1961 Aston Martin DB4 Fastback Coupe

The development of the all-new Aston Martin DB4 began in 1956. It made its debut at the London Motor Show during the autumn of 1958. The DB4 brought with it an updated engine designed by Tadek Marek, whose name became synonymous with Aston Martin engineering.

Powering the DB4 was a DOHC inline six that was constructed from aluminum and offered 240 bhp in standard tune with its dual SU carburetors. The engine would be used by Aston Martin in various states of tune and development through mid-1973.

Along with its potent powerplant, Aston Martin turned to Milanese design firm Carrozzeria Touring for its Superleggera (meaning super light) body design. This lightweight body clothed the rigid framework constructed of small-diameter tubes cloaked in aluminum panels. The chassis was designed by Harold Beach. At all four corners were Dunlop (later Girling) disc brakes.

The Aston Martin DB4 was the first production car capable of travelling from 0-100-0 mph in less than 30 seconds.

The current owner of this right-hand drive DB4 acquired it in 2006. Prior to that, it had been in Japan for a number of years, where it saw little use as part of a private automobile collection. Currently, there are about 79,800 miles on the odometer.
In 2011, this car was offered for sale at the RM Auction sale in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was estimated to sell for $175,000 - $225,000. Sadly, this was one of the few lots to cross the block and leave the auction unsold. Bidding reached $140,000 but was not enough to satisfy the car's reserve.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2011