PROVENANCE
Charles M. Huttig Jr., Clayton, Missouri (acquired new in July 1961)
Doug Petersen, Hampton, New Hampshire (owned by the early 2000s)
Richard Phillips, Westport, Connecticut (acquired from the above in February 2002)
Danny Sullivan, Carmel, California (acquired in January 2014)
Current Owner (acquired from the above)

THIS CAR
Aston Martin’s DB4 has long been regarded by marque enthusiasts as the purest platform of Tadek Marek’s celebrated 3.7-litre six-cylinder engine and Touring’s beautiful Superleggera coachwork. Furthermore, the model has become a favorite among club racers, resulting in a niche of connoisseurs who have invested in upgrades to specifications first seen in the Vantage and DB4 GT high-performance variants. This finely restored mid-production Series II example encapsulates all of these hallmarks, showcasing the purity of the original DB4 design while offering powerful performance care of GT-style engine modifications.

As demonstrated by Aston Martin factory records, DB4/558/L was originally delivered in July 1961 to Charles M. Huttig Jr. of Clayton, Missouri. Mr. Huttig ordered his DB4 finished in Snow Shadow Grey paint and appointed with a red leather interior and chromed wire wheels. The car was standard-equipped with the US-specification final-drive rear-axle ratio of 3.77:1 and a Powr-Lok differential. By the late 1990s, the DB4 had been moved to the northeast and was offered by Doug Petersen’s Petersen Classics in 2002. The beautiful car was purchased by enthusiast Richard Phillips of Westport, Connecticut, and he soon set about a full restoration.

Mr. Phillips commissioned Marjan Kraljevic’s respected Vantage Motors of Stamford, Connecticut, to perform a complete restoration. Kraljevic is a marque specialist who began his career with famed Ferrari driver and dealer Bob Grossman before officially joining Aston Martin as a mechanic in 1977. He became chief mechanic of Aston Martin’s North American Vintage Racing department before starting his own specialty firm in 1990, and he is well known in the Aston Martin community for his authentic rebuilds and upgrades to proper Vantage and GT specifications.

Engine no. 370/567 was uprated to displace 4.2 litres and revised with a larger inlet manifold, RSW camshafts, a large-bore air box with high-performance filters, and triple Weber carburetors. Large-bore stainless steel headers and a stainless exhaust system were added for improved breathing, resulting in a substantial increase in power from the original double-SU carbureted configuration. The improvements have resulted in an estimated output of 330 hp, more power than a factory DB4 GT. Other mechanical improvements included the installation of an electronic ignition system for superior starting power and a Harvey Bailey suspension and handling package, giving the DB4 deceptively crisp performance.

Cosmetically, the DB4 was treated to a beautiful paint finish in Aston Martin Racing Green, while the interior was re-trimmed in parchment-tan leather with green piping and matching green Wilton wool carpets. Racing-style seatbelts were also added for safety when driven at speed during the various tour events for which this DB4 is eligible. Completed in 2004, the restoration resulted in exquisite cosmetic condition and powerful mechanical performance. The DB4 then enjoyed minimal use and occasional exhibition at venues such as the Fairfield and Greenwich Concours d’Elegance, and has reportedly accrued approximately 2,500 miles since refurbishment.

This breathtaking DB4 was purchased in early 2014 by Danny Sullivan, the “spin-to-win” 1985 Indianapolis 500 victor who famously spun out at 220 mph but still passed Mario Andretti for the checkered flag. The consignor, a discerning Aston Martin enthusiast, acquired it from Sullivan.

Accompanied by an original owner’s manual and tool roll, this arresting DB4 epitomizes the beautiful design features of the Series II examples, including the mesh-style grille, larger hood scoop, and cathedral-style taillamps. It is documented with service invoices and a copy of the factory build record, and presents beautifully in the sporting finish of Aston Martin Racing Green paint, re-chromed brightwork, and wire wheels. Professionally restored and prepared, this exquisite Aston Martin offers both elegance and performance and will be equally comfortable running in vintage tours or showing of on concours greens.