13th Apr, 2011 14:45
The Pavilion Gardens
1963 Aston Martin DB4
Sold for £105,750
(including buyers premium)
Lot details
Registration No: AFK311A
Chassis No: DB4/1019/R
Mot Expiry: April 2012
Debuting at first the Paris and then London Motor Shows of 1958, the Aston Martin DB4 was a world class high-performance GT car. Some four years in the making, its gestation was overseen by the marque's Technical Director John Wyer. Working alongside Carrozzeria Touring of Milan, Harold Beech developed a robust sheet-steel platform chassis which could accommodate the Italian coachbuilder's `Superleggera' or `Super Light' method of body construction (whereby hand beaten aluminium alloy panels are fitted over a cage-like structure of small-diameter support tubes). Equipped with independent coil-and-wishbone front suspension, a Watts linkage located `live' rear axle and four-wheel disc bakes, the model was powered by a new all-alloy DOHC straight-six engine.
Displacing 3670cc thanks to its 'square' bore and stroke dimensions (92mm x 92mm), the powerplant was designed by Tadek Merak. Interestingly, the Polish-born engineer is thought to have fought Wyer's wishes for a more competition friendly 3-litre unit and to have initially favoured cast-iron construction. With a quoted 240bhp and 240lbft of torque on tap, the two-door fixed-head also boasted a four-speed all-synchromesh manual gearbox as standard. Reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 8.5 seconds, 0-100mph in 21 seconds and 140mph, the DB4 won rave reviews from the likes of Autocar and Motor magazines. Despite a well stocked dashboard, finest Connolly hides and thick carpets, early cars were compromised by high-speed wind roar. A cure was soon found and the 2+2 seater became ever more refined as it evolved through five series.
The most visible changes concerned the addition of window frames for the Series 2 and the adoption of a barred (as opposed to egg crate) grille for the Series 4 cars. The Series 5 versions introduced in September 1962 were both longer (9 cm) and taller. However, the overall height was maintained by changing from 16 to 15-inch diameter wheels. Other visual changes concerned the rear light clusters (the reflectors were relocated in the bumper) and the enlargement of the front indicators. Most Series 5 models were built to 'Vantage' specification - ie they featured the 'special series' 266bhp engine with its triple SU carburettors, bigger valves and higher compression; plus the faired-in headlights from the DB4GT, with the addition of a chrome surround. That final iteration of the DB4 can be considered a prototype DB5 in all but name. A total of some 1,110 DB4s were produced between 1958 and 1963 when the model was superseded by the DB5 (though, just 215 of these are thought to have been Series 5 cars - chassis numbers DB4/1001 - DB4/1215).
The manual transmission right-hand drive DB4 on offer is a standard-engined Series 5 model. Manufactured in 1963, it features Maroon coachwork complemented by a Cream leather interior and rides on chrome wire wheels. Period extras include spot lamps, wing mirrors and a console-mounted push-button radio. The vendor considers the venerable Aston's paintwork to be "very good", and the engine, transmission and interior trim to be "good". We understand the car comes with some history dating back to 1976 and that it has formed part of a large private collection since 1993. Last on the road in 2007, it will now require recommissioning prior to further use. With DB5 values already having reached heady heights, late Series DB4s such as 'AFK 311A' are understandably in ever-increasing demand.
PLEASE NOTE: The MOT for this vehicle expires April 2012.
Registration No: AFK311A
Chassis No: DB4/1019/R
Mot Expiry: April 2012
Debuting at first the Paris and then London Motor Shows of 1958, the Aston Martin DB4 was a world class high-performance GT car. Some four years in the making, its gestation was overseen by the marque's Technical Director John Wyer. Working alongside Carrozzeria Touring of Milan, Harold Beech developed a robust sheet-steel platform chassis which could accommodate the Italian coachbuilder's `Superleggera' or `Super Light' method of body construction (whereby hand beaten aluminium alloy panels are fitted over a cage-like structure of small-diameter support tubes). Equipped with independent coil-and-wishbone front suspension, a Watts linkage located `live' rear axle and four-wheel disc bakes, the model was powered by a new all-alloy DOHC straight-six engine.
Displacing 3670cc thanks to its 'square' bore and stroke dimensions (92mm x 92mm), the powerplant was designed by Tadek Merak. Interestingly, the Polish-born engineer is thought to have fought Wyer's wishes for a more competition friendly 3-litre unit and to have initially favoured cast-iron construction. With a quoted 240bhp and 240lbft of torque on tap, the two-door fixed-head also boasted a four-speed all-synchromesh manual gearbox as standard. Reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 8.5 seconds, 0-100mph in 21 seconds and 140mph, the DB4 won rave reviews from the likes of Autocar and Motor magazines. Despite a well stocked dashboard, finest Connolly hides and thick carpets, early cars were compromised by high-speed wind roar. A cure was soon found and the 2+2 seater became ever more refined as it evolved through five series.
The most visible changes concerned the addition of window frames for the Series 2 and the adoption of a barred (as opposed to egg crate) grille for the Series 4 cars. The Series 5 versions introduced in September 1962 were both longer (9 cm) and taller. However, the overall height was maintained by changing from 16 to 15-inch diameter wheels. Other visual changes concerned the rear light clusters (the reflectors were relocated in the bumper) and the enlargement of the front indicators. Most Series 5 models were built to 'Vantage' specification - ie they featured the 'special series' 266bhp engine with its triple SU carburettors, bigger valves and higher compression; plus the faired-in headlights from the DB4GT, with the addition of a chrome surround. That final iteration of the DB4 can be considered a prototype DB5 in all but name. A total of some 1,110 DB4s were produced between 1958 and 1963 when the model was superseded by the DB5 (though, just 215 of these are thought to have been Series 5 cars - chassis numbers DB4/1001 - DB4/1215).
The manual transmission right-hand drive DB4 on offer is a standard-engined Series 5 model. Manufactured in 1963, it features Maroon coachwork complemented by a Cream leather interior and rides on chrome wire wheels. Period extras include spot lamps, wing mirrors and a console-mounted push-button radio. The vendor considers the venerable Aston's paintwork to be "very good", and the engine, transmission and interior trim to be "good". We understand the car comes with some history dating back to 1976 and that it has formed part of a large private collection since 1993. Last on the road in 2007, it will now require recommissioning prior to further use. With DB5 values already having reached heady heights, late Series DB4s such as 'AFK 311A' are understandably in ever-increasing demand.
PLEASE NOTE: The MOT for this vehicle expires April 2012.
Auction: The Pavilion Gardens, 13th Apr, 2011
All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.
You can collect your new pride and joy from our venue until 1pm the day following the sale or our partners are on hand to help arrange safe transportation:
Do you have an item to sell?
If so, contact one of our friendly specialists for your free valuation by completing the form below and someone will get back to you as quickly as possible.
If you prefer to speak to humans, don't hesitate to call our office on +44 (0)1925 210035
Other lots in this sale
