1960 | Aston Martin DB 4

The Aston Martin DB4 Series Two is a significant chapter in the history of Aston Martin, representing the evolution of the groundbreaking DB4. The DB4 itself debuted in 1958 as a revolutionary grand tourer that set the foundation for future Aston Martins, including the legendary DB5.

Background & Development of the DB4

By the late 1950s, Aston Martin needed a successor to the DB2/4. The company, under the leadership of David Brown, developed the DB4, which was unveiled at the 1958 London Motor Show. It was a completely new car, featuring an advanced lightweight tubular frame chassis designed by Harold Beach and an all-new aluminum DOHC straight-six engine developed by Tadek Marek.

DB4 Series Two – Evolution & Improvements

The DB4 Series Two, produced between January 1960 and April 1961, was the first major revision of the DB4. It retained the stunning Carrozzeria Touring of Milan-designed Superleggera bodywork but introduced several refinements, including:

Cooling System Enhancements – One of the major issues with the Series One was overheating. Series Two addressed this with a larger front grille for improved airflow and a better cooling system.

Slightly Raised Bonnet Scoop – A small design modification to accommodate the improved cooling.

Pressed-Steel Front Subframe – Unlike Series One, which had a welded subframe, Series Two featured a bolt-on pressed-steel front subframe, making repairs easier.

Side Window Design – The door windows were now frameless, giving the car a sleeker, more modern look.

Interior Refinements – The seats were slightly redesigned for better comfort, and other small trim details were updated.

Performance and Specifications

Engine: 3.7L (3670cc) DOHC straight-six

Power Output: Around 240 hp

Top Speed: 140 mph (225 km/h)

Acceleration (0-60 mph): 6.1 seconds

Transmission: 4-speed manual with optional overdrive

Brakes: Disc brakes on all four wheels (a rarity at the time)

Legacy & Rarity

The DB4 Series Two is one of the rarest DB4 variants, with only 349 units built. It played a crucial role in refining the DB4 before the later series (Series Three to Five) and, eventually, the DB5—famous as James Bond’s car in Goldfinger (1964).

The DB4, particularly the Series Two, remains a highly sought-after classic, combining British engineering excellence with Italian design flair. Today, well-maintained examples can fetch seven-figure sums at auctions.

Would you like to explore more details, such as notable owners or auction prices?

This Car

This Series II Aston Martin DB4 was supplied new on 27th May 1960 to Cyril Williams Motors in Wolverhampton and registered with its current registration of 7777 DA.

A copy of the factory build sheet states the car was supplied in Ming Blue with an Off-White interior and fitted with a Motorola radio.

The gearbox was replaced under guarantee at the works on the 13th July 1960 and it was acquired by its second owner on 22nd January 1962, Major J.T. Macfarlane of Bournemouth.

He sold the car to a Mr. G. Bilton of Abingdon in 1964 and the car then passed through a number of keepers. It was acquired by the last registered keeper on 22nd May 1986 and it was his pride and joy for nearly thirty years until it was sold to our vendor.

A very large history file accompanies the car detailing ownership changes, copies of the factory build and worksheets, along with a record of all works and bills from 1986 onwards. In addition, there are a large number of MoT certificates dating all the way back to 1975.

The car was maintained by Aston Martin up until 1964 with a mileage of 56,675. According to the history file, a new engine was fitted in 1966, this reads 370/396 on the car today, and was a crated engine fitted by Eton Manor Group in Slough.

A letter from Aston Martin on 5th February 1973, confirms that the engine is an original DB4 unit. Presented in highly original condition, the bodywork was re-sprayed in the early 1980s to its colour of Fiesta Red.

The interior has been preserved beautifully and is almost completely original.

The carpets are totally original, as is the radio and the seats, whilst slightly cracked, are still finished in the original Off-White leather.

Current MoT certificate and a huge amount of paperwork, this DB4 is the perfect candidate for a restoration to the buyer's specification.

The car has been subject to a total body off restoration with detailed photographs of the work carried out.

The engine was rebuilt by Oselli and gearbox and axle overhauled by BPA Engineering.

The car is now finished in Aston martin Racing Green with a light tan leather interion, just stunning.

The attention to details on the restoration is just amazing, it is just a work of art, faultless in every way.