Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 50
1960 Aston Martin DB4 Series II Sports Saloon Coachwork by Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera Chassis no. DB4/414/R Engine no. 370/423 (see text)
Sold for US$390,000 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 50
From the Estate of James Messenger
1960 Aston Martin DB4 Series II Sports Saloon
1960 Aston Martin DB4 Series II Sports Saloon
Audrain Concours Auction|29 September 2023, 16:00 EDT|Newport, Rhode Island, International Tennis Hall of Fame
1960 Aston Martin DB4 Series II Sports Saloon
Coachwork by Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera
Chassis no. DB4/414/R
Engine no. 370/423 (see text)
Coachwork by Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera
Chassis no. DB4/414/R
Engine no. 370/423 (see text)
3,670cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Triple SU Carburetors
240bhp at 5,000rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Front Independent Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*One of 349 Series 2 DB4s produced
*Delivered new in England to J.W.A. Stamper
*Updated for fast road use with a Harvey Bailey Handling Kit
*Shaved bumpers and DB4 GT-style intakes
THE ASTON MARTIN DB4
When English industrialist David Brown acquired Aston Martin in 1947, he ushered in a period of stability and success heretofore unknown to the tiny firm. Brown's manufacturing experience and business savvy shored up Aston Martin for the post-war era, injecting desperately needed cash and engineering know-how. The DB2 directed Aston Martin into the realm of refined high-performance GT cars, while the DB3 and DB3S returned the marque to the forefront of international sports car racing.
In 1958, Aston Martin swept into the modern era with the entirely new DB4. With Tadek Merak's 3.7-liter dual overhead camshaft inline-six at its heart, the DB4 featured striking bodywork designed by Federico Formenti for Carrozzeria Touring, constructed in their Superleggera method, utilizing a tubular steel skeleton supporting the alloy body panels. While designed in Italy, the DB4 was the first Aston Martin to have its body and chassis crafted entirely in-house at the Newport Pagnell Works. Beneath the skin was a new platform chassis designed by Harold Beach with independent suspension and telescopic dampers in the front and a solid axle with lever-arm dampers in the rear. Four-wheel disc brakes reined in the performance of the 240bhp engine, capable of pushing the DB4 to sixty in 9 seconds, 100mph in 21 seconds, and on to a top speed of 140mph. That made it one of the fastest production GT cars of its day, cementing the DB4 as a legend of British motoring.
THE CAR OFFERED
This Aston Martin DB4 Saloon, chassis number DB4/414/R, is one of 349 Series II cars built. Works Service records on file show this car was delivered in September 1960 to J.W.A. Stamper, a haulage company in Penrith, England and registered 705 AAO. Finished in Sea Green over Black Connolly hides, it was optioned with chrome wheels and Dunlop Roadspeed tires. Mr. John Stamper's business success was apparent, as this DB4 was not his first Aston Martin. A photo taken on the day of delivery shows Stamper and two of his sons posing with DB4/414/R, a DB2/4 (which remains in their family to date), and a Jaguar Saloon. The factory service history shows the DB4 was indeed driven "as intended" by the enthusiastic Mr. Stamper, who added nearly 70,000 miles in the first six years. It appears to have suffered a road accident in 1965 but was repaired by Works Service and returned to the road, where it continued to be enjoyed.
As offered today, this DB4 benefits from extensive restoration work, and is beautifully presented both inside and out. Additionally, it received a handful of well-chosen upgrades to enhance its performance and visual appeal. Notably, the car has been de-bumpered, and enlarged DB4 GT-style air intakes fitted in front to feed the potent 3.7-liter engine. Rolling stock consists of chrome wire wheels and radial tires, and the purposeful stance comes courtesy of a Harvey Bailey Handling Kit, lowering the chassis and sharpening the DB4's cornering ability.
The cabin exudes British grand touring sophistication. Taut black leather trim, wool carpets, and chrome-rimmed Smiths dials lend an aircraft-inspired character. A wood-rimmed Nardi three-spoke wheel, modern Becker stereo, and uprated speakers further enhance the experience.
Tadek Marek's gutsy and sonorous 3,670 cc inline-six resides beneath the bonnet, fed by a trio of SU carburetors and sending its ample power through a four-speed manual gearbox. While the engine serial number corresponds with factory records, the font and stamping location do not appear to be in factory style, suggesting this is a replacement unit. Light signs of use and age are noted, and details like the silicone hoses and twin electric cooling fans point to this Aston Martin's road-biased purpose and the care and attention lavished upon it by previous caretakers.
With intriguing early provenance and performance touches that reflect its recent owner's passion, this marvelous DB4 Coupe is a most inviting prospect for enthusiastic motoring enjoyment. There is little doubt this will be your go-to set of keys for everything from weekend blasts through the countryside to exclusive international driving events.
Triple SU Carburetors
240bhp at 5,000rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Front Independent Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*One of 349 Series 2 DB4s produced
*Delivered new in England to J.W.A. Stamper
*Updated for fast road use with a Harvey Bailey Handling Kit
*Shaved bumpers and DB4 GT-style intakes
THE ASTON MARTIN DB4
When English industrialist David Brown acquired Aston Martin in 1947, he ushered in a period of stability and success heretofore unknown to the tiny firm. Brown's manufacturing experience and business savvy shored up Aston Martin for the post-war era, injecting desperately needed cash and engineering know-how. The DB2 directed Aston Martin into the realm of refined high-performance GT cars, while the DB3 and DB3S returned the marque to the forefront of international sports car racing.
In 1958, Aston Martin swept into the modern era with the entirely new DB4. With Tadek Merak's 3.7-liter dual overhead camshaft inline-six at its heart, the DB4 featured striking bodywork designed by Federico Formenti for Carrozzeria Touring, constructed in their Superleggera method, utilizing a tubular steel skeleton supporting the alloy body panels. While designed in Italy, the DB4 was the first Aston Martin to have its body and chassis crafted entirely in-house at the Newport Pagnell Works. Beneath the skin was a new platform chassis designed by Harold Beach with independent suspension and telescopic dampers in the front and a solid axle with lever-arm dampers in the rear. Four-wheel disc brakes reined in the performance of the 240bhp engine, capable of pushing the DB4 to sixty in 9 seconds, 100mph in 21 seconds, and on to a top speed of 140mph. That made it one of the fastest production GT cars of its day, cementing the DB4 as a legend of British motoring.
THE CAR OFFERED
This Aston Martin DB4 Saloon, chassis number DB4/414/R, is one of 349 Series II cars built. Works Service records on file show this car was delivered in September 1960 to J.W.A. Stamper, a haulage company in Penrith, England and registered 705 AAO. Finished in Sea Green over Black Connolly hides, it was optioned with chrome wheels and Dunlop Roadspeed tires. Mr. John Stamper's business success was apparent, as this DB4 was not his first Aston Martin. A photo taken on the day of delivery shows Stamper and two of his sons posing with DB4/414/R, a DB2/4 (which remains in their family to date), and a Jaguar Saloon. The factory service history shows the DB4 was indeed driven "as intended" by the enthusiastic Mr. Stamper, who added nearly 70,000 miles in the first six years. It appears to have suffered a road accident in 1965 but was repaired by Works Service and returned to the road, where it continued to be enjoyed.
As offered today, this DB4 benefits from extensive restoration work, and is beautifully presented both inside and out. Additionally, it received a handful of well-chosen upgrades to enhance its performance and visual appeal. Notably, the car has been de-bumpered, and enlarged DB4 GT-style air intakes fitted in front to feed the potent 3.7-liter engine. Rolling stock consists of chrome wire wheels and radial tires, and the purposeful stance comes courtesy of a Harvey Bailey Handling Kit, lowering the chassis and sharpening the DB4's cornering ability.
The cabin exudes British grand touring sophistication. Taut black leather trim, wool carpets, and chrome-rimmed Smiths dials lend an aircraft-inspired character. A wood-rimmed Nardi three-spoke wheel, modern Becker stereo, and uprated speakers further enhance the experience.
Tadek Marek's gutsy and sonorous 3,670 cc inline-six resides beneath the bonnet, fed by a trio of SU carburetors and sending its ample power through a four-speed manual gearbox. While the engine serial number corresponds with factory records, the font and stamping location do not appear to be in factory style, suggesting this is a replacement unit. Light signs of use and age are noted, and details like the silicone hoses and twin electric cooling fans point to this Aston Martin's road-biased purpose and the care and attention lavished upon it by previous caretakers.
With intriguing early provenance and performance touches that reflect its recent owner's passion, this marvelous DB4 Coupe is a most inviting prospect for enthusiastic motoring enjoyment. There is little doubt this will be your go-to set of keys for everything from weekend blasts through the countryside to exclusive international driving events.
John Stamper of Cumberland, UK next to his new DB4 along with his sons next to the family's DB2/4 (right) and Jaguar MkII (left)
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