“Special Series” form, 3,670 cc aluminium alloy engine with dual overhead camshafts and three SU HD8 carburettors, four-speed synchromesh alloy-cased gearbox, four-wheel coil-spring suspension, four-wheel Dunlop disc brakes. Wheelbase: 2,490 mm

• Sporting Series V Vantage with up-rated underpinnings

• Well documented car with an interesting track history

• Equally at home on the road or track

The DB4, introduced at the London Motor Show in 1958, immediately drew a large amount of interest from the motoring public, as it was to mark a major step in the evolution of the Aston Martin name. Designed by a highly dedicated team consisting of the general manager John Wyer, chassis engineer Harold Beach and engine designer Tadek Marek, the DB4 elevated the firm to the forefront of the great grand tourers. Top speed of these cars was advertised at some 140 mph with a zero to 60 time of about nine seconds, making the DB4 one of the fastest tourers of its time. The DB4 was the first Aston Martin to use the platform frame upon which the body was constructed with square tubular members. The DB4 was to go through many cosmetic changes in its five-year lifespan, from 1958 to 1963, with a total of 1,110 cars being produced.

The ‘Vantage’ option only became available when the 4th series DB4 entered production. Since then it has been used to indicate many different levels of enhancement, but the common denominator has always been performance, up to and including today’s current models.

They are outwardly identifiable by their slotted grille in combination with a better integrated, flatter bonnet scoop and the recessed and triple-stacked tail lamps, all features that carried over to the later DB5. With the Series IV cars came the introduction of the 'Special Series' engine in September 1961, which added a third SU HD8 carburettor, a higher compression ratio (9:1) and larger valves, which boosted horsepower by over 10 percent to a quoted 266 bhp, a useful increase over the already robust standard-specification engine. Most, but not all, 'SS'-engine-equipped DB4s were also enhanced with the attractively faired-in headlamps popularised by the iconic DB4GT and carried over to the DB5.

DB4/1146/R was sold new on 2 March, 1963 to Mr. J.O.E. Hood Esq. of Maison des Pres, St. Peter, Jersey via the supplying agent St. Helier Garages with Jersey registration ‘J 142.’ Built by the factory as a Vantage-spec car with triple SU HD8 carburettors, the car was finished in Snow Shadow Grey with blue leather interior and fitted with chrome wire road wheels. Following a brief stint in Jersey, the DB4 was repatriated to the UK to a new owner in London, a Mr. Jason of New Bond Street W1. Sometime later Mr. Keanes of Essex acquired the car. Ownership then passed to Mr. M. Lamplough of High Wycombe around 1984. Mr. Lamplough kept the DB4 for two years before selling to noted collector Hubert Fabri.

Mr. Fabri entrusted the car to marque expert Ian Mason to maintain and prepare it for club racing/hill-climbing, and he began to compete at Aston Martin Owners Club events shortly after his acquisition. Indeed DB4/1146/R became a regular sight at AMOC events and was quite a spectacle to see on the circuit. It looked as it did when it left the factory, unlike some of the other Aston ‘hot rods’ in the race. It was equally capable, and the author fondly remembers standing at Paddock Hill Bend watching this stylish car at racing speed on more than one occasion!

Extensive documentation is supplied throughout Mr. Fabri’s ownership, and the accompanying invoices from Ian Mason are complete in the history file. In 1996 the vendor purchased the car from Mr. Fabri, a keen racing driver himself, who continued to campaign the car in AMOC events. The DB4 was sent to the Aston Martin works service in 1996 for repairs to sections of corrosion in the chassis, but Ian Mason continued to maintain and prepare the car, obviously knowing it well after having worked with it for the previous few years. A total body and chassis restoration was completed in 1998/1999. During this time the roll cage was strengthened, and Koni adjustable front shocks were fitted along with a stiffer front anti-roll bar and solid steering rack mountings.

Having enjoyed regular exercise on the circuit, this car is well set up and has a Harvey Bailey handling kit and a full bolted-in roll cage with door bars, bulkhead bar and detachable rear diagonal bar. ADA rear axle half shaft seals are fitted with up-rated rear shock absorbers, an ADA up-rated gearbox, negative camber upper kingpin housings and Borrani 15-inch wire wheels. DB5 brakes are fitted with cooling ducts front and rear, and there are separate servo units for the front and rear brakes.

The original capacity 3,670-cc engine has been improved with a balanced crankshaft, lightened flywheel and balanced clutch assembly. The cylinder head and manifolds are gas flowed, and the cylinder head has been machined for a higher compression ratio of 10:1 with balanced pistons and machined valve pockets. In addition, balanced Carrillo connecting rods are fitted, and the cylinder block is braced, in all providing excellent performance and handling.

Finished in dark blue coachwork with light blue leather interior, the front seats are custom made and trimmed in blue leather as per the rest of the interior. The original front seats are supplied with the car. A spares package accompanies the car, including the original front grille, original brake callipers, original air box and two sets of wheels, amongst other parts.

This is an opportunity to acquire a rare Aston Martin DB4 Vantage with an interesting documented racing history and HTP technical passport. A comprehensive history file accompanies this very exciting and well-sorted car with a lovely patina. Fully UK-registered and with a current MoT certificate, it is the perfect gentleman’s weekend racer that can be driven to the circuit, raced and driven home again complete with a boot full of trophies!