THE CAR THAT SPELLED THE FUTURE

In many ways, the DB4 was the model that spelled out Aston Martin’s future. Introduced at the 1958 London Motor Show, it carried an all-new six-cylinder engine, developed by the famous engineer Tadek Marek, variations of which would power the company’s products for a generation. In addition, its styling set the basic template that the company would follow for many years to come.

The twin-cam mill produced 240 horsepower in its standard tune, with dual SU carburettors, and was mounted in a new pressed steel platform frame with four-wheel disc brakes. Enclosing all of this was a lightweight Superleggera body, built by Touring of Italy in its famous style, with aluminium panels over a tubular inner frame. Capable of 0–100 mph in under 30 seconds, the DB4 placed Aston Martin on equal footing with its Italian arch-rivals, earned the Duke of Edinburgh’s Royal Warrant of Appointment, and would eventually grace the silver screen in the iconic “car movie” The Italian Job, in which Michael Caine drove a rather ill-fated DB4 Convertible.

It was the convertible that was the most exclusive and elusive of the road-going DB4s. With only 70 examples built, it is one of the rarest Aston Martin convertibles ever. Examples seldom become available for sale; rarer still are those restored to the standard of the car offered here.

CHASSIS NUMBER DB4C/1102/R

Chassis number DB4C/1102/R is the most desirable late-production Series V variant. Its original build sheet, a copy of which is on file, records its delivery new to Bell & Lunn Ltd., of 44 West Upper Berkeley Street in London, on 4 May 1963, via the agent in Brooklands. Finished in Platinum over Red, it was outfitted with the factory 3.77:1 rear axle with overdrive, considered a “necessary” option by enthusiasts. The build sheet further confirms that the car was delivered with engine number 370/1106, that which is still fitted today. Aston Martin Dorset records note an unusually long period of factory service records, through 1969, as the car was routinely looked after and “dialled-in” for its enthusiast owners. Those owners included a Mr C. Hirsch, also of London.

According to the consignor, the car was shipped to the United States around 1969 and spent the 1970s and early 1980s there, visiting both coasts. It returned to the United Kingdom in early 1985 and was registered to its next owner, Rodney Butterfield of Witney, Oxon, that January. By 1988 it had been acquired by Tim Walton, who, with co-driver Richard Young, raced the DB4 in the 3rd Pirelli Classic Marathon; the car wore #71 and finished 3rd in Class and 27th Overall. Mr Young must have been suitably impressed by the DB4’s performance in the event, as he acquired the car for himself in 1997.

By 2000, the car had been purchased by David Boden, of Casteinau de Montmiral, near Carcassonne, in southwest France. The consignor notes that Mr Boden took meticulous care of the DB4, entrusting marque specialist Chris Shenton Engineering of Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, to perform services and a full restoration, with Chris Shenton himself even traveling to Mr Boden’s Chateau Corduries to perform work on the car. This refurbishment, costing approximately ₤60,000, receipts for which are on file, included restoration of the body, as well as a complete inspection of the engine and gearbox; installation of a new clutch, fuel pumps, stainless steel exhaust system, and bumpers; re-plating of the brightwork; and a re-trimming of the interior in red leather, as original.

By 2006, the car was in concours condition. It was sold that year to Tom Alexander, a highly regarded Aston Martin collector and racing driver, who retained it for a decade, during which time it was maintained by Aston Engineering and his own racing company, 22GT Racing. The consignor acquired the car from Mr Alexander and entrusted it to Spray Tec Restorations of Northamptonshire, noted Aston Martin experts, who performed a thorough detailing and sorting, including removing the engine for further detailing, refinishing the engine bay and undercarriage, installing new brakes and brake pads, re-carpeting the interior in proper red Wilton, and relining the boot in black.

A superbly finished example with decades of known history and careful restoration and preservation by known enthusiasts, this car is certainly among the finest DB4 Convertibles on the market today and will enhance any Aston Martin connoisseur’s collection with its rarity and quality.