Aston Martin DB4 MKII (1 of 349 LHD) - 1960

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Model history and curiosity

A masterpiece of British engineering skill with Italian styling flair, the Aston Martin DB4 was the forerunner for the most famous of the David Brown Aston Martins, the DB5. An ambitious project, the saloon was designed as an entirely new car from the ground up; it was also the first Aston Martin to be fully produced at the Newport Pagnell factory.

Loaded with brand new developments, the DB4 was a vehicle ahead of its time. The new chassis featured independent front suspension and a live rear axle well located by trailing arms and a Watt’s linkage. Four-wheel disc brakes and rack-and-pinion steering were specified for the first time; both items were advanced for their day, and were offered conspicuously ahead of adoption by Ferrari. The most exciting development, however, was the innovative alloy twin-cam 3.7-liter straight-six engine created by Tadek Marek and further developed for use in the DBR2. With twin SU carburettors, it was rated at 240 brake horsepower and produced the prodigious torque for which these DB series Astons have become famous.

Beginning in January 1960, the Series II DB4s addressed a number of problem areas associated with early production, yet still retained the original, uncomplicated look of the initial design. Chassis DB4/339/L was delivered in July 1960, making it one of the 349 Series II vehicles.