1961 Aston Martin DB4 'Series III' Sports Saloon

• Sold new in 1961 to Castrol Limited
• Matching numbers
• Present ownership since 2014
• Restored by marque specialists Trinity Engineering
• Over £300,000 spent (extensive restoration records available)

"For many Aston Martin enthusiasts the DB4 was the best of the post-war cars. Previous cars were lacking in power while the later DB5 and DB6 put on weight and were more like fast tourers than high-speed thoroughbreds..." – Mike Twite, Motors, 1967.

Classically proportioned and instantly recognisable from the moment of its introduction, the Touring-styled Aston Martin DB4 established a look that would survive, with only minor revisions, until 1970. 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 at Lagonda 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, 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'.

First seen at Le Mans the previous year in the DBR2, the 3.7-litre, six-cylinder, double-overhead camshaft engine was the work of Tadek Marek, formerly with Austin, 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 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, 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 built on a 3.5" longer wheelbase (allowing for increased leg room and a larger boot) and gained 15" wheels, an electric radiator fan and the DB4GT-type instrument panel. Including Vantage and convertible models, approximately 1,100 of these iconic 'Gentleman's Expresses' were produced between 1958 and 1963.

This DB4's accompanying copy guarantee form reveals that it was delivered on 27th July 1961, via agent C Williams, to Castrol Limited's headquarters in Marylebone Road, London NW1. The original colour scheme is recorded as Snow Shadow Grey with dark blue Connolly leather trim, while the following items of non-standard equipment are listed: heated rear window, two Marchal fog lamps, and a Motorola radio. The Aston was registered as '7727 JW', the 'JW' referring to John Windridge, one of Castrol's senior directors. In 1960, Aston Martin had concluded a sponsorship deal with Castrol, prompting the world famous oil company to acquire this DB4 for their fleet.

Factory records document the car's extensive use in its early years, with factory maintenance continuing up to 1970. The first recorded change of ownership sees the DB4 in the hands of Mr Ronald Rawden of Middleton, Suffolk, an active enthusiast who had enjoyed numerous sporting thoroughbreds over the years. The change is undated.

Mr Rawden later recalled: "I found the DB4 in a garage in Woodford, Essex. It was a thrilling experience driving it home for the first time, not found with many other cars. After many years, the car needed an overhaul, and I decided to do the work mostly myself. I took the engine completely out of the car and stripped it down to the last nut and bolt. I was in constant touch with the service department at Aston Martin in Newport Pagnell, who gave me all the information and spare parts required." While in his ownership the Aston was registered as '1 EXL'.

Only one other change of ownership is recorded: to K W Robbins, Esq of Madrid, Spain dated 30th August 1985. It is believed that the car was exported to the USA shortly thereafter. Following a change of ownership it remained hidden from sight before emerging in 2014 as a 'barn find'. UK-based specialists Fiskens bought the Aston Martin from California that same year and sold it as a restoration project to the current owner, who commissioned renowned marque specialists Trinity Engineering to carry out a full rebuild.

Commencing around February 2018, Trinity Engineering undertook a complete 'last nut and bolt' restoration, rebuilding the DB4 to its original specification - at the owner's insistence - except for the addition of an overdrive. The car is exactly as per the parts book, even down to the radiator blind. The rebuild cost in excess of £300,000, and extensive documentation, amounting to 30 pages, are on file.

Today, this matching-numbers DB4 is presented in effectively 'as new' condition, resplendent in its original colour scheme of Snow Shadow Grey with dark blue Connolly leather trim. Offered with Fiskens' 2014 sales receipt and a V5C Registration Certificate, '7727 JW' represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire this rare piece of Aston Martin history.