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LOT 116 Goodwood Green
Little need be said about Aston Martins before hearts start racing and the opposite sex starts taking note. In the car world they are the kings of cool. Aside from the usual clichéd Bond connotations Charlie Croker drove a DB4 Convertible in the cult film The Italian Job. Add to the car’s celebrity status a superb racing pedigree and stunning looks and you have yourself a recipe for pure motoring sex appeal. Producing a very healthy 240 bhp at 5,500 rpm, the Aston Martin DB4 was the first road going car that claimed a 0-100 mph time of sub 30 seconds – indeed Aston Martin claimed it was capable of reaching 100 mph in 21 seconds. Work on the DB4 started in 1956 with the three key players being General Manager John Wyer, Chassis Designer Harold Beach and Engine Designer Tadek Marek. The body design was by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan using their ‘Superleggera’ construction. Launched at the London Motor Show in 1958 the DB4 was an instant crowd pleaser and demonstrated the British ability to mix it with Italy’s best when it came to producing a superb Gran Turismo. 1,210 DB4s were produced between October 1958 and June 1963 in which time the company produced no fewer than five different series as well as a number of variations on the theme, including the DB4 Convertible launched in 1961, the DB4 GT variant and the iconic DB4 GT Zagato. The first series had already undergone a number of improvements, including the fitting of heavy-duty bumpers after the first 50 cars, before the 2nd series arrived in January 1960. A front-hinged bonnet, bigger brake callipers and an enlarged sump were the most notable alterations on the Series 2, while the 3rd series featured separate rear lights, two bonnet stays and a host of improvements to the interior fittings. The 4th series was the first major style change, having a new style of grille with seven vertical bars, recessed rear lights and a shallower bonnet scoop. The final, 5th series was lengthened allowing for increased leg room and a larger boot and gained 15 inch diameter wheels, an electric radiator fan and the DB4GT-type instrument panel. The Series V Vantage then paved the way for the introduction of the DB5. The delightful example offered for sale here benefits from a continuous ownership history from new and is offered for sale with a substantial history file. Sold new in New Zealand and fitted with the desirable SS specification engine that powers it to this day the car’s ownership history whilst in New Zealand is fully detailed in the accompanying copy of the New Zealand log books. It then came to Australia in February 1989 where it formed part of two Aston Martin collections for a period of over 20 years, taking pride of place in each collection due to its stunningly original condition and irreplaceable patina. Offered for sale simply to make way for a recent racing car purchase, this example is offered with a FIVA log book following its participation in the 1996 FIVA World Rally, together with an extensive history file, an original DB4 instruction book, the build sheets, reproduction workshop manuals and parts books and parts books. DB4s are generally more sought after than the DB5s by the Aston Martin cognoscenti as they do not carry the rather clichéd Bond connection of the DB5 but connect far more with a true racing pedigree. Further to this the DB4 benefits from a sleeker appearance with the lower roof line, and a more aggressive stance due to the exposed headlights reminiscent of the earlier Ferrari 250 SWB. We can’t think of a car that would be more suitable to park in the pre-1966 car park at the Goodwood Revival next year than this superb Goodwood Green DB4. If asked ‘shall we take the Aston dear?’ wouldn’t it be nice to simply reply with a yes? Sold without registration.
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