1963 Aston Martin DB4 FastBack Coupe

Aston Martin started using the word 'Vantage' in 1950. It was applied to their DB2 to express that the vehicle had a higher-specification engine and many other enhancements. For the DB4s, the Vantage models beginning with the fourth series cars had slotted grilles in combination with the better integrated, flatter bonnet scoop and the recessed triple stacked taillights, all features which carried over to the DB5. With the Series IV cars came the introduction of the 'Special Series' engine, which added a third SU HD8 carburetor, a higher compression ratio (9:1) and larger valves, which boosted horsepower by over 10 percent to a quoted 266 bhp. Most, but not all, of the SS-engine powered DB4 vehicles were also given 'faired in' headlamp nose popularized by the iconic DB4GT and also carried over to the DB5. These covered headlamp versions of the Series IV cars, 45 in all, which were referred to as Vantage models by the factory. The DB4 Vantage models also featured the DB4GT dashboard instruments, identifiable by their separate dials for each function, and the addition of an oil temperature indicator, as the SS engine and indeed most DB4s by then were equipped with oil coolers.

As the final series of the DB4s were introduced, the body had grown longer and taller and was fitted with smaller, wider 15-inch wheels. Thus, the Series IV Vantage models are the only production DB4s to combine the original DB4 proportions with the covered headlamp nose, and the high-performance motor.

This vehicle is chassis number DB4/961/L and is an original left-hand drive vehicle. It was originally sold by Garage Mirabeau in Paris to its first owner, Edith Waters of Neuilly sur Seine. The next owner was Rene Welter of Luxembourg, followed by Walter Peter Mottl of Germany.

During the 1990s, the car was in the car of German collector and dealer Michael Brinkert. While in his care, the car was given a comprehensive restoration. By 2001, the DB4 was imported to the United States by Autosport Design and sold to its most recent owner, a resident of Charleston, South Carolina.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at RM Auctions Arizona sale where it was estimated to sell for $290,000 - $340,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $352,000 including buyer's premium.

At the time of the sale, the odometer showed 38,650 kms.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2011