Making its debut in 1958, the DB4 represented a clean-sheet, modern design for the vaunted Newport Pagnell automaker. The most refined Aston Martin to date, the DB4 utilized a completely new, all-aluminum powerplant, and Superleggera (Super light) aluminum coachwork designed by Touring of Milan. Recognized today in five distinct series, the DB4 was constantly refined and improved throughout its six-year production run. Special, low-production variants were built, including the fantastic DB4 GT and Zagato. Rarer still was the convertible, beginning with the fourth-series DB4s, of which just 70 were built. The convertible was thoroughly reengineered and reinforced to compensate for the open design, resulting in superb torsional rigidity. In late 1961, the Special Series, or “SS” engine was introduced, featuring larger valves, a three-SU carburetor setup, and a higher compression ratio, which combined to yield a horsepower increase of over 10%. Just eight left-hand-drive Series 5 DB4 convertibles were built with the SS engine, and of those, just one featured DB4C/1082/L’s color combination, making it unique.

According to a copy of its factory build record, this exquisitely presented DB4 SS Convertible was completed in September 1962, and dispatched to Southern California, where it was displayed at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. It was then retailed by the well-known, Pasadena-based dealer Peter Satori, finished just as it is today, in striking Black Pearl Metallic with red Connolly Vaumol hides and gray Wilton wool carpets. Though ownership records are not definitive, records in the accompanying history file show that the DB4 likely remained in California for at least its first three decades, with ownership being attributed to Forrest Moore of Aptos, California, by the late 1970s.

During Mr. Moore’s ownership, substantial restoration work was performed, including an exterior refinish in green by the respected Aston Martin specialists Kevin Kay Restorations in Redding, California, which is supported by photos on file. It subsequently made its way to Europe during the 2000s and was reportedly acquired by Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, then the Prime Minister of Kuwait, where it was displayed within his substantial collection of significant Aston Martins.

In early 2022, the DB4 was purchased by the consignor, a respected, US-based Aston Martin enthusiast of the highest order. Soon thereafter, the rare Convertible was transported to England and entrusted to Classic Motor Cars for a full concours restoration, which included a return to its gorgeous, original one-off color combination. The displacement of the Convertible’s Special Series engine was enlarged to 4.2 litres during a rebuild by the renowned Aston Martin specialists Oselli Ltd., further increasing its horsepower output following its expert assembly and tuning.

The coachwork was brought to bare metal for its refinish and the interior was expertly trimmed in the correct pattern with red Connolly Vaumol hides, which are perfectly accented by elegant, gray wool carpets and a black canvas folding top. Numerous photographs taken during the process document the level of detail throughout, both mechanically and cosmetically. Additional details, such as the Britax seat belts, brilliantly restored instrumentation, new set of Borrani-style wire wheels, and scores of correct, expertly applied finishes throughout combine to achieve a brilliant, overall presentation worthy of the style and gravitas long associated with the Aston Martin name.

This concours-level, open DB4 is accompanied by the aforementioned copy of its factory build record, tool roll, with period correct tools, its leather-bound manual, which includes the rare supplement for SS-engined cars, as well as an original program from the 1963 Los Angeles International Auto Show at the Pan Pacific Auditorium, and an original factory sales brochure, focused solely on the Convertible. With very few miles covered since restoration, this is one of the most envied British sports car models of all time. This 1963 DB4 Special Series Convertible is a true standout, not only for its incredible presence, but its status as the rarest variant in the most desirable specification. It represents an opportunity that is essentially impossible to repeat.