Beschreibung:

Launched at the London Motor Show in 1958, the Aston Martin DB4 emphatically demonstrated that a British manufacturer could better the Italians at their own game when it came to constructing the ultimate Granturismo. Classically proportioned and instantly recognizable from the moment of its introduction, the Touring-styled DB4 established a look that would survive, with only minor revisions, until 1970. ‘Following in the classic tradition of close-coupled sports saloons, the 3.7-litre DB4 Aston Martin carries orthodox modernity to its highest pitch. A luxurious two-seat saloon which can carry four adults when necessary, it recorded almost 140mph as a two-way mean speed over the measured mile. Yet we were able to record acceleration figures from 10mph in the same gear ratio,’ reported The Motor magazine. That the DB4 was able to manifest this rare combination of unrestrained high performance and civilized docility was down to its magnificent engine. A new design by Tadek Marek, the DB4’s all-alloy, twin-overhead-camshaft six featured ‘square’ bore and stroke dimensions of 92mm for a displacement of 3,670cc and developed its maximum output of 240bhp at 5,500rpm. The David Brown gearbox was a new four-speed all-synchromesh unit. An immensely strong platform-type chassis replaced the DB2/4’s multi-tubular spaceframe, the latter being considered incompatible with Touring’s Superleggera body construction, which employed its own lightweight tubular structure to support the aluminum-alloy body panels. The DB2/4’s trailing-link independent front suspension gave way to unequal-length wishbones, while at the rear the DB4’s live axle was located by means of trailing links and a transverse Watts linkage instead of its predecessor’s Panhard rod. The DB4’s peerless credentials as a Grand Routier were summed up thus by The Motor: ‘Performance, controllability and comfort have been combined in the Aston Martin DB4 to make it a highly desirable car: one in which long journeys can be completed very quickly indeed with the minimum of risk or discomfort and the maximum of pleasure.’ Manufactured between October 1958 and June 1963, the DB4 developed through no fewer than five series. The first had already undergone a number of improvements, including the fitting of heavy-duty bumpers after the first 50 cars, before the second series arrived in January 1960. A front-hinged bonnet, bigger brake calipers and an enlarged sump were the major changes made on the Series 2, while the third series featured separate rear lights, two bonnet stays and a host of improvements to the interior fittings. The fourth series was readily distinguishable by its new grille (with seven vertical bars), shallower bonnet intake and recessed rear lights, while the final (fifth) series manufactured between September 1962 and June 1963 was lengthened by 3½” to 15’ (allowing for increased leg room and a larger boot) and gained 15” wheels, an electric radiator fan and the DB4GT-type instrument panel. As always, a Vantage or Special Series (/SS) engine was available as an option. This unit, equipped with larger valves, raised compression ratio and triple SU carburetors, produced no less than 266bhp at 5,700rpm, an increase of 26bhp over standard. With the exception of the first 50 built, only 14 of which had the Special Series engine, almost all Series 5 DB4s were to Vantage specification and came with the faired-in headlights of the DB4GT. Sold new in the UK (the AMOC Register records its registration there as ‘290 HWR’) this right-hand drive DB4 Series 5 Vantage was acquired by the consignor earlier this year, having been in the immediately preceding owner’s possession since 1999. The car is described as unrestored, while benefiting from recent mechanical work carried out by Redline Restorations in Stamford, CT (invoices available) and is offered with New Jersey Certificate of Title. Finished in dark blue with black leather interior, this car represents a rare opportunity to acq