266 bhp, 3,670 cc ‘Vantage’ all-alloy DOHC inline six-cylinder engine, triple Weber carburettors, fully synchronised four-speed manual gearbox with overdrive, independent front transverse wishbone suspension, rear coil-spring suspension, and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: 2,490 mm

• One of only 95 Series V Vantage Coupés built

• Original Vantage specification, with correct SS-type engine

• Accompanied by a copy of the original Aston Martin build sheet

In 1956, development of the all-new Aston Martin DB4 began concurrently with that of the car it eventually succeeded, the DB2-derived DB Mark III. The DB4 was introduced at the London Motor Show during the autumn of 1958, and not only did it set the tone of Aston Martin styling for years to come, it also introduced an all-new engine designed by famed Polish-born engineer Tadek Marek.

The DB4 engine, fitted with dual overhead camshafts and displacing 3,670 cc, was entirely constructed from aluminium and produced 240 bhp in standard tune with dual SU carburettors. While this basic engine was certainly impressive, the Vantage-specification power unit was available from September 1961 and delivered 26 additional horsepower.

Aston Martin turned to Milan’s Carrozzeria Touring for a fresh, Continental-inspired body design, which was executed with Touring’s famed Superleggera (super light) process utilising a framework of small-diameter tubing cloaked in aluminium panels. The Harold Beach-designed chassis was both simpler and more rigid than that of its predecessors, using a new pressed-steel platform frame. Four-wheel Dunlop, later Girling, disc brakes dramatically improved stopping power. In keeping with its innovative specifications, the DB4 holds the distinction of being the first production car capable of travelling from 0-100-0 mph in less than 30 seconds. As such, it squarely placed Aston Martin on an equal footing with both of its Italian archrivals, Ferrari and Maserati.

Aston Martin had moved from strength to strength throughout the 1950s and the 1960s, and the DB4 played a crucial role in the marque’s successful era. In 1958, Britain’s Prince Philip awarded Aston Martin his Royal Warrant of Appointment. Meanwhile, under the guidance of famed works team manager John Wyer, Aston Martin took overall victory at Le Mans in 1959, with Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori driving the mighty DBR1 sports racer, en route to achieving the World Manufacturer’s Championship for sports cars.

Following on the success of the DB4 Coupé, the Convertible was announced at the 1961 London Motor Show. While the phrases “Aston Martin” and “movie car” generally evoke images of 007’s famed DB5 from Goldfinger and Thunderball, the DB4 also graced the silver screen in the 1960s cult classic The Italian Job.

In total, just 1,119 DB4s were produced, with 185 Series V examples, including the car offered here, which is rarer still as one of the 95 Series V Vantage Coupés produced. It was originally UK-registered ‘6633 PK’ and sold via Aston Martin agent J. Blake & Co. to Monk and Dunston of 122 Chancery Lane, WC2, London.

According to the build sheets, DB4/1020/R was originally finished in Dubonnet red with Fawn Connolly upholstery. It was specified with the rare option of overdrive, as well as a 3.77 rear-axle ratio. Even more important and very desirable today is that it is an original Vantage or ‘Special Series’ engine car, as denoted by the final ‘SS’ on the engine number. DB4/1020/R was also fitted with other interesting features including an oil cooler, a heated rear screen and electric window lifts, which are of course still fitted to the car today, as well as a Motorola radio that is also still fitted. All told, DB4/1020/R was obviously a very well-equipped car.

From the Aston Martin build sheets, we also know that DB4/1020/R returned to the works for service regularly until 1967, when the car was subjected to an engine overhaul. It is believed that the car remained in the UK for many more years, until in 2005, when it was owned by Patrick Engerber in France, before passing into the ownership of the current owner.

This special DB4 has been restored to a very high standard, with the body virtually flawless and looking magnificent in deep black. Under the bonnet, the car presents very well, and the interior is virtually unmarked. It was recently driven by an RM specialist, and we can confirm that this 1962 Aston Martin DB4 Vantage Series V drives as well as it looks, even in the hot weather of southern Europe where the car was tested, with the coolant temperature remaining constant and the oil temperature good.

The DB4 Series V Vantage on offer shares many similarities with its younger brother, the DB5, as well as the DB4 GT. Its rarity, high specification and sound running order certainly warrant very close attention from Aston Martin enthusiasts.