For Sale: 1960 Aston Martin DB4 in Houston, Texas

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.