Footnotes

• 'When the products which are raced bear such a close resemblance to those which can be bought by the public, as do those of Aston Martin, only the most biased can deny the value of racing in improving the breed. It should be no surprise (that the DB4) should be based on an engine which first appeared in experimental form in some of last year's races.' - The Autocar, 3rd October 1958
  
  At its launch in October 1958, the DB4 marked a major turning point for Aston Martin as it was the first car of the David Brown era which neither used a chassis derived from the experimental Atom of 1939 nor an engine designed by W O Bentley. Moreover, it was the first Aston Martin to carry Carrozzeria Touring's 'Superleggera' bodywork, in which light alloy panels were fixed to a framework of light-gauge steel tubes welded to a platform chassis. Although styled by Touring, the DB4's gorgeous fastback coachwork was built under license at Newport Pagnell by Aston Martin, which employed some of the finest panel beaters in the industry. The result was a car whose sleek lines were described as 'unmistakably Italian and yet... equally unmistakably Aston Martin.' The 3.7-litre, six-cylinder power unit was the work of Tadek Marek and had first been seen at Le Mans the previous year in the works DBR2 sports-racer.
  
  Manufactured between October 1958 and June 1963, the DB4 developed through no fewer than five series. However, it should be made clear that the cars were not thus designated by the factory, this nomenclature having been suggested subsequently by the Aston Martin Owners Club to aid identification as the model evolved. The first series had already undergone a number of improvements, including the fitting of heavy-duty bumpers after the first 50 cars, before the second series arrived in January 1960. A front-hinged bonnet, bigger brake callipers and an enlarged sump were the major changes made on the Series II, while the third series featured separate rear lights, two bonnet stays and a host of improvements to the interior fittings. Manufactured between September 1961 and October 1962, the fourth series was readily distinguishable by its shallower bonnet intake, recessed rear lights and new grille with seven vertical bars. The final, fifth, series was built on a 3.5" longer wheelbase (allowing for increased legroom and a larger boot) and gained 15" wheels, an electric radiator fan and the DB4GT-type instrument panel.
  
  Chassis number '178/R' is the 78th DB4 made, and left the factory fitted with engine number '370/199'. Its accompanying copy guarantee form states that the original purchaser was Mr B Carlaw of Messrs Carlaw (Cars) Ltd, Glasgow. Originally registered 'G 25', the car was delivered finished in Elusive Blue with red Connolly hide interior trim.
  
  '178/R' had lost its original power unit and been fitted with a Jaguar engine by the time it was acquired by the previous owner, Denton Gilbert, in July 1983. Ian H Moss fitted a replacement DB4 engine in December 1985 (invoice on file) and the car has seen virtually no use since then.
  
  In 1986 the DB4 was acquired as a going concern by the current vendor, who started restoring the suspension and brakes using parts sourced from Aston Service Dorset. The project stalled when the owner went to work overseas, and the car has been kept in dry storage for the last 30 years. Offered for restoration and sold strictly as viewed, this early DB4 comes with a V5 registration document and the aforementioned invoice and guarantee form.

Saleroom notices

• Please note the Chassis number should read DB4/178/R and is misprinted in the catalogue. The front suspension and stub axle assemblies together with other items associated are available in our office for inspection. Please ask a member of staff for assistance.