conceptcarz.com

1961 Aston Martin DB4

The Aston Martin DB4 made its debut in October of 1958 and was the first Aston Martin to wear Carrozzeria Touring's 'Superleggera' bodywork. It was also the first car of the David Brown era which was not powered by an engine originally designed by W.O. Bentley, nor was its chassis derived from the experimental Atom of 1939. It wore styling by Touring and its fastback coachwork was built under license at Newport Pagnell by Aston Martin. The result was a car that combined Italian styling cues with an unmistakable Aston Martin aerodynamically styled design.

Aston Martin fitted a new twin-overhead-camshaft, six-cylinder, 3.7-liter (3,670cc / 233 cubic-inch) engine designed by Tadek Marek in the DB4, previously used on the DBR2. The cylinder head and block were formed from cast R.R.50 aluminum alloy, and it was fed by twin-SU carburetors. The 240 horsepower produced by the engine was mated to a four-speed manual transmission and there were Servo-assisted disc brakes at all four corners. Initially, the 11.5-inch discs were by Dunlop but were later replaced by Girlings. The early 16-inch wheels with 600H16 Avon TurboSpeed crossply tires were also replaced later in production by 15-inch wheels with 6.70V15 Avon TurboSpeed. Optional 185VR16 Pirelli Cinturato CA67 tires were the radial option on the early examples and 185VR15 Pirelli Cinturato radials on the later models. The steering was via a rack-and-pinion setup and the suspension was independent with ball-jointed wishbones and coil springs. The live rear axle was located by a Watt's linkage. Cars destined for the United States typically had a 3.77 final-drive ratio and the British and European models used a 3.54:1 model. An optional 3.31:1 ratio was reserved for customers were preferred a higher top speed.

The Carrozzeria Touring-designed body was formed using their lightweight Superleggera tube-frame construction resting on a platform - rather than a tubular - chassis. The wheelbase measured 98 inches, had a length of 177 inches, and stood 66 inches tall.

Production of the DB4 ranged from October of 1958 through June of 1963 in no fewer than five series. The five series were subsequently suggested by the Aston Martin Owners Club to help identify the model as it evolved. The Series II models, first shown in 1960, had a front-hinged bonnet, an enlarged sump, and bigger brake calipers. Complaints about engine overheating resulted in the sump being increased from 15 pints to 17, the oil pump was uprated, and an oil cooler was added as an optional extra. The Series III examples, unlike the earlier cars which had a single-piece taillight, had three small taillamps mounted on a chrome backing plate. The Series IV had an egg-crate-styled grille and the Series V had a taller and longer body. Most of the Series V had the aerodynamically styled front fascia of the Vantage and GT models, which was later continued on the DB5 cars.

Most of the Aston Martin DB4s wore 2+2 closed coupe coachwork. 70 examples were built as dropheads (convertibles), with this body style being introduced in October 1961. Of these, 30 examples of Series IV and 40 were Series V. 32 examples received the more powerful Vantage engine.

Between 1958 and 1963, a total of 1,204 examples of the DB4 were produced including 56 as the DB4 GT and 19 as the DB4 GT Zagato.

The Vantage and Vantage GT

The Series IV models of 1961 gained a new high-performance DB4 Vantage option which added three SU carburetors and a special cylinder head resulting in output increasing to 266 hp. A total of 136 saloons and 32 convertibles received the Vantage engine and most had the enclosed headlights of the DB4 GT. A few examples of the non-GT Db4s received the GT's more-potent engine, and these are generally referred to as the Vantage GT. A total of fourteen were built in this configuration including three Series III, five Series IV, and six Series V cars.

The DB4 GT

Aston Martin built seventy-five examples of the DB4 GT with an additional nineteen by Zagato works in Italy as the DB4 GT Zagato. A single example was styled by Bertone and was known as the Bertone Jet. The Zagato-bodied examples had plain oval grilles, were devoid of the GT's tail fins, rode on Borrani wire wheels, and had a clean, smoothed-out rear end.

All of the Aston Martin DB4 GT examples were designed as high-performance versions of the DB4 enhanced via engine modifications and lightweight construction. They were introduced in September of 1959 and wore thinner aluminum coachwork over a shorter wheelbase platform. Due to the smaller footprint, most examples did not have rear seats.

The 3.7-liter and 3.8-liter engines had higher compression, three twin-choke Weber carburetors, and two sparkplugs per cylinder with two distributors. Producing approximately 300 horsepower, the GT was capable of sprinting from zero-to-sixty mph in 6.1 seconds and had a top speed of around 151 mph. They were the fastest road legal production car at the time.

by Dan Vaughan

Fastback Coupe by Touring
Chassis number: DB4527R

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 Dan Vaughan

Fastback Coupe by Touring
Chassis number: DB41342R

This 1961 Aston Martin DB4 is painted in classic British Racing Green and has been given a complete restoration that was performed between 1978 and 1981. In 2007, it was 'refreshed' with new paint and chrome. The interior is light cream leather and there is a wood-grained steering wheel and full set of gauges, an electric clock and radio. Under the hood is a dual-overhead cam six that offers 240 horsepower. There are four-wheel Girling disc brakes and rides on a 98-inch wheelbase

In 2008, this vehicle was offered for sale at the 'Sports & Classics of Monterey' presented by RM Auctions where it had an estimated value of $195,000 - $245,000. It was sold for a high bid of $162,250 including buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Fastback Coupe by Touring
Chassis number: DB4/527/R
Engine number: 370/538

This right-hand drive DB4 includes many of the advances introduced on the Series 2 version, including a front-hinged bonnet radiator blind, bigger front brake calipers and enlarged sump.

The car was sold through agents Century Motors, to W.J.F. Tillyard of Manchester Street, London. At the time, it was finished in dark red livery and with a black Connolly leather interior. Mr Tillyard gave his newly purchased DB4 a personal license plate of T 999. A few years later, the car was sold to E.E. Lazarus of London EC1. Another owner was A.E. Saunders.

In the 1990s, the car was sent from the United Kingdom to Japan where it would remain for the next two decades. During its stay in Japan, the car was restored cosmetically. In 2006, the car was purchased at Bonhams auction.

In 2010, the car was offered for sale at the Exceptional Motorcars and Automobilia auction presented by Bonhams. The car was estimated to sell for $200,000 - $250,000 but failed to find a buyer willing to satisfy its reserve. The car would leave unsold.

by Dan Vaughan

Fastback Coupe by Touring
Chassis number: DB4/527/R

This 1961 Aston Martin DB4 Series II Coupe with chassis number DB4/527/R was offered for sale at the 2006 Bonhams & Butterfields auction held at the Quail Lodge in Carmel, California where it was estimated to sell between $135,000 - $165,000. On auction day, a new owner was found, though the winning bid was less than the estimated value, at $128,000.

by Dan Vaughan

Fastback Coupe by Touring
Chassis number: DB4/718/R
Engine number: 370/755

The Aston Martin DB4 made its introduction at the 1958 London Motor Show. It had a rigid box-frame chassis, developed under Harold Beach, and featured a coil-over A-arm front suspension with an anti-sway bar and a live rear axle with trailing arms, a proper Watts linkage, and coil springs. The coachwork was styled in Italy by Carrozzeria Touring, using their patented Superleggera process of small-diameter steel tubing to support body panels made of light alloy.

The DB4 was powered by an alloy six-cylinder twin-cam unit that was designed by engineer, Czech-born Tadek Marek. The lightweight alloy-cased, four-speed synchromesh gearbox was also an in-house design, built by David Brown's gear and machine tool division. Stopping power was provided by four-wheel disc brakes.

This example, chassis number DB4/718/R, was delivered on July 27, 1961, through agent C. Williams. The car was outfitted with Smith instruments in mph, a heated backlight, two Marchal fog lamps, and a Motorola 818 radio. The car was finished in the body color of Snow Shadow Grey over Dark Blue Connolly trim. It spent a quarter-century in England where it was registered as 7727 JW. The 'JW' refers to John Windridge, a senior director of Castrol Limited.

During its first few years of ownership, the car saw extensive use. The second caretaker was Ronald Rawden. Mr. Rawden found the DB4 in a garage in Woodford, Essex. In the late 1960s, the car was in the care of Mr. Sudbury, of Suffolk, who acquired the car with 21,589 miles on its odometer in September 1969 and commissioned a full road inspection and new battery. It is believed that not long after, the car was escorted to a new home in the United States. An individual from Mississippi became the car's next owner.

The car still wears its repaint in Caribbean Blue from the 1960s. Currently, the car does not run or drive.

by Dan Vaughan

Fastback Coupe by Touring
Chassis number: DB4/580/L
Engine number: 370/584

This Aston Martin is a Series II DB4 fastback coupe. It is an original factory left-hand-drive car that was delivered new by Southern California distributor Charles Hornburg to its Los Angeles-based original owner, who is thought to be a Mr. J.A. Rogers. Ultimately, the DB4 was acquired in British Columbia, Canada, by its current U.S. owner, with known past owners (four in all) residing on the West Coast. It currently wears its original color of Caribbean Pearl. In April of 2014, it successfully completed the 1,200 mile Canadian rally, the Spring Thaw.

The car has a rare set of factory-optional Borrani wire wheels (including the spare wheel), which are shod in Vredestein Sprint Classic radial tires. The DB4 is also equipped with its original Motorola radio and a pair of authentic Marchal driving lamps. It has its original jack, leather-bound owner's handbook, and tool roll. Currently the odometer shows just over 62,000 miles.

The engine is a 3670cc dual overhead cam six-cylinder engine with twin SU carburetors and delivering 240 horsepower. There is a four-speed David Brown manual transmission along with four-wheel, servo-assisted hydraulic disc brakes.

by Dan Vaughan

Fastback Coupe by Touring
Chassis number: DB4/525/L
Engine number: 370/546

This Aston Martin DB4 Series II Sports Saloon Coachwork by Touring is an early example with several styling cues of the series of this model, including the large hood scoop and 'cathedral' rear lights. Just 351 examples were built with most remaining on the home market in right hand drive configuration.

This example has recently been retrieved from long-term storage, having spent more than fifteen years in a slumber. At some point in its history it was given a repaint in the gold color it wears today.

This car left the factory finished in Pale Primrose with a black leather interior. It was fitted with optional chrome wire wheels, rear view mirrors and 3.77 rear axle ratio. It was sent through U.S. agents Inskip to Sidney Langsam in Denver, Colorado. It came into his care on April 24th of 1961. It is believed to have remained with Mr. Langsam until his death in 1973. It is also thought to have remained in Colorado through the 1970s. In the early 1980s, it moved East, and was seen driving around New York City. It was soon put into storage where it would rest until 2018.

The car is said to be in good 'barn find' condition. Its body and chassis are straight, and the doors and trunk have a good fit.

by Dan Vaughan

Fastback Coupe by Touring
Chassis number: DB4/558/L
Engine number: 370/567

This Aston Martin is one of 349 Series II DB4s produced. Exterior design features include one-piece 'cathedral' taillights, a tall hood scoop, and perforated grille. It is a left-hand-drive example that was delivered new in July of 1961 to Charles M. Huttig of Clayton, Missouri. Mr. Huttig had specified it be finished in Snow Shadow Grey with a red leather interior and chrome-plated wire wheels. It was built with standard equipment for US delivery cars including a Power-Lok differential and 3:77:1 final-drive rear-axle ratio.

By the 1990s, the DB4 had made its way to the northeast, where it was acquired from Doug Petersen's Petersen Classics in 2002 by Richard Phillips of Westport, Connecticut. It soon received a professional restoration, which was completed in 2004. It was then shown at the Fairfield and Greenwich Concours d'Elegance before being sold to Indianapolis 500 victor Danny Sullivan in 2014. The current owner has fitted the car with period-correct Pirelli Cinturato radial tires and period-style seat belts using NOS Britax hardware and matching webbing.

The car has since been shown at the 2016 Hillsborough Concours d'Elegance and the 2018 Rule Britannia inaugural event in Monterey. It is currently finished in Aston Martin Racing Green over parchment-tan leather with contrasting green piping and matching green Wilton carpets.

by Dan Vaughan

Fastback Coupe by Touring
Chassis number: DB4/664/L
Engine number: 370/669

This 1961 Aston Martin DB4 is a so-called Series III example, one of 165 examples built. It has a simplified tail light cluster, an electric tachometer, and twin bonnet stays. It has a left-hand drive configuration and was originally sold to Henry L.T. Koren, a U.S. diplomat living in Washington, D.C. Mr. Koren was Director of the Office of Southeast Asian Affairs, later becoming Ambassador to the Republic of Congo, Deputy Director for Coordination, Bureau of Intelligence and Research, Department of State, and later the Deputy Ambassador to Vietnam.

The vehicle left the factory finished in Goodwood Green over a red Connolly leather interior. By September of 1963, the car had been driven nearly 22,000 miles. More recently, the car has been reupholstered in tan hides.

By the late 1990s, the car was in the care of an enthusiast in Washington State. It came to the east coast a decade later where it is believed that the engine bay, undercarriage, and trunk were detailed.

In 2017, the car was shown at the Aston Martin Owners Club Lime Rock Concours where it placed second in the DB4 class.

by Dan Vaughan

Fastback Coupe by Touring
Chassis number: DB4/845/R
Engine number: 370/911

When the Aston Martin DB4 was introduced in 1958, it was the first car of the David Brown era to wear Carrozzeria Touring's 'Superleggera' aluminum bodywork over a small-diameter steel tube framework. Also significant was its engine - the first non-Lagonda-designed unit. It was an alloy twin-cam 3.7-liter straight-six engineered by Tadek Marek and offering speeds of 140 mph.

This particular 1961 Aston Martin DB4 Series IV was completed near the close of November 1961. It is a right-hand-drive example that was dispatched via Brooklands of Bond Street Ltd. to its first owner, Terence Sansom of Brighton, England. It wore a custom-ordered hue of Delphinium Blue, with a black leather interior and optional overdrive, Power Lok differential, Borrani wire wheels with knock-off hubcaps, oil cooler, oil temperature gauge, heated rear window, Marchal headlights, and 'Special interior leather trimming and carpeting.'

The engine was later converted to Special Series specification with three SU carburetors instead of the standard two, along with larger valves and 9:1 compression.

This Aston Martin changed hands five times among UK-based caretakers through 1969, by which time the car had been repainted in yellow. After an engine rebuild in 1970, the DB4 was imported to the United States by a new owner, Mark E. Leistickow of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. When Mr. Leistickow relocated to Miami, Florida, in 1977, he brought the car with it. In 2013, the Aston Martin was purchased by James D. Zahringer of West Palm Beach, Florida, and shortly thereafter joined the Jim Taylor collection in Gloversville, New York.

The DB4 currently wears a heavily worn pale blue exterior, original leather hides, factory-specified Marchal headlights, Borrani wire wheels, Radiomobile radio, Smiths clock and oil temperature gauge, and tinted Plexiglass sun visors. There are period-correct Sebring mirror and accessory teardrop racing mirrors, and original chrome 'GB' lettering on the rear deck. Currently, the odometer displays 83,232 miles.

The current owner purchased the Aston Martin in 2022 and brought it to Broad Arrow's auction in Amelia in 2023.

by Dan Vaughan

The DB name came from the name David Brown (later Sir David Brown), an individual who had purchased the Aston Martin Company.

The DB4 series was built from 1958 through 1963. A total of 1040 vehicles and five series were produced during this time frame. The coachwork was performed by Touring of Milan, Italy. The body panels were hand made of aluminum mounted on a steel tube frame and featuring the Superleggera method of construction. Superleggera means super light.

Initially, the DB4 series used disc brakes made by Dunlop but later switched to the Girling made disc brakes. Each of the five series featured improvements, design modifications, and technological enhancements. All of the DB4s received their power from a Tadek Mereck designed, 3670 cc, six-cylinder, all aluminum engine. The 220-240 horsepower engine could propel the car to a top speed of around 140 mph and the go from zero to sixty in just 8.5 seconds. David Brown, the owner of Aston Martin, produced the overdrive transmission.

The standard DB4 body style was the Saloon version; however, the Vantage series could be ordered and featured higher horsepower ratings.

In 1959, Aston Martin introduced the DB4 GT series. This series featured a shorter wheelbase and higher output than the standard DB4 Saloon. Due to the shorter wheelbase there were no rear seats. The engine had three twin-choke Weber Carburetors and twin distributors increasing the output of the standard engine to 302 bhp. This extra horsepower increased the top speed to around 153 mph and the zero-to-sixty time of around six seconds.

Other distinguishable features of the GT series were the exposed, racing style, fuel filer caps located on the rear wings. Perspex headlamp covers adorned the front of the vehicles.

The GT series was produced from 1959 through 1963. During this time period, 75 models were produced. The Italian coachbuilder Zagato was tasked at producing the bodies of 19 of these vehicles.

In 1960 the Zagato bodied cars were introduced at the London Motor Show. These hand-built vehicles were built to outperform Ferrari's. The short wheelbase, light weight construction, 314 horsepower engine, and a top speed of 160 mph made them very competitive.

The DB4 Drophead Coupe was produced from 1961 through 1963. During this time frame, 70 examples were created. They were convertibles built on the DB4 Saloon body style using the same aluminum, Superleggera body construction. The standard six-cylinder 3670 cc engine was now producing 260 horsepower. Thirty-two of the convertibles received the Vantage specifications which increased the output of the engine. The overdrive transmission was also available as an option.

In the 1960's, the DB4 Drophead Coupe was used in the movie 'The Italian Job.'

During the 1980's, an Aston Martin specialist named Richard Williams produced the remaining DB4's using the assistance of the Aston Martin factory and unused chassis.

by Dan Vaughan

Aston Martin unveiled their DB4 at the 1958 Paris Salon. This was a big achievement for the small British manufacturer as it was a totally new car on a completely new steel platform chassis and disc brakes on all four corners. It was powered by an alloy twin-cam 3.7-liter straight-six engine and bodied by Touring of Milan in an elegant fastback aluminum body. This combination was performance-oriented with all the necessary criteria such as the potent engine, lightweight body, excellent stopping power provided by the disc brakes, and finished in an attractive and elegant fastback configuration. It was state-of-the-art at the time, a modern masterpiece of British engineering and Italian styling.

Harold Beech was involved with the engineering of the chassis, including the fitting of an independent front suspension and a live rear axle located by trailing arms and a Watt's linkage. The coachwork was constructed by Aston Martin under license from Touring

At the September 1959 London Motor Show, Aston Martin introduced their competition variant dubbed the DB4 GT. It was based on the race-winning prototype SP199/1. In the very capable hands of Sterling Moss, the GT prototype had won its first outing in May 1959 at Silverstone.

The Aston Martin DB4 GT sat on a shortened wheelbase, made lighter, and given a more powerful engine. The engine was given a higher compression ratio, twin-plug cylinder heads, and triple dual-throat Weber 45 DCOE carburetors. Weight was reduced by 91 kg overall, partly by reducing the wheelbase by around 5 inches. The Standard DB4 produced 240 horsepower while the DB4GT produced 302 BHP making it the most powerful British car of its era. Top speed was achieved at just over 150 mph and zero-to-sixty took a mere 6.1 seconds.

The DB4 and DB4GT were visually distinguishable by the faired in headlamps, a feature that was later made standard on the DB5. The DB4 GT had quick-release 'Monza' fuel fillers on each of the rear wings, bumper overrider deletes, and frameless roll-down windows within the doors. The interior of the DB4 GT was rather luxurious with Connolly hides and Wilton wool carpeting. An oil temperature gauge was added to the array of instrumentation, along with an 8000 RPM tachometer.

The Ferrari SWB 250 Berlinetta was a very dominant and competitive car in FIA racing, but the DB4 GTs were able to mount a strong challenge in 1959 by both the Works team and Jon Ogier's Essex Racing stable. Individuals usually found behind the wheel included Stirling Moss, Jim Clark, Roy Salvadori, and Innes Ireland.

Production of the Aston Martin DB4 GT lasted from 1959 through 1963 with a total of 75 examples produced, plus an additional 19 created by Zagato in various configurations. 45 of the 75 were right-hand drive with the other 30 having left-hand drive. Six of the 75 are known to have full Factory lightweight construction details. These six are further divided into two additional categories. The first group consisting of four examples were originally ordered as 'Build Sheet GTs' meaning they were ordered with this lightweight specification. Two were Right Hand Drive and the other two were Left Hand Drive. The other lightweight group is referred to as 'BESPOKE' or Service Department created GTs. Meaning they were modified to the lightweight specification after the factory had performed the original build.

Thus, most of the DB4 GTs created were suitable for competition or Grand Touring, for road or track.

by Dan Vaughan

The Aston Martin DB4 was first introduced to the public at the 1958 Paris Salon and powered by a 3.7-liter straight eight and clothed in an aluminum body. Touring of Milan was tasked with creating the design. The Aston Martin DB4 GT was introduced a year later at the London Motor Show and was based on the race winning prototype SP199/1. 1959 was a great year for Aston martin as they had won the World Sportscar Championship title. The GT prototype inaugural race was in May of 1959 at Silverstone where it finished in first place at the hands of Stirling Moss.

The Aston Martin DB4 GT was lighter, shorter, and more powerful than the base DB4. In an effort to reduce the weight of the vehicle the bodywork was made thinner using 18 gauge alloy. The wheelbase was reduced by 13cm which made the rear seats obsolete. In total, 200 pounds had been shed. Under the graceful hood was the six-cylinder engine modified with twin plug cylinder heads and triple dual-throat Weber 45 DCOE carburetors. Horsepower was raised to over 300, bettering the standard DB4 engine by 60 horsepower, and making it the most powerful British sports car of its era.

Most of the DB4 GT's had Plexiglas rear screen and quarter windows. Disc brakes could be found on all four corners, as could the alloy Boranni wire wheels. The roll-down windows were frameless within the doors. A high-capacity fuel tank could be found in the rear. Quick-release 'Monza' fuel fillers were placed atop of the rear wings. All of this equated to a car that had a top speed over 150 mph and could race from zero-to-sixty in just over 6 seconds. Visually, in comparison to the DB4, the GT has cowled headlights and a very prominent hood scoop.

The interior of the cars were race inspired but still filled with luxurious amenities.

The DB4 GT was produced from 1959 through 1963 with only 75 examples being produced plus another 19 examples bodied by Zagato. 45 were right-hand drive and 30 were left hand drive. The Zagato bodied cars were necessary to keep pace with Ferrari's 250 GT machines. Zagato was legendary in the world or automotive weight reduction and their skills were in high demand. Ercole Spada of Zagato was given the task of performing the necessary modifications. Even after Zagato worked his magic, the Ferrari's proved to competitive for the DB4 GT's. Though the DB4 GT's suffered from oversteer and and low rigidity, its Achilles' heal was the fact that it was born from a road going car.

The final DB4 GT constructed was sent to Bertone who fitted it with a body and had it sent to the 1961 Geneva and Turin Motorshows. It was styled by Giorgietto Giugiaro who was in the infancy of his career. This, the 76th and final DB4 GT produced, was given an attractive steel body.

by Dan Vaughan