1963 Aston Martin DB4 'Series V' Vantage Sports Saloon

• Present family ownership since 1981
• Well maintained by recognised marque specialists
• Substantial file of invoices
• Carefully stored for the last eight years

Manufactured between October 1958 and June 1963, the DB4 developed through no fewer than five series. However, it should be made clear that the cars were not thus designated by the factory, this nomenclature having been suggested subsequently by the Aston Martin Owners Club to aid identification as the model evolved.
One of the most notable developments had arrived with the introduction of the 'Series IV' in September 1961, when a 'Special Series' (SS) or 'Vantage' engine became available as an option. The 'SS' incorporated a 9.0:1 compression ratio, larger valves, and triple SU HD8 carburettors, producing 266bhp at 5,750rpm, a gain of 26 horsepower over the standard unit. Almost all DB4 Vantages were built with the faired-in headlights of the DB4GT.
The DB4 Series V Vantage is one of the rarest and most desirable of the DB family with only some 50 cars built in this final incarnation of the DB4. Indeed, the original 'James Bond' car used in the filming of Goldfinger was a DB4 Series V, as they look virtually identical to the DB5 which at that time was not quite ready.
The accompanying copy guarantee form shows that chassis number '1179/R' was originally built with the Special Series (Vantage) engine '1161/SS' and left the factory finished in Black Pearl with Terracotta Connolly leather interior. That original engine was replaced at some time with another Special Series engine ('1037/SS'), which the car retains to this day.
This much loved Aston Martin has belonged to the vendor's family for over 40 years, having been purchased by his father in 1981. The original logbook lists only four previous owners, the last of whom registered '73 FLW' in 1975. The vendor's father entrusted the DB4's maintenance to Captain Ivan Forshaw at Aston Service Dorset, followed by Goldsmith & Young in Mere, Wiltshire and latterly 'LCA' in Bordon, Hampshire. For the last eight years the car has been stored in climate controlled conditions at the premises of classic car enthusiast Chris Drake. Numerous service bills dating back as far as 1981 are on file, the most recent (from 2022) for a reconditioned clutch and various chassis repairs at a cost of £8,000. Offered with MoT to January 2024, '73 FLW' represents a rare opportunity to acquire an example of this most sought-after Aston Martin model.