Aston Martin DB4 First Series
Chassis N°: BD4/178/R
This first series DB4 stands out not only because of the purity of this totally new Aston Martin design but also by the for the time radical innovative engineering.
Also “The Autocar” magazine wrote 3-rd October 1958:
“When the products which are raced bear such a close resemblance to those which can be bought by the public, as do those Aston Martin, only the most biased can deny the value of racing in improving the breed. It should be no surprise that (the new DB4) seems to be based on an engine which first appeared in experimental form in some of the last year’s races.”
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 the old Atom chassis nor the engine designed by W.O. Bentley. Moreover, it was the first Aston Martin to carry a Carrozzeria Touring’s Superleggera alloy bodywork.
Technical details
The 3.7 litre, twin cam, six cylinder power unit was engineered of Tadek Marek and had first been seen at Le Mans the previous year in the works DBR2 sports-racer.
Chassis number DB4/178/R is the 78-th first series DB4 produced (easily recognisable at the frameless door windows). The original purchaser was Mr. B Carlaw of Messrs Carlaw Cars Ltd in Glasgow, Scotland. Originally registered G25, the car was delivered in Elusive Blue with red Connolly hide interior trim.
By 2016 chassis DB4/178/R appears rather sad at the Bonhams Beaulieu sale. The first series Aston Martin DB4 is now red, partly dismantled and missing its original engine…
Luckily a very motivated Belgian Aston Martin enthusiast sees the potential, asks an Antwerp situated well reputed classic car colleague of us to tackle the restoration and 4 years and many invoices later he witnesses the resurrection of the Aston Martin in a shape and configuration exactly as when the sportscar left the Newport Pagnell factory in 1959. Exactly the same? Let’s be honest: probably even a bit nicer detailed…
In the restoration process a correct first series DB4 engine (Engine N°: 370/633) has been found and the steering has conveniently been swapped from RH to LH.
Have a look at the photos or even better come and admire this Aston Martin “in the flesh” in our classic car garage and you will be easily convinced this Elusive Blue Aston Martin DB4 Series 1 is a sparkling beauty. The sumptuous interior retrimmed in the correct burgundy Connolly Vaumol 3086. With only the test Kilometres on the counter all the pleasure of a freshly restored Aston Martin are ahead of the future owner.
Here comes the deal: immediate satisfaction at a price significantly lower than the purchase and restoration cost.
How does this sound? Must be tempting…!
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