Footnotes

Launched at the London Motor Show in 1958, the Aston Martin DB4 emphatically demonstrated that a British manufacturer could better the Italians at their own game when it came to constructing the ultimate Gran Turismo. Classically proportioned and instantly recognisable from the moment of its introduction, the Touring-styled DB4 established a look that would survive, with only minor revisions, until 1970. 'Following in the classic tradition of close-coupled sports saloons, the 3.7-litre DB4 Aston Martin carries orthodox modernity to its highest pitch. A luxurious two-seat saloon which can carry four adults when necessary, it recorded almost 140mph as a two-way mean speed over the measured mile. Yet we were able to record acceleration figures from 10mph in the same gear ratio,' reported The Motor magazine.
That the DB4 was able to manifest this rare combination of unrestrained high performance and civilised docility was down to its magnificent engine. A new design by Tadek Marek, the DB4's all-alloy, twin-overhead-camshaft six featured 'square' bore and stroke dimensions of 92mm for a displacement of 3,670cc and developed its maximum output of 240bhp at 5,500rpm. The David Brown gearbox was a new four-speed all-synchromesh unit. An immensely strong platform-type chassis replaced the DB2/4's multi-tubular spaceframe, the latter being considered incompatible with Touring's Superleggera body construction that employed its own lightweight tubular structure to support the aluminium-alloy body panels. The DB2/4's trailing-link independent front suspension gave way to unequal-length wishbones while at the rear the DB4 sported a live axle located by a Watts linkage instead of its predecessor's Panhard rod.
The DB4's peerless credentials as a Grand Routier were summed up thus by The Motor: 'Performance, controllability and comfort have been combined in the Aston Martin DB4 to make it a highly desirable car: one in which long journeys can be completed very quickly indeed with the minimum of risk or discomfort and the maximum of pleasure.'
First registered 'NC 140' on 17th November 1960, 'DB4/449/R' was first owned by Mrs Naomi Cotton, of Bournemouth, Hampshire before passing to Sydney J Dicks, of London EC1. Mr Dicks kept the Aston until June 1965 when it was sold to Richard Conrad Butt, of Grays, Essex, remaining with him until 1969 when it was sold to his brother, Roger Austin Butt, again of Grays. Roger Butt kept the car until 1976 when it was sold to the immediately preceding owner, who used on a regular basis around West London and also exploited its full potential on trips to the French Alps for skiing holidays.
The Aston was in need of cosmetic restoration when it purchased earlier this year by the current vendor, and has since been restored. Work carried out has included stripping, checking and reassembling the engine; a bare metal re-spray; re-plating of brightwork; interior re-trim; fitting a new exhaust system; and overhauling the brakes and radiator. Described as in generally very good/excellent condition, this freshly restored DB4 is offered with copy build sheets, old-style buff logbook, current road fund licence, MoT to 2011 and Swansea V5 registration document. The accompanying history file also contains receipts dating back to 1976 from Aston Martin specialists Ian Moss and Hyde Vale.