Gabriel Rapetti
Head of Sale, Senior Specialist
LOT 140
1962 Aston Martin DB4 'SS Engine' Series V Sports Saloon Chassis no. DB4/1001/L Engine no. 370/1048/SS
Sold for €379,500 inc. premium
Lot 140
1962 Aston Martin DB4 'SS Engine' Series V Sports Saloon
1962 Aston Martin DB4 'SS Engine' Series V Sports Saloon
Chassis no. DB4/1001/L
Engine no. 370/1048/SS
Chassis no. DB4/1001/L
Engine no. 370/1048/SS
• One of only six left-hand drive Series V cars with the Special Series engine
• Delivered new to France
• In the present ownership for over 50 years
• Matching numbers
• Original colour combination
• Engine refurbished 10 years ago
"Performance, controllability and comfort have been combined in the Aston Martin DB4 to make it a highly desirable car: one in which long journeys can be completed very quickly indeed with the minimum of risk or discomfort and the maximum of pleasure." - The Motor.
Classically proportioned and instantly recognisable from the moment of its introduction in 1958, the Touring-styled Aston Martin DB4 established a look that would survive, with only minor revisions, until 1970. Designed by Tadek Marek and already proven in racing, the DB4's new twin-cam six-cylinder engine displaced 3,670cc while the gearbox was a new David Brown four-speed all-synchromesh unit. An immensely strong platform-type chassis, designed by Harold Beach, replaced the preceding DB2/4's multi-tubular spaceframe, the latter being considered incompatible with Touring's Superleggera body construction. The DB2/4's trailing-link independent front suspension gave way to unequal-length wishbones while at the rear the DB4 sported a live axle located by a Watts linkage instead of its predecessor's Panhard rod. Boasting disc brakes all round and with 240bhp on tap, the DB4 was the first production car capable of accelerating from a standing start to 100mph and back to rest again in under 30 seconds. At a time when few family saloons were capable of exceeding 70mph and took an age to get there, this staggering performance made the DB4 just about the fastest thing on the road, easily the equal of its Italian rivals.
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 several 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, while the third series featured separate rear lights, two bonnet stays, and a host of improvements to the interior fittings. The fourth series was readily distinguishable by its new grille (with seven vertical bars), shallower bonnet intake, and recessed rear lights, while the final (fifth) series manufactured between September 1962 and June 1963 was 3.5" longer (allowing for increased leg room and a larger boot) and gained 15" wheels, an electric radiator fan, and the DB4GT-type instrument panel.
One of the most notable developments had arrived with the introduction of the 'Series IV' in September 1961, when a 'Special Series' (SS) engine became available as an option. The 'SS' unit boasted a 9.0:1 compression ratio; larger valves and inner valve springs from the DB4GT; and triple SU HD8 carburettors with a black-painted cold-air box, producing 266bhp at 5,750rpm, a gain of 26 horsepower over the standard unit. Optional on the regular model, an oil cooler was standard on the cars coming with the SS engine. Almost all DB4 Vantages were built with the faired-in headlights of the DB4GT, making the example we offer something of a rarity.
The Series V is one of the rarest and most desirable of the DB range with only 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.
Chassis number '1001/L' is one of an estimated 19 Series V examples built with the Special Series (SS) engine, only six of which were of left-hand drive configuration like this car. Shipped to Aston Martin's French agent Garage Mirabeau on 4th October 1962, '1001/L' is a matching numbers example retaining its original engine, chassis, body, gearbox, exterior colour (Aegean Blue), and tan Connolly interior trim (VM 3280). The DB4 was delivered new on 27th October 1962 to its first owner, Mr Pierre Zannettacci, a French gentleman resident in the 16th District of Paris. Remarkably, the Aston has had only two owners since 1962, has belonged to the current vendor for more than 50 years, and has always remained Parisian since its arrival in France.
Some 10 years ago the engine was extensively refurbished; the gearbox synchros and clutch replaced; and the rear brake calipers rebuilt. The DB4 has been serviced regularly at Cecil Cars, and during a recent test drive, the engine started immediately and ran smoothly, revving without difficulties, performing well at low and high speeds, shifting gears smoothly.
Listed in James Taylor's book Factory-Original Aston Martin DB4/5/6, '1001/L' comes with sundry invoices; Garage Mirabeau's delivery note; the original purchase invoice; 2015 Expertise report; a valid French Carte Grise; and an up-to-date Contrôle Technique. A wonderful opportunity to acquire a highly original and well maintained Aston Martin DB4 Series V with Special Series engine - the first 'SS' Series V built - offered from long-term enthusiast ownership.
• Delivered new to France
• In the present ownership for over 50 years
• Matching numbers
• Original colour combination
• Engine refurbished 10 years ago
"Performance, controllability and comfort have been combined in the Aston Martin DB4 to make it a highly desirable car: one in which long journeys can be completed very quickly indeed with the minimum of risk or discomfort and the maximum of pleasure." - The Motor.
Classically proportioned and instantly recognisable from the moment of its introduction in 1958, the Touring-styled Aston Martin DB4 established a look that would survive, with only minor revisions, until 1970. Designed by Tadek Marek and already proven in racing, the DB4's new twin-cam six-cylinder engine displaced 3,670cc while the gearbox was a new David Brown four-speed all-synchromesh unit. An immensely strong platform-type chassis, designed by Harold Beach, replaced the preceding DB2/4's multi-tubular spaceframe, the latter being considered incompatible with Touring's Superleggera body construction. The DB2/4's trailing-link independent front suspension gave way to unequal-length wishbones while at the rear the DB4 sported a live axle located by a Watts linkage instead of its predecessor's Panhard rod. Boasting disc brakes all round and with 240bhp on tap, the DB4 was the first production car capable of accelerating from a standing start to 100mph and back to rest again in under 30 seconds. At a time when few family saloons were capable of exceeding 70mph and took an age to get there, this staggering performance made the DB4 just about the fastest thing on the road, easily the equal of its Italian rivals.
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 several 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, while the third series featured separate rear lights, two bonnet stays, and a host of improvements to the interior fittings. The fourth series was readily distinguishable by its new grille (with seven vertical bars), shallower bonnet intake, and recessed rear lights, while the final (fifth) series manufactured between September 1962 and June 1963 was 3.5" longer (allowing for increased leg room and a larger boot) and gained 15" wheels, an electric radiator fan, and the DB4GT-type instrument panel.
One of the most notable developments had arrived with the introduction of the 'Series IV' in September 1961, when a 'Special Series' (SS) engine became available as an option. The 'SS' unit boasted a 9.0:1 compression ratio; larger valves and inner valve springs from the DB4GT; and triple SU HD8 carburettors with a black-painted cold-air box, producing 266bhp at 5,750rpm, a gain of 26 horsepower over the standard unit. Optional on the regular model, an oil cooler was standard on the cars coming with the SS engine. Almost all DB4 Vantages were built with the faired-in headlights of the DB4GT, making the example we offer something of a rarity.
The Series V is one of the rarest and most desirable of the DB range with only 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.
Chassis number '1001/L' is one of an estimated 19 Series V examples built with the Special Series (SS) engine, only six of which were of left-hand drive configuration like this car. Shipped to Aston Martin's French agent Garage Mirabeau on 4th October 1962, '1001/L' is a matching numbers example retaining its original engine, chassis, body, gearbox, exterior colour (Aegean Blue), and tan Connolly interior trim (VM 3280). The DB4 was delivered new on 27th October 1962 to its first owner, Mr Pierre Zannettacci, a French gentleman resident in the 16th District of Paris. Remarkably, the Aston has had only two owners since 1962, has belonged to the current vendor for more than 50 years, and has always remained Parisian since its arrival in France.
Some 10 years ago the engine was extensively refurbished; the gearbox synchros and clutch replaced; and the rear brake calipers rebuilt. The DB4 has been serviced regularly at Cecil Cars, and during a recent test drive, the engine started immediately and ran smoothly, revving without difficulties, performing well at low and high speeds, shifting gears smoothly.
Listed in James Taylor's book Factory-Original Aston Martin DB4/5/6, '1001/L' comes with sundry invoices; Garage Mirabeau's delivery note; the original purchase invoice; 2015 Expertise report; a valid French Carte Grise; and an up-to-date Contrôle Technique. A wonderful opportunity to acquire a highly original and well maintained Aston Martin DB4 Series V with Special Series engine - the first 'SS' Series V built - offered from long-term enthusiast ownership.
Footnotes
1962 Aston Martin DB4 'SS Engine' Series V
Châssis n° DB4/1001/L
Moteur n° 370/1048/SS
• L'une des six voitures de la série V en conduite à gauche équipées du moteur de la série spéciale
• Livrée neuve en France et seulement deux propriétaires depuis sa première livraison
• Dans la collection du propriétaire actuel depuis plus de 50 ans
• Matching numbers (châssis, moteur, boîte de vitesses)
• Combinaison de couleurs d'origine
• Moteur restauré il y a dix ans
« Les performances, la maniabilité et le confort ont été combinés dans l'Aston Martin DB4 pour en faire une voiture très désirable : une voiture dans laquelle les longs trajets peuvent être effectués très rapidement, avec un minimum de risques et d'inconfort et un maximum de plaisir. » - The Motor.
Avec ses proportions classiques et son style immédiatement reconnaissable dès son lancement en 1958, l'Aston Martin DB4 dessinée par Touring a imposé un style qui allait perdurer, avec seulement quelques modifications mineures, jusqu'en 1970. Conçu par Tadek Marek et déjà éprouvé en course, le nouveau moteur six cylindres à double arbre à cames en tête de la DB4 développait 3.670 cm3 de cylindrée et était accolé à une toute nouvelle boîte de vitesses David Brown à quatre rapports entièrement synchronisée. Un châssis de type plate-forme extrêmement robuste, conçu par Harold Beach, a remplacé le châssis tubulaire de la DB2/4 précédente, ce dernier étant incompatible avec la construction de la carrosserie Superleggera de Touring. La suspension avant indépendante à bras oscillant de la DB2/4 a cédé la place à des triangles, tandis qu'à l'arrière, la DB4 était équipée d'un essieu rigide Watts au lieu de la barre Panhard de son prédécesseur. Dotée de freins à disque sur toutes les roues et d'une puissance de 240 ch, la DB4 était la première voiture de série capable d'accélérer de 0 à 160 km/h et de revenir à l'arrêt en moins de 30 secondes. À une époque où peu de berlines familiales étaient capables de dépasser les 110 km/h et mettaient un temps fou pour y parvenir, ces performances stupéfiantes faisaient de la DB4 la voiture la plus rapide sur route, rivalisant facilement avec ses concurrentes italiennes.
Fabriquée entre octobre 1958 et juin 1963, la DB4 a connu pas moins de cinq séries. Rappelons que ces désignations n'ont pas été décidées par le constructeur, mais créées par l'Aston Martin Owners Club afin de faciliter l'identification des modèles au fur et à mesure de leur évolution. La première série avait déjà subi un certain nombre d'améliorations, notamment l'installation de pare-chocs renforcés après les 50 premiers exemplaires, avant l'arrivée de la deuxième série en janvier 1960. Un capot à charnières avant, des étriers de frein plus grands et un carter élargi ont été les principaux changements apportés à la série II, tandis que la troisième série comportait des feux arrière séparés, deux supports de capot et une multitude d'améliorations dans l'habitacle. La quatrième série se distinguait facilement par sa nouvelle calandre (avec sept barres verticales), son capot moins profond et ses feux arrière encastrés, tandis que la dernière série (la cinquième), fabriquée entre septembre 1962 et juin 1963, était plus longue de 9 cm (ce qui permettait d'augmenter l'espace pour les jambes et d'agrandir le coffre) et était équipée de roues de 15 pouces, d'un ventilateur de radiateur électrique et d'un tableau de bord de type DB4GT.
L'un des développements les plus notables est survenu avec l'introduction de la « Série IV » en septembre 1961, lorsqu'un moteur « Special Series » (SS) est devenu disponible en option. Le moteur « SS » affichait un taux de compression de 9,0:1, des soupapes et des ressorts de soupapes internes plus grands provenant de la DB4GT, ainsi que trois carburateurs SU HD8 avec une boîte d'admission d'air froid peint en noir, produisant 266 ch à 5.750 tr/min, soit un gain de 26 chevaux par rapport au moteur standard. En option sur le modèle standard, un refroidisseur d'huile était de série sur les voitures équipées du moteur SS. Presque toutes les DB4 Vantage ont été construites avec les phares encastrés de la DB4GT, ce qui rend le modèle que nous proposons assez rare.
La série V est l'une des plus rares et des plus recherchées de la gamme DB, avec seulement 50 voitures construites dans cette dernière incarnation de la DB4. En effet, la voiture originale de « James Bond » utilisée dans le tournage du film Goldfinger était une DB4 série V.
Le châssis numéro « 1001/L » est l'un des 19 exemplaires de la série V équipés du moteur Special Series (SS), dont seulement six étaient en configuration conduite à gauche comme cette auto. Livrée neuve le 4 octobre 1962 au Garage Mirabeau, agent français d'Aston Martin, la « 1001/L » est un exemplaire matching numbers qui a conservé son moteur, son châssis, sa carrosserie, sa boîte de vitesses, sa couleur extérieure (bleu égéen) et sa sellerie Connolly beige (VM 3280) d'origine. La DB4 a été livrée neuve à Paris le 27 octobre 1962 à son premier propriétaire, M. Pierre Zannettacci, un gentleman français résidant dans le 16e arrondissement de Paris. Il est remarquable que l'Aston n'ait eu que deux propriétaires depuis 1962, appartienne au vendeur actuel depuis plus de 50 ans et soit toujours restée parisienne depuis son arrivée en France.
Il y a environ 10 ans, le moteur a été restauré, les synchroniseurs de boîte de vitesses et l'embrayage ont été remplacés et les étriers de frein arrière ont été reconstruits. La DB4 a été régulièrement entretenue chez Cecil Cars et, lors d'un récent essai routier, le moteur a démarré immédiatement et a tourné sans à-coups, montant dans les tours sans difficulté, fonctionnant bien à basse et haute vitesse, avec des changements de vitesse fluides.
Répertoriée dans le livre de James Taylor intitulé « Factory-Original Aston Martin DB4/5/6 », la « 1001/L » est accompagnée de diverses factures d'entretien et de restauration, du bon de livraison du Garage Mirabeau, de la facture d'achat d'origine, du rapport d'expertise de 2015, d'une carte grise française valide et d'un contrôle technique à jour. Selon nous, il s'agit d'une merveilleuse occasion d'acquérir une Aston Martin DB4 Série V hautement originale et bien entretenue, équipée d'un moteur Special Series - la première Série V « SS » construite - proposée par un propriétaire passionné de longue date.
Additional information
Looking for a similar item?
Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistSpecialist section
Auction Viewings
- 27 January 2026, 09:00 - 18:00 CET
- 28 January 2026, 09:00 - 18:00 CET
- 29 January 2026, 09:00 - 18:00 CET
- 30 January 2026, 09:00 - 11:00 CET
