French title
Chassis no. DB4/957/L
Engine no. 370/461

- In the Lyon region since new
- One of the rarest and most desirable versions
- Superb original condition
- In the same ownership since 1979; original French car

Its specification, history and condition make this Aston Martin DB4 Series 4 Vantage an exceptional car. As can be seen from the works build sheet from Aston Martin, it is a Vantage-spec DB4 (with the SS engine), sold on 14 May 1962 to Mr. Suetet from Lyon by the Garage Mirabeau and registered as 8830 EN 69. The build sheet also specifies that it was fitted with three SU HD8 carburettors, Dunlop tyres, Armstrong shock absorbers, overdrive, a long-ratio gearbox, a DB4 GT silencer and chrome wire wheels. The interior was trimmed in 'White Gold' Connolly leather and the exterior finished in 'Aegean Blue'.
The car was bought in 1979 by its current owner, a winegrower and sports car enthusiast from Burgundy. According to him, he was the fourth owner of the DB4 Series 4, the third owner having purchased it in 1973. Shortly before he bought the car, the original engine (no. 370/990/SS) was replaced by a secondhand unit, as is shown on an invoice dated 16 June 1971 in the car's history file. This retained the fuel system with three SU carburettors from the SS engine. Since buying it in 1979, the current owner has used the Aston Martin DB4 regularly, alternating between it and his Mercedes 300 SL roadster, and ensured that it was regularly and carefully maintained by his mechanic. The well-preserved original interior shows only slight signs of use: the driver's seat is slightly marked, while the rest of the upholstery is superb. As far as the exterior of the car is concerned, a respray carried out in the original colour in 2018 does honour to the elegant lines of the Touring bodywork; the deep blue paintwork accentuating the discreet chic of this very classy motorcar.

Made famous by James Bond as much as by their performance on the road, Aston's DB models combined a refined English interior, the appeal of an original Italian design and a noble and lively engine. Developed from W.O. Bentley's six-cylinder Lagonda unit, the engine was completely redesigned for the DB4 by Tadek Marek: he kept the twin overhead cams but with a block in aluminium rather than cast iron and an increased capacity of 3.7 litres. For the body, Aston Martin turned to the Carrozzeria Touring and adopted its 'Superleggera' method of construction, with aluminium panels supported by a lightweight tubular structure. Developing 240bhp, this superb car could top 225kph and met with rave reviews when it appeared in 1958. After the DB2/4, which still had an air of motorsport about it, the DB4 set new standards as a grand tourer, at a time when its users were discovering the pleasures of travelling across continents. The DB4 developed in successive series, each of which differed in the details of their appearance. Thus the taillights of the Series 4 we are presenting comprise three individual round lamps arranged vertically, a more elegant treatment than the single-piece lights fitted to earlier series. In addition, the headlamps on this car are fitted under streamlined covers like those of the DB4 GT and prefiguring the DB5.

The DB4 Vantage coupé model, with its output uprated to 266 bhp, is particularly rare, as fewer than 150 cars were built. The example we are offering, in impeccable condition and in the same ownership for 43 years, is undoubtedly one of the last DB4 Series Vantage models sold new in France. It should be noted that it still has its original registration number (8830 EN 69) and plates, with the logo of the Garage Mirabeau present on the rear plate. Basically, this Aston Martin DB4 has never left the Rhône department (69).
The arrival of a car like this on the market is a rare event, which is sure to attract the attention of enthusiasts.

Full catalogue and more photos https://www.artcurial.com/en/sale-4315-retromobile-2023-artcurial-motorcars