/R was completed in early 1960 for home
market delivery to Alan Stross, a textile merchant in Yorkshire,
England. First registered in June 1960, 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.
The DB4's early recorded ownership can be found in the vehicle's
original English Registration Book. The car would move south and
remain relatively local, until 1975 when Verge Hagopain acquired
DB4/305/R and exported the Saloon with him to sunny Southern
California. Fortunately, the car carries substantial records from
invoices, MOT discs, photographs, and documented change of
ownerships. In 1981, the car's color was changed to Silver-Gray and
later Dark Blue Metallic in 1987. The Series II DB4 was later
acquired by a new caretaker, Michael Braysher in mid-1980's 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". In
2008, it participated in the Aston Martin Owners Club Australian
National Meeting - New South Wales Ringwood Park Hillclimb.
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 photographs throughout the years, MOT
and worldwide registrations, memorabilia, Instruction Book (copy
owner's manual), Workshop Manual, spare tire assembly, reproduction
tool kit, car cover, original DB transmission, driveshaft and
replaced original mechanical parts.. 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.
Known Ownership History Since New:
Alan Stross, Yorkshire, England - 1960
Swanmore Garage, Bournemouth, England - November 1966
Peter Janssen, Hampshire, England - December 1966
Jane Helliker, Bournemouth, England - July 1968
David Noble, Bournemouth, England - December 1969
M.D. Lancaster, Hampshire, England - October 1969
Verge Hagopain, Mission Viejo, California - July 1975
Richard...for more information please contact the seller.
