Richard Stafford
Senior Specialist, Head of Research
LOT 15 *N
1960 Aston Martin DB4 'Series II' Sports Saloon Registration no. not UK registered Chassis no. DB4/266/L
Sold for £276,000 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 15*,N
1960 Aston Martin DB4 'Series II' Sports Saloon Registration no. not UK registered Chassis no. DB4/266/L
1960 Aston Martin DB4 'Series II' Sports Saloon
Registration no. not UK registered
Chassis no. DB4/266/L
Registration no. not UK registered
Chassis no. DB4/266/L
*Landmark Aston Martin model
*Rare and original left-hand drive example
*Delivered new to Switzerland
*Conservatively estimated and offered at No Reserve
*Rare and original left-hand drive example
*Delivered new to Switzerland
*Conservatively estimated and offered at No Reserve
Footnotes
We are pleased to confirm that some original paperwork will accompany this lot, namely a Swiss registration document.
"When the products which are raced bear such a close resemblance to those which can be bought by the public, as do those of Aston Martin, only the most biased can deny the value of racing in improving the breed. It should be no surprise (that the DB4) should be based on an engine which first appeared in experimental form in some of last year's races." - The Autocar, 3rd October 1958.
At its launch in October 1958, the DB4 marked a major turning point for Aston Martin as it was the first car of the David Brown era which neither used a chassis derived from the experimental Atom of 1939 nor an engine designed under the auspices of W O Bentley. Moreover, it was the first Aston Martin to carry Carrozzeria Touring's 'Superleggera' bodywork, in which light alloy panels were fixed to a framework of light-gauge steel tubes welded to a platform chassis. Although styled by Touring, the DB4's gorgeous fastback coachwork was built under license at Newport Pagnell by Aston Martin's Tickford subsidiary, which employed some of the finest panel beaters in the industry. The result was a car whose sleek lines were described as 'unmistakably Italian and yet... equally unmistakably Aston Martin.' The 3.7-litre, six-cylinder power unit was the work of Tadek Marek and had first been seen at Le Mans the previous year in the works DBR2 sports-racer.
Manufactured between October 1958 and June 1963, the DB4 developed through no fewer than five series. The first series had already undergone a number of improvements, including the fitting of heavy-duty bumpers after the first 50 cars, before the second series arrived in January 1960. A front-hinged bonnet, bigger brake callipers and an enlarged sump were the major changes made on the Series II. To many, the Series II is the zenith of the aesthetic design, retaining the large and purposeful bonnet scoop and the delicate cathedral tail-lights. Including Vantage and convertible models, approximately 1,100 of these iconic 'Gentleman's Express' sports saloons were produced between 1958 and 1963.
According to the copy guarantee form on file, left-hand drive chassis number '266/L' was sold new via Patthey, the Swiss Aston Martin agent, to Mr Robert Firmenich of Geneva. The car was supplied with fully chromed road wheels and a heated rear light (screen) and left the factory finished in Desert White with black Connolly leather interior. Other documentation consists of copies of previous Swiss and German registration documents and the copy invoice relating to its sale between E Thiesen to Axel Schütte Klassische Automobile in March 2008. With Weber carburetors, drilled pedals, no bumpers and tow-eyelets, it would appear 266/L enjoyed an element of competitive use with a former owner. Subsequently exported from the EU and kept in storage, it may require some re-commissioning prior to road use.
Please also note the car will attract the low import duty rate of 5% if it is to remain in the UK.
Saleroom notices
We are pleased to confirm that some original paperwork will accompany this lot, namely a Swiss registration document.
Additional information
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Lot symbols
| * | Import low rate |
| VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium. | |
| N | NOVA declaration |
| If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (CARS) to undertake the NOVA on the Buyer's behalf. A fee of £350 + VAT to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice. |
