Lot 154

Amelia Island 2018

1962 Aston Martin DB4 Series IV

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Sold After Auction

United States | Amelia Island, Florida

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Chassis No.
DB4/817/L
Engine No.
370/790
  • Only 12,500 documented miles
  • One of the lowest mileage DB4s extant
  • Three private owners, including 40-year single ownership
  • Fully restored in 2005-2006 with emphasis on originality
  • Multiple award-winner, including Class Championship at the North American Aston Martin Owners Club (AMOC) Lime Rock Concours in 2007

The DB4 marked a significant development for Aston Martin; a sleek, Italian-styled GT with a Tadek Marek-designed engine, 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. The benefits of a later-series DB4 are apparent in DB4/817/L; by the later years of production, mechanical issues such as engine overheating had been worked out, yet the model still retained the pure DB4 appearance, including such elements as the individual rear indicators.

As recorded by the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust, DB4/817/L was originally ordered by a New York dealer in November 1961 before being sold onto Mr. James Newman of Maryland in February 1963. Loaded with optional equipment, such as overdrive, chrome wheels, electric windows, and a Motorola radio, the build sheet notes that Mr. Newman took full advantage of Aston Martin's yearlong guarantee. The car received several services, including a refitting of the right-hand electric window, and a complete repaint at the end of 1963. Mr. Newman sold the DB4 to Pennsylvania residents Dr. and Mrs. Tukanowis in February of 1965. As the Tukanowis' owned two other vehicles for everyday use, the Aston Martin was used only to drive Dr. Tukanowis the few blocks back and forth to the hospital daily. By 1990, the DB4 had been garaged; however, inspections were maintained through 1999.

In 2004, the current owner's chief restorer was viewing other vehicles in Mrs. Tukanowis' garage when he spotted an Aston Martin hidden in the corner. Though knowing nothing about the condition of the car, the current owner immediately offered to purchase the vehicle and sent a truck that day to pick it up. The DB4 was in remarkably good condition considering its 15-year storage. Restoration efforts were immediately undertaken with the aim to retain as many of the original parts as possible. As seen in the extensive photo documentation, the dashboard leather was in beautiful condition and did not need replacing. Even the original tool kit was in excellent condition, and the spare tire appears unused and like new. All the original parts were maintained, and still retain the stamped "817" that mark them as being handmade for this vehicle. The original color scheme of blue Caribbean Pearl over Fawn leather has been retained and is arguably one of the more beautiful combinations available.

Post restoration, the current owner began to show the DB4 at various concours events. DB4/817/L immediately stunned the judges, winning either 1st place or Best of Show in every British class it entered. In 2007, the car won the Class Championship at the North American AMOC Lime Rock Concours.

Offered with photo-documentation of the restoration as well as documentation dating back to the 1960s, including build sheets and affidavits from multiple sources confirming the mileage as original and correct, this is without a doubt the most desirable DB4 offered at present. Concours condition, low mileage, and with only three owners from new, the next owner might feel as though they were buying a brand-new DB4.