1959 | Aston Martin DB 4

Aston Martin’s new grand tourer, the DB4, first appeared at the 1958 London Motor Show. It featured a wholly new body shape and design, together with a new powerplant. The ‘Superleggera’ body was designed by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan and consisted of a lightweight tube frame to which aluminium body panels were attached, mounted on a platform chassis. The new engine was a 3670 cc double-overhead cam, straight-six engine, designed by Polish engineer Tadek Marek. With a claimed output of 240 bhp, it was roadtested in 1960 by The Motor magazine and achieved a top speed of 139 mph, with a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 9.3 seconds.

The DB4 remained in production until 1963, by which time around 1200 had been built in five "series" as the model evolved. Changes between each series were limited and generally cosmetic, although the last Series V did get a slightly taller and longer body to provide more interior space. Early, Series 1, cars are readily identifiable as they have frameless door windows.

This early DB4 Series 1 – one of 150 made - was first registered new, in the UK, as XLE 46 in September 1959. Purchased from Brooklands Garage in London, the first owner was Richard Gordon – the author of the humorous “Doctor at Large” series of books. There is an extensive record of the vehicles’ subsequent ownership up to the current day, together with a copy of the original build sheet and many invoices supporting the servicing and restoration work history.

The current Jersey-based owner acquired the DB4 in 2022 and has continued the ‘tradition’ of quality upkeep and maintenance work on the car, most recently evidenced by work carried out by ourselves over the last 2 years.

Subject to a pretty thorough maintenance and repair schedule throughout its life – evidenced by a substantial history folder - the car runs and drives very well. A lead-free cylinder head conversion was carried out some years ago; more recently there has been a specialist gearbox rebuild and within the last few months, the braking system has been overhauled.

The body of the DB4 has been kept in sound condition, undergoing a period of restoration work in the early ‘90s. The Indigo blue paintwork is in a very presentable condition, as are the chrome wire wheels. The bumpers – front and rear- were re-chromed in 2017.

The interior of the car is in an excellent patinated condition, the original leather seats, doorcards etc. having been well maintained and professionally repaired, as required. The Mountain Blue Wilton carpet and the headlining were both renewed in the ‘90s and these remain in very good condition. The dashboard with full instrumentation is first rate and the period radio fitted has a modern Bluetooth conversion.

A rare and collectable early Aston Martin DB4 – number 48 of 150 made - this is a genuine well-loved car which has not been the subject of a complete restoration, rather it has been repaired as required, maintained and cared for by several enthusiastic owners during its life, with a service and maintenance record from its very first owner.

The car is currently Jersey registered and we can assist with transport and import processes if required. The Jersey registration number is not included in the sale.