Makes and Models: DB4

Being the brand’s first automobile to feature Superleggera (super light) construction,   Aston Martin DB4 was designed by the Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera. This luxury grand tourer became a true epitome of elegance emphasizing the brand’s style, dedication, and cutting-edge technological advancement. 

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The DB4, featuring an advanced engine for its time, received a warm reception from both the public and automotive critics. Its elegant design, impressive performance, and meticulous craftsmanship earned widespread acclaim. Beyond its appeal as a stylish sports car, it achieved notable success on race tracks, securing victories in several races, including the 1960 Goodwood Tourist Trophy. Aston Martin manufactured a total of 1,110 DB4s, offering various versions such as the GT and GT Zagato. Subsequently, in 1963, it was succeeded by the famous DB5, renowned for its iconic appearance in the James Bond film “Goldfinger.”

The origins

Source: Bonhams

The Aston Martin DB4 was first introduced in 1958 as a replacement for the DB2/4 model. The car was designed by Touring of Milan, an Italian coachbuilder who used their patented “Superleggera” construction method to build the car’s body. This method involved attaching aluminum body panels to a lightweight tubular frame, which helped to keep the weight of the car down while still maintaining strength and rigidity. The DB4 was powered by a new 3.7-liter inline six-cylinder engine that was developed in-house by Aston Martin. This engine produced 240 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque, which was a significant improvement over the previous models. The engine was paired with a four-speed manual gearbox and featured twin SU carburetors and a new aluminum cylinder head. AM’s new model featured an advanced suspension system that had coil springs and wishbones at the front and a live rear axle with semi-elliptical springs. This suspension system provided a smooth and comfortable ride, while also delivering exceptional handling and road holding. The DB4 was also notable for its aerodynamic design, which featured a sleek and streamlined body that helped to reduce wind resistance and improve performance. The vehicle’s exterior featured several design cues that became hallmarks of Aston Martins for years to come, such as the distinctive grille and the “side strake” ventilations. A total of 1,110 DB4s were built between 1958 and 1963, with various series and updates, becoming an instant classic and one of the most sought-after Aston Martins of all time.

The 1962 model year

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In 1962, the model came in both coupe and convertible variants, equipped with a 3.7-liter inline six-cylinder engine generating 240 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. Its engine was mated to a four-speed manual gearbox, enabling the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in slightly over 8 seconds. Inside, the 1962 edition boasted a lavish and refined interior, showcasing premium materials and meticulous craftsmanship. The leather-upholstered seats provided exceptional support and comfort for passengers. The dashboard and door panels were trimmed with wood veneers, adding a touch of warmth to the cabin. The gauges and controls for the driver were all placed in easy-to-reach locations and were clearly labeled for ease of use. The model also featured a variety of standard amenities such as power windows and a heater to improve the comfort of the passengers. Optional extras such as air conditioning and radio were also available for even more comfort. The interior was designed to provide a comfortable and refined driving experience, with ample space for luggage at the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle had a traditional British sports vehicle design with luxury in mind, emphasized by the use of fine materials and attention to detail.

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Some of the notable owners of the 1962 release included the British racing driver and team owner, Stirling Moss. He purchased the new car in 1962 and raced it in several competitions, including the 1962 Goodwood Tourist Trophy, where he finished in second place. Another famous owner of a 1962 edition was the American actor, Steve McQueen. He purchased it in the late 1960s. Remarkably, this particular automobile was featured in the movie “Bullitt” in 1968, which starred McQueen and was a major hit. The other famous owner of this remarkable sports vehicle was Sir Paul McCartney, who was often seen driving the automobile around London.

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Dynamics and style to provide full driving pleasure: the Aston Martin DB4 replaced the DB 2/4 and was the epitome of elegance inherited from the Italian body maker and the sporting spirit of British roadsters.

Source: Bonhams

The DB4 had taken Aston Martin to a whole new level by providing its customers with an all-new stylish sports vehicle. It was the most beautiful British car of the 50s, which in terms of sportiness, performance, and comfort was not inferior to the products of the Italian Ferrari or Maserati. A successful combination of Italian style and British technical equipment, developed by the company’s engineers, this automobile became the brand’s most sought-after and successful model in the 50s and 60s bringing the AM worldwide fame.

The origins

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The Aston Martin DB4 underwent development starting in 1956, but it was officially unveiled at the London Motor Show only in 1958. The “DB” in its name represented the initials of David Brown, a prominent industrialist who became the company’s new owner after purchasing it in 1947. The chassis of the vehicle was meticulously crafted by Harold Beach, working under the guidance of John Wyer, while the 3.7-liter inline-6 engine was skillfully designed by Tadek Marek. Notably, the car featured a brand-new aluminum L6 engine with a 3.7-liter displacement, boasting two overhead camshafts. The power output of 240 horsepower was achieved through the utilization of these dual overhead camshafts and two SU HD8 carburetors. AM’s new roadster received Dunlop and later Girling disc brakes, and was offered two transmission options – a five-speed manual and a three-speed automatic. In addition to the technical part, the body design of the car was a special pride for the British brand. Previously, the bodies for Aston Martin were designed in the domestic Tickford studio. This time, the company’s management decided to trust the Italians: the appearance of the new roadster was taken up by the Milanese from Carrozzeria Touring. It turned stylish and fast, very advanced for its time.  The body was built using ultra-modern technology for the 50s: the frame was of thin steel tubes, and then sheathed with aluminum. This design made it super-light (Superleggera: translated from Italian Super Leggera means “super light”), thanks to which the automobile significantly added dynamics. Aston Martin DB4 developed a maximum speed of 250 km/h and reached the hundred-kilometer mark in 6 seconds.

The 1959 model year

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The 1959 model had the characteristic appearance of a sports vehicle. The body from the Italian company Carrozzeria Touring was produced in Milan using branded “Superleggera” technology. The extended hood and other engineering solutions shifted the center of gravity back. The vehicle was ultra-light with the ability to accelerate to 100 km/h in 6 seconds consuming 16 liters per 100 km.

A huge chrome grille and a powerful air intake ripped off the impressive engine size. In addition, the dynamic image of the DB4 was emphasized by the elegant spoked rims that had become characteristic of Aston Martin. Six-cylinder engine, almost entirely made of aluminum, with a volume of 3669 ccs, which developed 240 hp, needed a proper transmission: the model received a 4-speed manual transmission, available in the overdrive version. On the fourth DB, all instruments were concentrated directly in the center. The large three-spoke steering wheel received a wooden rim, and genuine leather and wood prevailed in the interior trim. The automobile was a four-seater, with individual seats in the second row. Moreover, it was possible to order an option with a rear sofa, but still, there was only enough space for two. The sleek, sporty design of the vehicle continued the main trend of previous Aston Martin models.

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In 1959, the company released the GT version of the model, which was a sporty type of DB4. This modification was considered very rare, as only 75 vehicles were made in 1959. In 2017, the company reissued this version, calling it the DB4 GT Continuation.

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The Aston Martin DB4 was an iconic classic, known for its beautiful design, high performance, and luxury features. It was also the first car built at Aston Martin’s Newport Pagnell factory and was considered a major step forward in the company’s history. 

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This model was a highly advanced and desirable sports vehicle in its time, combining cutting-edge design, powerful performance, and luxurious amenities. It was considered one of the best automobiles of its era and a true classic in the automotive world. Created by Touring of Milan, which was known for its lightweight and aerodynamic designs, it received a sleek, sporty, and highly aerodynamic look, which contributed to its high top speed and excellent handling.

The origins

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In 1958, the DB4 project was developed by David Brown, the owner of the Aston Martin company, to replace the DB Mark III. Brown aimed to compete with other luxury sports cars such as the Ferrari and the Jaguar XK. To achieve this, he enlisted the help of Touring of Milan, an Italian coachbuilder renowned for its lightweight and aerodynamic designs, to create the body and chassis of the automobile. The model’s features included a steel unitary construction, independent front suspension, a live rear axle, and disc brakes on all four wheels. Aston Martin developed an in-house 3.7-liter inline six-cylinder engine that generated 240 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque, paired with a four-speed manual transmission. The vehicle was well-received for its handling, performance, and styling when it was first launched, becoming the first Aston Martin vehicle to bear the now-iconic “DB” designation. It underwent several revisions and updates during its production run, which ended in 1963, with a total of 1,110 automobiles built, making it one of the company’s most successful models.

The 1961 model year

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The 1961 release was designed by Touring of Milan, Italy, and built at the company’s Newport Pagnell plant in England. Featuring a 3.7-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produced 240 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque, paired with a four-speed manual transmission the vehicle had a steel unitary construction body, independent front suspension, live rear axle, and disc brakes on all four wheels. In addition, the automobile was available in both coupe and convertible body styles. It was highly praised for its handling, performance, and styling as well as the previous releases. The legendary model was succeeded by the next DB5 model, which featured a larger engine and several other upgrades. The interior of the 1961 Aston Martin DB4 featured a luxurious and sophisticated design, with high-quality materials and craftsmanship. The seats of the 1961 release were upholstered in leather, and the dashboard and door panels were trimmed in wood or leather. The gauges were placed in a centrally located instrument panel and included a speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and oil pressure gauge. The DB4 had a thin wooden steering wheel and a center console with a shift lever. Inside, the car had a spacious cabin with enough legroom and headroom for passengers. It was also equipped with amenities like power windows and a heater to enhance the driving experience for both the driver and passengers, making it a luxurious and comfortable ride.

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The 1961 Aston Martin DB4 was featured in several famous films, including the James Bond series. The car was used in the film “Goldfinger” (1964) and “Thunderball” (1965) both starring Sean Connery as James Bond. In addition, it appeared in “The Green Hornet” (2011) starring Seth Rogen and Jay Chou, and in “The Italian Job” (1969), starring Michael Caine and Noel Coward.

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For more than 50 years, the Aston Martin DB4 was rightfully considered one of the most beautiful cars and a real icon of pop culture. Elegant design, rich history, and excellent driving performance made this incredible car a legend in the automotive industry.

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Known for its beautiful design and exceptional performance, the Aston Martin DB4 was a true classic. The automobile became an instant trendsetter, and its unique design was widely admired by car enthusiasts around the world. The model boasted some extremely innovative engineering, elegant style, and superb driving characteristics making the roadster a glorious representative of the British automotive industry.

The origins

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Debuted in 1958, the vehicle started the glorious era of the brand. Undoubtedly, it became the hallmark of the brand and a real star of both roads and screens. Elegant and comfortable for its time, it took these qualities to a new level, becoming a real authority, and the ultimate perfection of the Grand Touring class. DB4 appeared as a replacement for the no less glorious DB2/4 model. David Brown’s new model was nothing like its predecessor: it was a completely new vehicle with a new body style and engine. Brown’s company introduced the roadster at the 1958 London Motor Show. The public and the automotive press were delighted. Such positive feedback prompted the company to put the automobile into mass production as soon as possible.  Thus, the successful period began. The elegance of the model was inherited from the Italian bodywork. In addition to its design, Italians also worked on new technology to minimize weight. Craftsmen fastened the aluminum elements to the steel frame by hand but maintained the necessary rigidity. So the legendary term “Superleggera” – “superlight” was born. It was an innovative approach for those years. However, the technical part was still made in Britain, at a plant in Newport. The vehicle was equipped with an Inline 6 engine and a 4-speed manual transmission. This legend was produced until 1963, with a total of 1,040 standard coupes, 70 convertibles, and 95 GT modifications.

The 1960 model year

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The 1960 release was a lighter and more powerful version of the DB4, holding a special place in the history of the model. This was perhaps the fastest car in “Foggy Albion.” Tubular “skeleton” with aluminum body panels, 3.7-liter inline “six” with a capacity of over 300 hp allowed it to accelerate to 60 mph (96 km / h) in 6.1 s and squeeze out to 243 km/h. In a word – a real sports vehicle worthy of Bond himself. In 1960, the Aston Martin DB4 received another push towards sportiness. This mission was undertaken by the Italian company Zagato, which made super lightweight aluminum bodies. Designer Ercole Spada changed the look of the automobile and removed all unnecessary details, including bumpers. The body was made in the typical Zagato aerodynamic style with a streamlined roof and protruding rear fenders. The air intake on the hood was replaced with two bulges, and all glass and caps on the headlights were made of plastic. This new modification, called the DB4 GTZ, was shown at the London Motor Show in 1960. In 1960, 25 Zagato chassis were assembled, including 4 road cars. Interestingly, the roadster gained particular popularity in the 80s. It was then that collectors began to actively look for this rare model. They even paid over $1 million for this release. 

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In 1960, Aston Martin shipped the automobile to Italy to be coached by Bertone’s Giorgetto Giugiaro. The modified automobile was presented at the Geneva Motor Show. Constructed from steel, it was 90 kg heavier than the standard aluminum roadster and the Bertone design reminded Ferrari of the time. The car was privately owned for several years before being returned to Aston Martin for a complete makeover in 1986. This edition remains one of the most unusual Aston Martins.

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The Aston Martin DB4 was a true marvel of automotive engineering and design. It combined sleek, flowing lines with powerful and responsive performance, creating a driving experience that was nothing short of exhilarating.

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The DB4 was a true driver’s vehicle, with a manual transmission and a responsive chassis that provided a level of control and precision that few other vehicles could match. It was a joy to drive on winding roads or through the city streets, and it exuded an air of sophistication and class that was hard to ignore. From its distinctive grille to its smooth and graceful body, this outstanding automobile was a sight to behold. But it wasn’t just a pretty face – under the hood, it boasted a powerful engine that delivered impressive speed and acceleration.

The origins

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The creation of Aston Martin’s iconic car was the culmination of years of diligent work and commitment from a group of skilled designers and engineers. The project was initiated in 1956 when Aston Martin’s owner at the time, David Brown, challenged his team to develop a new sports vehicle that would outperform the company’s previous models in terms of speed, power, and overall performance. The project was led by Carrozzeria Touring, who created a sleek and elegant body that would become the model’s trademark. The automobile was built around a strong steel platform, which provided a stable and responsive foundation for its advanced suspension system. Under the hood, it featured a powerful 3.7-liter Inline 6 engine that was capable of producing up to 260 horsepower. This was a significant improvement over the brand’s previous models, giving this novelty the kind of speed and acceleration that would make it a true driver’s vehicle. The automobile was officially unveiled in 1958 at the Paris Auto Salon, becoming an immediate hit with car enthusiasts and critics alike. It was praised for its stunning design, its impressive performance, and luxurious interior, which featured high-quality leather upholstery and a host of advanced features. Over the years, the vehicle was updated and refined, with new models introduced to keep pace with the changing demands of the automotive market. But throughout its production run, it remained a true icon of the brand. Truly, it was a testament to the power of innovation and dedication in the automotive industry. It was a car that pushed the boundaries of what was possible, and it continues to inspire designers and engineers to this day.

The 1963 model year

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From its sleek and elegant exterior to its luxurious and finely crafted interior, the 1963 edition exuded sophistication and class. The vehicle’s interior was a study of elegance and refinement. The seats were upholstered in high-quality leather, with a range of colors and patterns available to suit every taste. The dashboard was beautifully crafted, with gauges and controls arranged logically and intuitively. One of the standout features of the 1963 DB4 was its advanced technical specifications. Under the hood, it boasted a powerful 3.7-liter straight-six engine that delivered an impressive 260 horsepower. This was paired with a four-speed manual transmission that provided a level of control and precision that was hard to match. The suspension system on the 1963 edition was also worth noting. It featured a coil spring front suspension and a live rear axle with coil springs, which worked together to provide a smooth and stable ride. The automobile’s advanced braking system, featuring disc brakes on all four wheels, ensured that stopping power was always at your fingertips. The attention to detail in the 1963 edition was truly impressive. From the way the doors closed with a satisfying thud to the way the steering wheel felt in your hands, every aspect of this car had been carefully considered and meticulously crafted. 

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One of the most notable owners of the 1963 edition was the British actor, Sir Peter Ustinov, who was known for his roles in films such as “Spartacus” and “Death on the Nile.” Ustinov was a noted automobile enthusiast and owned several classic vehicles throughout his life, including a 1963 DB4. Other famous owners of the DB4 included Prince Charles and Prince Philip, as well as musicians such as Mick Jagger and Eric Clapton. The vehicle’s timeless design and advanced engineering made it a favorite among many high-profile individuals during its time, and it remains a sought-after classic today.

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The debut of the DB4 in 1958 ushered in the glorious era of Aston Martin, which made the classic six-cylinder Aston-DB automotive world star. The car reached a new level of convenience and elegance, which was, according to many authorities, the limit of perfection. It looked great and rode just as well.

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With the introduction of the DB4 series, Aston Martin has taken it to another level by introducing a brand new Grand Touring vehicle to the world and its customers. This model became the hallmark of the company and was undoubtedly the most beautiful British sports vehicle of the 50s, and in terms of performance and comfort, it was not inferior to Ferrari and Maserati automobiles. Thanks to the successful combination of Italian style and technical developments of the company’s engineers, it became the brand’s most successful model at that time and won worldwide fame.

The origins

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By the end of the 50s, the Aston Martin brand enjoyed fame as a remarkable manufacturer of dynamic roadsters that provided complete pleasure. At the end of the 50s, the company decided to replace the DB2/4 with another roadster – DB4. It came out as a completely new automobile with a different body and engine introduced in 1958 by David Brown at the London Motor Show. The public and critics welcomed the new model warmly, and the company began a serial production. The bodies were made in Italy, and new technology for minimizing the weight was implemented: aluminum elements were hand-attached to a steel frame while maintaining the required rigidity. This worked perfectly, and the brand’s bodies were characterized by the term “Superleggera” which translated from Italian, meant “super light”. Interestingly, previously, this was the name given to elegant and “airy” carriages made in the famous Touring workshop. Carriages became history, and Milan coachbuilders started to make car bodies. However, technically the vehicles were assembled in Britain, at a new plant in Newport. This new roadster acquired the characteristics of a supercar: it had no equals on the road. Elongated hood, the center of gravity visually shifted back: this supercar was admired by everyone! 

The 1958 model year

Source: AM Registry

The brand started this roadster’s development in 1956, in parallel with the previous DB Mk III model. The chassis of the vehicles were designed by Harold Beach, which received a completely new aluminum Inline6 engine with a displacement of 3.7 liters, with two overhead camshafts. This unit with a capacity of 240 horsepower was developed by designer Tadek Marek. The automobile was equipped with Dunlop and later Girling disc brakes. The DB4 was offered a choice of two transmission options – a five-speed manual and a three-speed automatic. The design of the power unit was the same as that of its predecessor, the 2.9-liter Lagonda engine, but the enlarged cylinder block was made entirely of aluminum. Power 240 hp provided two overhead camshafts and two SU HD8 carburetors. In 1957 this engine was tested on the racing Aston Martin DBR2. The body was designed and developed by the Italian Carrozzeria Touring in Milan using its own “Superleggera” technology. The aluminum panels were mounted on a steel tube space frame attached to a stamped steel frame. This design was very light and allowed the roadster to accelerate from 0 to 96 km/h in less than 9s and reach a maximum of 225 km/h. Fuel consumption was 16 liters per 100 km. The DB4 debuted at the 1958 London Motor Show and was produced from 1958 to 1963. There were five series of this model as over the years of production it received minor changes: side window frames, an enlarged oil sump, a flat air intake on the hood, a radiator grill with horizontal blinds, and triple round lights at the rear.  The model was produced until 1963 and during this period, a total of 1,205 cars were built, including 1,040 standard coupes, 70 convertibles, and 95 GT modifications. It survived five upgrades (versions I-V) and was represented by several modifications: GT, Zagato, Vantage, Volante, and Drophead Coupe.

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Features such as the grille, fastback roof, and vertical taillights were not new to the 1958 release – they had previously been used on the DB Mk III, but on the DB4 the first air intake on the hood and two side vents, divided in two by a chrome strip, appeared.

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