Lot details Registration No: GEL 23 Chassis No: DB4/674/R Mot Expiry: Feb 2009
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 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, 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 April 1961, the Series III variant benefited from the same front-hinged bonnet, flat-glass opening back quarter-lights, uprated front brake callipers and increased oil sump capacity as its immediate predecessor but added revised rear light clusters (a recessed polished plate housing separate indicator, brake and reflector lenses on each side). Of the 1,110 DB4s made, just 165 are thought to have been Series III cars (chassis DB4/601/R to DB4/765/R).
Shortly after entering the current ownership in 1998, 'DB4/674/R' was entrusted, via John Etheridge, (who looked after the car until his retirement in 2006) to marque specialist R.S. Williams. As well as a thorough engine overhaul (including conversion to unleaded), gearbox / overdrive refurbishment and the installation of an oil cooler, work undertaken by the renowned firm saw the Aston treated to various suspension (anti-roll bar etc), cooling and brake system (enlarged front discs gripped by three-pot callipers) modifications. While, a RSW supplier was charged with rejuvenating the back axle. Further benefiting from a re-tinned fuel tank, stainless steel exhaust system, new wire wheels and concealed CD player, the car was re-trimmed to original specification in 1999 using Connolly Aston White Gold leather which contrasts magnificently with its Pacific Blue paintwork. Regularly maintained over the last decade, a recent invoice from Aston Engineering for £6,700 shows the fitment of a new water pump and starter motor, some re-chroming and careful fettling.
'GEL 23', the car's original registration number, is offered with a substantial history file, Swansea V5C and MOT certificate expiring 31 March 2009.
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:
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