1961 Aston Martin DB4 4.5-Litre Competition Saloon
Chassis no. DB4/725/R

"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.

Launched to unbounded acclaim at the London Motor Show in October 1958, the sensational DB4 marked a major turning point for Aston Martin as it was the first car of the David Brown era that neither used a chassis derived from the experimental Atom of 1939 nor an engine designed by Willie Watson.

The new car's competition potential had been recognised from the outset and the factory lost no time in developing a lightweight version suitable for racing, the resulting DB4GT debuting at the 1959 London Motor Show. The model had already been proven in competition earlier that year when the prototype driven by Stirling Moss ('DP/199') won its first race at Silverstone. Those wishing to race the latest Aston Martin but unable to obtain a limited-edition DB4GT or its even more exclusive Zagato-bodied variant were forced to use the 'ordinary' road car, and today modified DB4s remain a mainstay of Aston Martin Owners Club and other important historic motor sports events.

The competition-modified DB4 offered here was built for racing in the AMOC series by renowned marque specialist, the late Richard Williams, in 2003. Much missed since his untimely death last year, Richard was one of the world's foremost Aston Martin authorities, with unrivalled experience in developing them for competition purposes, which included frequent collaborations with the factory. His company, R S Williams Limited, was founded in 1968 and continues to serve the worldwide Aston Martin community today.

It is understood that this car's engine has been enlarged to 4.5 litres capacity and, from information on file, produced a whopping 416bhp, which has to be one of the most impressive outputs ever extracted from the Aston Martin 'six'. It incorporates RSW camshafts, Cosworth pistons and Carrillo con-rods, and breathes via triple twin-choke Weber 55 carburettors. Power is transmitted via a triple-plate competition clutch to a four-speed gearbox modified to facilitate ratio changes. Braced and strengthened, the rear axle was fitted with doubled-up wheel bearings and a Hewland Powerflow limited-slip differential. The brakes were upgraded as far as the then AMOC regulations permitted (no ventilated discs allowed). Likewise modified within the AMOC rules at the time, the front suspension has altered geometry and upgraded coil springs and shock absorbers, while the 16"x6" wire wheels maintain the correct 'in-period' look. Other notable features include an oil cooler, aluminium radiator, and fuel cell. The car also has an internal roll cage and a fire extinguishing system.

Following its completion by R S Williams, the DB4 competed in the 2004 and 2005 Monterey Historics and the HMSA and CSRG series from 2004 through 2007, dominating its class. When purchased by the current vendor at a US auction in January 2010, the Aston was described as in excellent cosmetic condition.

The seller was Mr Peter Read of Berkeley, California, a noted Aston Martin collector. Since acquisition the car has been kept on static display and will require recommissioning before returning to the racetrack. Built by the best in the business, this highly developed DB4 is worthy of the closest inspection, and could be an incredibly rewarding project.

Please note that if this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. It will also require a NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrival) and an additional fee of £250 (plus VAT) will be charged on the Invoice to prepare the NOVA. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.