ASTON MARTIN - DB4 - One of 349 Series II DB4s, a rare original factory left-hand-drive car, one of just 125 examples

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Descrizione

1960 ASTON MARTIN DB4 SERIES II

- One of 349 Series II DB4s

- A rare original factory left-hand-drive car, one of just 125 examples

- Beautifully finished in iconic colors

- The DB4 was the first Aston to feature Superleggera’ all-aluminium bodywork by Carrozzeria Touring

- A luxurious two-seat saloon which can carry four adults when necessary

- The Series 2 DB4 is distinguishable by the high scoop bonnet profile and pressed alloy grille, shared with the DB4GT model and it’s appropriately termed, ‘cathedral’ tail lamps and arched rear wing profile

- Accompanied by a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate as well as FIVA paspoort and FIA papers

- With FIA Passport issued in November 2017

‘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.

A masterpiece of British engineering skill with Italian styling flair, the Aston Martin DB4 was the forerunner for the most famous of the David Brown Aston Martins, the DB5.

Launched in October 1958, the DB4 was beautifully proportioned as originally imagined and designed, by Italian Carrozzeria ‘Touring of Milan’.

The panels are aluminium built on Touring’s patented Superleggera lattice of steel tubes. Superleggera means superlight.

Entitled Superleggera, this design principle formed the basis of Aston Martin’s golden age of car production, for a further 11 years.

Manufactured till 1963, the DB4 developed through no fewer than five series.

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 calipers, and an enlarged sump were the major changes made on the Series II, while the third series featured separate rear lights.

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.

According to many collectors, the Series II is the most attractive of them all because of the short wheelbase and the high scoop on the bonnet.

ABOUT THIS SPECIFIC EXAMPLE

This specific Aston Martin DB4 is one of the 349 Series II examples produced and a rare original factory left-hand-drive car, one of just 125 examples.

Originally specified in Elusive Blue over White and Gold trim this specific Aston Martin DB4 was initially issued with the UK licence plate “423 AGF” in London under the Home Delivery Scheme.

The first service was carried out after 572 miles, by Garage Society Nouvelle de Mirabeau, in Paris, in November 1960.

The Aston was then despatched, through J.S. Inskip Inc., the 15th of November 1960.

The first owner is listed as Mr. Lawrence J. Goodrich, from Virginia, United States.

As a Series II DB4, this example retains all the classic styling of the original Series I vehicles—including the perforated grille, tall hood scoop, and one-piece “cathedral” taillights—while featuring helpful mechanical updates such as uprated front brake calipers, an increased oil sump, and more interior space.

This DB4 is today painted in a beautiful Aston Martin green with Red Connolly leather interior.

This specific example is a body-off restored and engine overhauled example.

The DB4 has been owned for several years by a meticulous Dutch enthusiasts.

In 2015 the DB4 passed into the ownership of an Italian owner, who exported the car to Italy and drove some nice tours / light rallies with the car including the Gran Premio Nuvolari.

In September 2023 the Aston Martin came back to Holland.

The Italian collector is a good friend of us and we always asked him if he would contact us when his beautiful cars were getting sold.

Due to a new business project he decided to sell this remarkable car which he had extremely thoroughly looked after.

This rare DB4 Left Hand Drive comes with FIVA Class D3 Passport, Certificate of Origin, British Motor Heritage Trust, copies of the Italian registration and a FIA Passport valid to December 2027.

CONDITION EXTERIOR

The paint is of excellent quality and the color is in our opinion one of the best colors to appreciate the elegance of this design.

The finish is glossy throughout featuring correct metal flake.

The panel gaps are very nice with crisp closure on all strike surfaces and properly detailed inner panel surfaces.

The body lines are beautifully resolved with excellent body contours and properly controlled reflections particularly in the tailored Touring wheel arches.

The sweeping roofline and rear glass are very sophisticated for the era, while the Borrani chrome wire wheels, and triple-ear knockoffs create a flash of competition history on this subtle and sophisticated Grand Touring design.

The glass, exterior emblems, lighting, exterior lenses, and turn indicators are all in excellent condition.

CONDITION INTERIOR

Attention to detail, accuracy, and quality materials are equally evident throughout the interior of the car.

The supple red leather seats are perfectly tailored with excellent pleat lines and perimeter seat piping as well as proper seat foam in the bolsters.
The matching red door panels, Green carpets, and handsomely finished rear seat area are beautifully presented.
A large diameter wood steering wheel with painted spokes is the perfect partner for the floor mounted 4-speed shifter.
Overall, the interior delivers an exceptionally fine, authentic appearance including the trunk compartment, which is upholstered with beautiful carpet, concealing a matching wire wheel spare tire nestled into the subfloor tire tub.

ENGINE BAY

The beautifully restored twin-cam engine and engine compartment are presented with excellent finishes, proper fasteners, and period correct components thoughtfully prepared just as delivered when new.

DRIVING EXPERIENCE

The driving experience is very satisfying with excellent shifting through the comfortable 4-speed gearbox.

A delight to drive and character is what the DB4 is all about.

The car is fast and handles as a sports car. The response on the steering as well as the brakes is direct.
This must be a great and very enjoyable car to drive races like the Gran Premio Nuvolari or the Tour Auto.

Beautifully finished in iconic colors, this Aston Martin DB4 is ready to offer the next fortunate enthusiast all the joys associated with owning one of the finest examples of GT performance cars ever offered for road use.

The car shows very well and would surely be a fantastic Sunday driver, allowing a family of four to experience the thrills of classic British motoring.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website has been compiled by The Houtkamp Collection with the utmost care. The information contained within this advert is provided ‘as-is’, without warranties as to its accuracy whether expressed or implied and is intended for informational purposes only. The Houtkamp Collection is not liable for any errors or mistakes.