1960 Aston Martin DB4

When the Aston Martin DB4 was introduced in 1958, it was instantly apparent that the British could rival (or even best) their Italian rivals at creating the ultimate Gran Turismo. The touring-styled car would have a very long production career, lasting until 1970 with only minor revisions along the way.

The DB4 was the first car of the David Brown era that did not employ an engine designed under the auspices of the great W. O. Bentley and was devoid of a chassis derived from the experimental Atom of 1939. Additionally, it was the first Aston Martin to wear 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. Its styling was by Touring, however, the DB4's fastback coachwork was built under license at Newport Pagnell by Aston Martin.

Under the bonnet was a Tadek Marek-designed, all-alloy, twin-overhead-camshaft six-cylinder engine with 'square' bore and stroke dimensions of 92x92mm. Total displacement equaled 3670cc and maximum horsepower was reached at 5500 RPM, offering 240 bhp. The entire package was mounted on a multi-tubular spaceframe structure with unequal-length wishbones in the front and a conventional live axle located by a Watts linkage in the rear.

Manufactured between October 1958 and June 1963, the DB4 developed through no fewer than five series. Those designations, however, were not defined by the factory and this nomenclature was suggested subsequently by the Aston Martin Owners Club to aid identification as the model evolved. Heavy-duty bumpers were added after the first 50 cars left the factory. The 2nd series arrived in January of 1960. The Series II cars included a front-hinged bonnet, larger brake calipers, and an enlarged sump. The Series III had separate rear lights, two bonnet stays, and many interior updates. The Series IV, produced from September of 1961 through October of 1962, had a new grille with seven vertical bars, shallower bonnet intake, and recessed rear lights. The Series V had 3.5-inches more in length which gave more room to the occupants and more trunk space. 15-inch wheels, an electric radiator fan, and the DB4GT-type instrument panel were also new to the Series V cars.

Between 1958 and 1963, including Vantage and convertible models, Aston Martin produced approximately 1,100 of these iconic 'Gentleman's Express' sports saloons.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2019