ASTON MARTIN - DB4 - Convertible

Caratteristiche

Descrizione

Aston Martin DB4 Convertible

The 1963 Aston Martin DB4 Convertible is one of the rarest and most elegant classic British sports cars ever produced. It belongs to the DB4 series, which was introduced in 1958 and marked a significant evolution in Aston Martin’s engineering and design.

Background of the DB4 Series

The Aston Martin DB4 was launched in 1958 as the successor to the DB Mark III. Designed by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan, it featured a lightweight Superleggera (super light) aluminum body construction on a tubular steel frame. Under the hood was a newly developed 3.7-liter straight-six engine, designed by Tadek Marek, which produced strong performance numbers for its time. The DB4 was also the basis for the later, more famous DB5 (of James Bond fame).

The DB4 Convertible (1961–1963)

While the DB4 was initially only available as a coupe, Aston Martin introduced the DB4 Convertible in 1961. This model was a luxurious open-top version of the grand tourer, offering both style and performance.

Key Features of the DB4 Convertible

Limited Production: Only 70 DB4 Convertibles were built, making it one of the rarest Aston Martin models.

Engine Options: Most cars featured the 3.7-liter inline-six, but later models could be upgraded with the GT-spec engine, producing up to 266 hp.

Performance: A 0–60 mph time of around 6.1 seconds, making it one of the quickest convertibles of its era.

Handcrafted Luxury: The interior was exquisitely finished with Connolly leather, Wilton carpets, and elegant wood trim.

Classic British Styling: The convertible retained the coupe’s long, sculpted hood and iconic grille but with a power-operated soft top.

The 1963 Model: The Final Year

By 1963, Aston Martin was transitioning from the DB4 to the DB5, which meant the final batch of DB4 Convertibles was among the last cars to carry the DB4 nameplate. These late models were highly sought after, as they featured many improvements carried over from the DB4 GT and DB5.

Legacy and Value Today

Due to its rarity and beauty, the DB4 Convertible is one of the most valuable Aston Martins among collectors. Well-maintained examples can fetch well over 1 million at auctions today. Its blend of Italian styling, British craftsmanship, and powerful performance makes it a true automotive icon.

This Car

This stunning example, chassis number 1091/R, is the most desired late-production Series V.

It was sold new in early March 1963 through the Brooklands agent, with the Aston Martin build sheet confirming its first owner to be Wrinton Vale Nurseries, of Congresbury, Somerset, with the first UK registration noted as ‘247 EXN’.

By the end of March, the car was returned to Aston Martin for a service, having covered 1,888 miles, with the build sheet also recording various rattles being rectified.

Additional recorded history from this period includes factory services carried out between 1964, with mileage noted as 27,831, and 1968.

The car later passed to a G V Helmer in Southampton, before being bought by Arthur Moore of Dorset in 1978. Moore maintained ownership for eight years, before selling the car to David Menzies Hart in 1986. A letter and photos contained within the car’s extensive history file confirms the condition of the car when Mr Menzies bought it: “Front stripped of paint and hood, and interior trim removed from the car. The car has been in dry storage for approx. 10 years. Restoration was started following a failure of the clutch thrust mechanism. The car can be considered complete.”

In this partially disassembled condition, the car was bought by Marc Albert of Euro Cellular Limited in December 1989. The car was returned to Aston Martin’s Newport Pagnell factory for a complete, ground-up, no-expense-spared restoration.

The work was completed in June 1992, with restoration invoices amounting to over £73,000, documentation of which can be found within the car's history file. The car remained in storage at the Aston Martin factory during Mr Albert’s ownership and was entered in two AMOC Concours d’Elegance, both held at Silverstone, finishing 3rd in 1992 and 2nd in 1993.

In September 1993, having covered less than 100 miles since it’s restoration, the car was offered for sale at the Christies Beaulieu auction, where it was bought by Joseph William Cashin, a resident of Dorking, Surrey, for the Sondes Fields Collection.

During its time in this collection, the Aston was used sparingly, covering approximately 5,000 miles over 20 years of ownership. Upon Joseph Cashin’s death, the car passed to his nephew and continued to be maintained by the collection’s in-house mechanic, whose handwritten notes can also be found in the history file.

Although the DB4 Convertible had covered very few miles since its factory restoration over 20 years ago, it was still showing some minor signs of age.

So, when the new owners acquired the DB4 in 2014, a conscious decision was made to restore it back to concours standards, with the work being entrusted to marque specialist Desmond Smail.

Strict instructions were made to not only ensure that the car was cosmetically perfect but to also replace the hood, clutch, tyres, and front screen due to delamination. Whilst work was being carried out by Desmond Smail, the engine was upgraded by Aston Martin specialist RS Williams to their revered 4.2-litre specification. As can be seen from the documentation in the file, RS Williams tested this uprated engine and it produced great results, including 290 foot-pounds of torque at 4,500 rpm and 275 brake horsepower at 6,000 rpm, compared to the standard numbers of 240 foot-pounds of torque at 4,200 rpm and 240 brake horsepower at 5,000 rpm.

Finished in Sierra Blue, this car has not only received a documented restoration by the Aston Martin factory but also a recent concours-quality restoration by marque experts. Accompanied by an expansive and fully detailed history file, this example would enhance any collection and satisfy the most discerning collector.