3,670cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Twin SU Carburetors
240bhp at 5,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Front Independent Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Original, left-hand drive example
*Retains the original, matching numbers engine
*Delivered new to Los Angeles socialite William Winans
*Documented by copies of factory records, original letters from the factory, and various records

THE ASTON MARTIN DB4

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 under the auspices of 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's Tickford subsidiary, 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-liter, 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. 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 calipers and an enlarged sump were the major changes made on the Series II. To many, the Series II is the zenith of the aesthetic design, retaining the large and purposeful bonnet scoop and the delicate cathedral taillights. Including Vantage and convertible models, approximately 1,100 of these iconic 'Gentleman's Express' sports saloons were produced between 1958 and 1963.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

According to a copy of the original factory build record on file, DB4 chassis number DB4/508/L was ordered new by William Winans of Pacific Palisades, California through the West Coast Aston dealer Peter Satori. Finished in Goodwood Green over Fawn Connolly hides, the DB4 was delivered to on November 30, 1962 with the first California registration—the original of which is on file—issued on December 27 of the same year. Mr. Winans and his wife Mignon were renown for hosting spectacular dinner parties attended by leaders of industry and close friends like Nancy and Ronald Reagan; Jimmy and Gloria Stewart; Janet Gaynor and her husband, renowned designer, Adrian; David Niven; and Merle Oberon. This Aston parked in the driveway would have no doubt been an added but of allure.

Shortly after receiving the car in March of '63, letters on file show the Winans' received their official Guarantee...for DB4/778/L. Aston Martin sent a letter apologizing, including the corrected Guarantee, and a request to return the wrong one. All the original letters and Guarantee are in the file. Mr. Winans was a spirited driver of his new car, covering nearly 6000 miles in the first 18 months of ownership. It appears he kept the car until June of 1972 when it was acquired by Alton Emerson, also from the Los Angeles area. Original records on file include California registrations in Winans's name until 1970, Emerson's California Temporary Operating Permit, and his sales tax receipt (it was $44, if you're curious). A diligent and careful owner, Emerson regularly maintained the car with original service records dating from his 1972 purchase through the mid-1990s. Purchased with 30,000 miles on the odometer, Emerson would more than double that figure over the next nearly three decades.

The DB4 appears to have remained in Southern California for much of its life until it was acquired by the current owner in March of 2007. An album of undated photos show the car was stripped and repainted, likely just prior to acquisition. On static display since joining the present collection, mechanical recommissioning is recommended before driving it to your next, exclusive dinner party. The DB4 Series II remains one of the most desirable iterations of the celebrated Aston Martin model, featuring the 'cathedral style' taillights, tall bonnet scoop and original front grill design, and this left drive example is not one to be missed.