1961 Aston Martin DB4 Series III

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 grand tourer. It did carry coachwork styled by the Italian carrozzeria, Touring of Milan, using a super lightweight or ‘Superleggera’ design system using narrow gauge tubing beneath all-aluminium panels creating a very light but rigid structure. The DB4’s sleek fastback body was then actually produced by Aston’s own highly skilled panel beaters in Newport Pagnell. The Touring-styled DB4 established an aesthetic that would survive, with only relatively minor revisions via the DB5 and DB6, until 1970.

The first series had already undergone a number of improvements, including the fitting of larger bumpers after the first 50 cars, before the second series arrived in January 1960. Most of the updates for the series 3 are hidden from view, such as five windscreen demister vents instead of three, twin bonnet stays and an electric tachometer. The principle external change is to the rear light clusters which are the only noticeable change in appearance from the earlier cars. Instead of the cathedral rear lights, a polished plate houses the separate indicator, rear/brake light and a red reflector lenses each on heavy polished chrome bases.

This is one of the fantastic DB4 series 3 which is one of only 165 examples built. Delivered new by Sidney Limited Aston Martin on the 15th of June 1961 and originally finished in Dubonnet red over Dark Grey leather, this DB4 benefits from long term family ownership over the years. It was delivered new to first owner Paul Warrington, with early records showing that optional heated rear lights. Later sold to Mr Dye who kept it until later 1970”s and then Ian Gray became the 3rd custodian for the DB4 and kept it for over 50 years, routinely servicing the car at Aston Martin Dorset and showing consistent milage each year confirming that it’s a genuine 78,002 mile car.

The DB4 was originally delivered in Dubonnet red, from the extensive history and through some fantastic period photos of the car show one of its previous owners had given the lovely DB4 an Identity change and cloaked in the iconic British Racing Green. It also shows photos of an engine rebuild in 2010.

Arriving to Australia in 2020, the new owner was keen to make a mark on this already fantastically maintained and documented DB4, sending it to well known Gavin King for a full respay in the iconic Aston Martin colour of snow shadow set off with black painted spokes wheels gave this car an unmistakable presence. This year the car returned to Gavin and was gone over mechanically and brought it up to the standard you see today.

This matching numbers example still retains its body tag and presents in very original order. The paintwork is in excellent condition. The interior shows comprehensive patina and the time for some attention approaches. Mechanically the DB4 is sound, the engine is strong and in good driving condition. Showing just 78,002 miles on the odometer, this represents a wonderful example sitting proudly, as it does, on the correct 16” wire wheels and comes complete with a comprehensive history file including an original DB4 instruction book and factory build sheet.

Mechanically on the button, this cherished example is fully up and driving, and ready to be enjoyed by a new custodian.