1960 Aston Martin DB4 Series II
One of just 349 produced

Registration No: 7777 WW
Chassis No: DB4/341/R
MOT: Exempt

• One of just 349 DB4 Series II cars made
• Supplied new to the railway locomotive manufacturer Hunslet Holdings Ltd of Leeds via Charles Sidney Ltd
• Originally finished in Snow Shadow Grey (the forerunner to James Bond's Silver Birch) teamed with Red leather upholstery
• Exported to Australia and in single ownership 'Down Under' for thirty-seven years (1978-2015)
• Fettled by Rikki Cann prior to joining the vendor's collection via Howard Wise Cars during November 2015

Debuting at first the Paris and then London Motor Shows of 1958, the Aston Martin DB4 was a world class high-performance GT. 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 brakes, 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 sophisticated 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, the refinement of early cars was compromised by wind roar at speed. Frames were quickly adopted for the side windows as a result and the 2+2 progressively refined through five series (a process that also saw it put on weight). Introduced in January 1960, the Series II variant was distinguished by its front-hinged bonnet, flat glass opening rear quarter lights, uprated front brake callipers and increased oil sump capacity. Of the 1,110 DB4s made, just 350 are thought to have been Series II cars (chassis DB4/251/L to DB4/600/R).

According to its accompanying copy build record, chassis DB4/341/R was supplied new via Charles Sidney Ltd to Hunslet Holdings Ltd of Leeds whose subsidiary, the Hunslet Engine Co., had been renowned railway locomotive builders since 1865. Originally finished in Snow Shadow Grey (the forerunner of James Bond’s preferred Silver Birch) and trimmed with Red Connolly leather upholstery, the fixed head coupe was granted the distinctive number plate ‘7777 WW’ and had its manufacturer guarantee issued on May 27^th 1960. Copy factory service records on file show that the DB4 covered 11,000 miles during its first twelve months and was fitted with a steering wheel boss extension during February 1964. The latter modification is presumed to have coincided with J.F. Whitfield Esq of Sunningdale, Berkshire becoming the car’s second keeper.

Exported to Australia sometime thereafter, the Aston Martin was bought by A.J. Fraser Esq of Hamilton, Victoria in 1978 for $7,500 AUD. Sporting the distinctive number plate ‘AM 370’ (a nod to its 3.7 litre powerplant) and reportedly the beneficiary of an extensive engine overhaul, he registered the DB4 with the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS). Campaigned on an ad hoc basis at the likes of Arthur’s Seat, Winton and Philip Island from the late 1970s through to the early 2000s, chassis DB4/341/R also ran at assorted sprint and hillclimb meetings. Still Snow Shadow Grey when Mr Fraser acquired it, the fixed head coupe was twice repainted during his thirty-seven year tenure (first Dark Blue and then the current Light Blue Metallic). He also had the Aston Martin’s interior retrimmed to original specification in Black leather. Primarily enjoyed as a road car, the DB4 was nonetheless uprated with a competition clutch.

Repatriated by the long established, high-end dealership Howard Wise Cars in 2015, they entrusted the Aston Martin to marque specialist Rikki Cann for a brake and suspension overhaul plus attention to the heater and ignition system etc. The associated invoice runs to six pages and totals some £8,900. Sold to the vendor by Mr Wise in November 2015, the DB4 has since formed part of a significant private collection. Stabled alongside various other ‘DB’ Astons and tended to by an inhouse mechanic, chassis DB4/341/R started readily and ran well during a recent inspection. Gently patinated but still presentable, the car has an authentic feel. Reunited with its original UK registration number, the number stamped into the Aston Martin’s engine mirrors the one stated on its chassis plate. Now offered for sale as part of a collection reduction, this desirable DB4 is accompanied by a V5C Registration Document, copy build record, assorted Australian documentation, Rikki Cann invoice and sundry other paperwork.

For more information, please contact:
Lucas Gomersall
lucas.gomersall@handh.co.uk
07484 082430