The DB4 marked a significant development for Aston Martin: a sleek Italian-styled GT with a Tadek Marek–designed engine for which demand was instantaneous. Throughout the five-year production run, modifications to the model resulted in aficionados separating the models into five series. Offered here is one of the more desirable Series IV, equipped with the uprated Special Series (SS) engine.

The upgrades of the later-series DB4 are apparent in DB4/965/L. By the later years of production, mechanical issues such as engine overheating had been solved, yet the model retained that pure DB4 appearance that was so popular. Subtle body modifications, including recessed rear lights, a lower bonnet scoop, and a new grille with vertical bars, meant that the DB4 became even better-looking. What truly set the Series IV apart, however, was the introduction of the Special Series engine—an optional extra for those owners requesting additional power.

DB4/965/L was factory-equipped with one of these SS engines; fitted with three SU HD8 carburetors, with a higher compression ratio and larger valves, the engine was quoted as producing 266 bhp—nearly 30 bhp over the standard power plant. Although this engine evolved into what became the Vantage engine, it would be inaccurate to call DB4/965/L a DB4 Vantage. DB4/965/L was also ordered with the optional overdrive and chrome road wheels, as well as the highly desirable electric window lifts.

Originally delivered to Henri Annecorde of Paris through French Aston Martin dealer Mirabeau, much of the early life of this DB4 is unknown. The build sheet on file records a further French owner—Mr. Le Geuzec, though the Aston Martin was later sold into the United Kingdom. By 1988 a Mr. W.F. Gilbertson-Hart owned the DB4, and he appears to have sold the car through well-known Rolls-Royce dealer P&A Wood a few years later. In 1990 the car was registered to Ms. Susie Dixon Smith, who then became the married Susannah Mary Harris. After two further British owners, the later of whom returned the DB4 to its original Caribbean Pearl, the Aston Martin was purchased by its current owner in 2006.

At that time, the DB4 underwent a full Aston Martin Works restoration. Chassis DB4/965/L was meticulously restored with the intention of returning the vehicle to as-new delivery specification. Now in fully restored condition and accompanied by a build sheet confirming the matching-numbers SS engine, this 1962 Aston Martin DB4 is without a doubt one of the finest Series IV SS examples available.