1962 Aston Martin DB4 'Series III' Sports Saloon
Registration no. BTB 478A
Chassis no. DB4/691/R
Engine no. 370/718

'For many Aston Martin enthusiasts the DB4 was the best of the post-war cars. Previous cars were lacking in power while the later DB5 and DB6 put on weight and were more like fast tourers than high-speed thoroughbreds...' – Mike Twite, 'Motor', 1967.

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. Including Vantage and convertible models, approximately 1,100 of these iconic 'Gentleman's Express' sports saloons were produced between 1958 and 1963.

This 'Series III' DB4 was supplied new in July 1961 to one Robert Drummond of London SW1 and first registered as '791 CUV'. Only two months later the car was returned to the factory to have an overdrive fitted. The Aston had been off the road in storage when it was purchased by the current owner 33 years ago as a restoration project. Work started the following year. The engine was stripped and then fully rebuilt with new bearing shells, valves, etc and is said to have run very well. New chassis sections and sills have been fitted and the car might best be described as 'semi-restored'. We are advised that the Aston is completely original and comes with all components including the original leather interior, the latter in good condition. Offered for completion and sold strictly as viewed, this potentially most rewarding restoration project comes with an old-style logbook and a copy order form (confirming matching chassis/engine numbers) and is expected to possess a current V5C document by time of sale.