1962 Aston Martin DB4 Series IV Sports Saloon

• Engine uprated to 4.2-litre specification
• Restored by marque specialists in 1998-2000
• Numerous desirable upgrades
• Approximately 20,000 miles since restoration
• Excellent condition
• Comprehensive history file

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 from the W O Bentley era. 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, 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 DBR2.

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. 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 calipers and an enlarged sump were the major changes made on the Series II, while the third series featured separate rear lights, two bonnet stays and a host of improvements to the interior fittings. Manufactured between September 1961 and October 1962, the fourth series was readily distinguishable by its shallower bonnet intake, recessed rear lights and new grille with seven vertical bars. The final, fifth, series was 3.5" longer (allowing for increased legroom and a larger boot) and gained 15" wheels, an electric radiator fan and the DB4GT-type instrument panel.

This Series IV DB4 comes with a thick leather-bound file of documentation dating back to 1977 (including that year's tax disc); correspondence from Roland Duce and details of its very comprehensive restoration by marque specialists in 1998-2000. Improvements incorporated include upgrading the engine to 4.2 litre, bump steer modification, negative camber top ball-joints, Rose-jointed steering rack, metal rack mountings, Koni front shock absorbers, uprated anti-roll bar, driving lamps, Kenlowe fan, power lock differential, Aeroquip brake hoses, overdrive, large oil cooler, halogen headlamps, negative earth electrics, a stainless steel sports exhaust, back to bare metal respray and many more (full list available). Since completion of its comprehensive restoration in 2000 this DB4 has covered approximately 20,000 miles and is described by our vendor as in excellent condition throughout, drives wonderfully, sounds magnificent and turns heads every time she's on the road. Offered with a V5C document.