Photo: Silverstone Auctions
The Aston Martin DB4 was born too early to become a James Bond car, but its venerable age makes it one of the most collectable models from the British brand.
This car in particular being auctioned at Silverstone Auctions’ Salon Privé Sale held at Blenheim Palace on Friday 4 September is even more special. It is believed to be one of 50 ever built in this specification and also one of just three with a factory-fitted automatic transmission.
Of course, the car finished in its original Goodwood Green paint and red leather interior comes with a full historic and very well documented restoration process. The full name of the model is Aston Martin DB4 Series V Vantage, which places it among the last batch of DB4s built between September 1962 and June 1963.
A distinctive trait of the Series V Vantages was a longer wheelbase, creating more legroom and increased luggage carrying capacity and thus transforming the DB4 into a very competent grand tourer.
This car, chassis numbered 1197, was delivered on the 24th of August 1963, after production had ended. This, allows for speculations that it was one of the very last to leave the factory (last chassis number was 1215L).
Should the new owner not find these modifications to his liking, the car comes bundled with its original gearbox allowing for a return to its natural state. A drive with the car in its current condition, I suspect, should be enough to deter even the most hardcore supporter of the "original restoration" philosophy.
Operations Manager and Classic Car Consignor, Harry Whale said: “We are very excited to offer this DB4 Series V Vantage, which incorporates an intoxicating blend of extraordinary provenance and history, along with an unrivalled driving experience. It’s a stunning example of the DB4 Series V Vantage and a car to cherish for years to come. Next month’s sale epitomises what we can do here at Silverstone Auctions - offering a quality, eclectic mix of exciting cars.”
The DB4 is part of a 60 plus batch of handpicked cars that will go under the hammer early September. It will be headlining the auction with a guide price of £675,000 - £775,000 (about 960,000 - 1,100,000 euros).
Of course, the car finished in its original Goodwood Green paint and red leather interior comes with a full historic and very well documented restoration process. The full name of the model is Aston Martin DB4 Series V Vantage, which places it among the last batch of DB4s built between September 1962 and June 1963.
A distinctive trait of the Series V Vantages was a longer wheelbase, creating more legroom and increased luggage carrying capacity and thus transforming the DB4 into a very competent grand tourer.
This car, chassis numbered 1197, was delivered on the 24th of August 1963, after production had ended. This, allows for speculations that it was one of the very last to leave the factory (last chassis number was 1215L).
Now, it's a changed car
As mentioned before, the car went through a recent restoration process that also doubled as a full modernization procedure. The DB4 Series V Vantage received a four-speed David Brown manual gearbox with overdrive together with a comprehensive driving enhancing kit. The latter comprised of a set of springs, roll bars and Koni dampers. For increased safety the brakes were upgraded as well, while the car was also fitted with power steering. A set of custom-made ‘off-set’ Borrani wheels and restored red leather interior finish off the tasteful modifications.Should the new owner not find these modifications to his liking, the car comes bundled with its original gearbox allowing for a return to its natural state. A drive with the car in its current condition, I suspect, should be enough to deter even the most hardcore supporter of the "original restoration" philosophy.
Operations Manager and Classic Car Consignor, Harry Whale said: “We are very excited to offer this DB4 Series V Vantage, which incorporates an intoxicating blend of extraordinary provenance and history, along with an unrivalled driving experience. It’s a stunning example of the DB4 Series V Vantage and a car to cherish for years to come. Next month’s sale epitomises what we can do here at Silverstone Auctions - offering a quality, eclectic mix of exciting cars.”
The DB4 is part of a 60 plus batch of handpicked cars that will go under the hammer early September. It will be headlining the auction with a guide price of £675,000 - £775,000 (about 960,000 - 1,100,000 euros).
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