1960 Aston Martin DB4 Series II Saloon

The Aston Martin DB4 was unveiled at the London Motor Show in 1958 and this was the start of, what was to become, a very successful period for the good folks at Newport Pagnell as the popular DB4 was replaced by the equally popular DB5 and then the, almost production line, DB6. All featured elegant coachwork designed by Touring of Milan, and the handmade aluminium bodywork panels were mounted on a steel tube frame, using the Superleggera (meaning super light) method of construction. Fitted with all-round drum brakes, firstly by Dunlop then later by Girling, DB4s were powered by an all new six cylinder aluminium twin overhead camshaft, 3670cc engine, designed by Tadek Marek and developing around 240bhp at 5500rpm. Claimed performance was a reputed top speed of 140mph and 0-60 in 8.5 seconds when coupled to the new gearbox designed by Aston Martin's owner, David Brown. Of all the post-war Aston Martins, the iconic DB4 remains one of the most admired and recognisable shapes of all time and the blueprint for it's successors, the DB5 and DB6.

Chassis number DB4/361/R was purchased new by Sir Robertson Huntley "Bob" Stewart CBE, a New Zealand industrialist. In 1947 he secured a job working for Plastics & Die Casting Ltd based in Christchurch, and by 1957 he was able to buy the company outright, later renaming it PDL and becoming the most successful plastics business in New Zealand. In 1960, Sir Robertson purchased this DB4 Series II and drove it for 6 months on a tour of Europe, before returning to his native country with the car, where it remained until late 2014. Included in the history file are various newspaper articles documenting its arrival in New Zealand where it must have been quite a sight.

The engine was upgraded to Vantage specification to include three HD8 SU carburettors as opposed to the standard twin version, boosting the power output to 270bhp in the process. At the same time the drum brakes were also changed to discs. A comprehensive history file accompanies the car and includes a copy of the original factory build sheet. This car has been NOVA'd and all UK taxes and import duties paid, so any prospective UK buyer will need to register it with the DVLA to obtain a UK V5C and registration. The car has an MoT test certificate until August 2016.

Presented in Peony Red, it is thought that the seats were retrimmed some 20 years ago and they still look very respectable today with a light patina. The odometer currently reads, a believed genuine, 84,120miles. Not to be overlooked, Chassis DB4/361/R offers an exciting opportunity to own a fantastic DB4 Series II that would be welcome in any classic car collection today.