1962 Aston Martin DB4 'Series IV' Vantage
1 of 1, the unique Roman Purple car

Registration No: 550 HYT
Chassis No: DB4/973/R
MOT: Exempt

• The sole DB4 'Series IV' Vantage of the forty-five made to be factory finished in Roman Purple
• In single ownership from 1969 - 2021 and since part of a marque collection
• Maintained and refurbished over the years by HR Owen, RS Williams, Aston Service Dorset, Jonathan Wardle and Project Heaven
• A unique example of one of the most desirable roadgoing DB Aston Martin models yet conceived

"The best all round car, however, is probably the Series IV Vantage with the Special Series engine, before the car put on weight to become the Series V. It has all the merits of the early car, but its engine by now is almost bomb-proof” (Robert Edwards, ‘Aston Martin – Ever the Thoroughbred’).

There is a case to be made for the Aston Martin DB4 Series IV Vantage being among the marque’s best kept secrets. Notable as the first Aston Martin design on which the word ‘Vantage’ was used to signify a distinct model (rather than a state of engine tune), it was only in production between March and October 1962. Sharing the same eponymous visage as the later DB4 Series V Vantage and DB5 complete with faired-in headlamps, seven-bar grille and reprofiled bonnet scoop, the DB4 Series IV Vantage was some 3.5-inches shorter, 1.5-inches lower and several hundred pounds lighter than either of its successors. An altogether nimbler and more engaging machine, it offered a driving experience that some ranked second only to the DB4 GT.

In comparison to a standard DB4 Series IV, the Vantage boasted not just iconic James Bond-esque styling but also a significantly reworked ‘Special Series’ engine. As well as an extra (third) SU carburettor and boxed plenum chamber, the unit benefited from an improved inlet manifold, higher compression ratio (9:1), revised distributor advance curve, special pistons, larger inlet / exhaust valves and hotter plugs. Utilising the same ‘big sump’ bottom-end as its lesser siblings, the enhanced 3670cc DOHC straight-six was credited with developing some 266bhp and 255lbft of torque (an increase of 26bhp and 15lbft respectively). Bringing a welcome extra dose of performance, it was allied to four-speed all-synchromesh manual transmission. True to Aston Martin tradition, an ‘ordinary’ DB4 Series IV could be ordered with a Special Series powerplant (just as five DB4 Series IV Vantages received the ‘twin plug’ GT motor).

Based around a steel platform chassis equipped with independent coil and wishbone front suspension, a trailing arm located ‘live’ rear axle and four-wheel disc brakes, the svelte four-seater was bodied using Carrozzeria Touring’s patented ‘Superleggera’ technique whereby its hand-crafted aluminium panels were affixed to a latticework superstructure of small diameter steel tubing. Proving as exclusive as it was expensive, the DB4 Series IV Vantage accounted for just forty-five sales during its eight months on the assembly lines (chassis DB4/951/R – chassis DB4/995/R). Interestingly, DB4 GT production amounted to seventy-five cars (albeit split across Series I - V). Although, readily confused with its less wieldy siblings, the DB4 Series IV Vantage has long been appreciated by the cognoscenti.

A London tailors that became the UK’s biggest uniform supplier whilst diversifying into property and financial services (and which today survives as the trillion dollar INVESCO fund), H. Lotery & Co Ltd were the first owner of chassis DB4/973/R under their 'Wilburton Investment Trust Ltd' subsidiary. First registered as ‘PPA 2’ on June 1^st 1962 (a number plate which had previously graced various Bentleys), the Aston Martin was supplied new by Brooklands of Bond Street and specified with Roman Purple paintwork, Blue / Grey leather upholstery, a heated rear window, 3.31:1 rear axle ratio, electric windows and chrome wire wheels.

Synonymous with the marque’s then owner David Brown who had his own cars painted in the same distinctive hue, Roman Purple sets off the Vantage’s lines beautifully and would have cut quite the dash on the streets of 1960s London! Known to have subsequently belonged to L. Ash Esq of ‘Bohemia’ on the Lincolnshire coast and James Alexander McCall Esq of Merstham, Surrey, the Vantage was acquired by patent agent and former Isle of Man TT racer James Bridge-Butler Esq from Cherrywood Automobiles on December 4^th 1969 for the princely sum of £1,250. Amazingly, Mr Bridge-Butler would retain chassis DB4/973/R until his passing nearly fifty-two years later.

Initially entrusted to HR Owen for a cylinder head overhaul, the Aston Martin was fitted with a factory reconditioned replacement ‘Special Series’ engine during June 1970 (370/1003/SS being supplanted by the current unit 370/1171/SS). Despatched to renowned marque specialist R.S. Williams later that same year, they would continue to fettle it on and off for the next five decades. Indeed, the last 5,000 miles or so have seen the Vantage benefit from attention to its ignition system, fuel system, triple SU carburettors, brake system, engine mounts, timing chains, gearbox mounts, front suspension (kingpins, anti-roll bar, Koni shock absorbers), rear suspension (RSW springs), rear axle pinion seal / flange, gearbox mounts, clutch cover / plate, driver’s seat, electric windows and cooling system (uprated to RSW specification).

Although, the DB4 Series IV had been subject to a bodywork restoration and repaint by DCH Autocraft of Beverley some twenty years earlier, it was not as smart as other members of the vendor’s Aston Martin collection when he took possession in July 2021. Sent to Project Heaven Restoration Ltd of Apethorpe some twelve months later, ‘550 HYT’ was stripped to bare metal and treated to a host of structural and panel repairs before being repainted in Roman Purple. The process took over two years and cost more than £52,000. The same Northamptonshire company were also responsible for replacing the engine’s water pump and torsional vibration damper plus carrying out a service during June 2025 (£4,108.81).

Pleasingly retaining its original, patinated leather upholstery, the four-seater is offered for sale with V5C Registration Document, copy build record and history file dating back to the 1960s (including an intriguing letter from the manufacturer asking Mr Bridge-Butler if he has details of any previous owners). DB Aston Martins scarcely come any rarer, prettier of distinctively hued than this, the unique Roman Purple DB4 Series IV Vantage.

For more information, please contact:
Damian Jones
damian.jones@handh.co.uk
07855 493737