On November 4, RM Sotheby’s will return to the illustrious Marlborough House in London for an eagerly awaited auction. This architectural gem, erected in 1711, a mere decade after Buckingham Palace, serves as a fitting backdrop for an auction that coincides with the historic London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. The Veteran Car Run, a venerable motoring tradition dating back to 1896, welcomes vehicles built before 1905, providing a poignant reminder of the remarkable evolution the automobile has undergone since its infancy.
Among the stellar offerings at this auction, one vehicle shines as a beacon of automotive history—a rare Aston Martin DB4 Series V Convertible. This exquisite specimen represents a pivotal moment in the automotive timeline, as it was created during the mid-point of the automobile’s journey. Among the 40 examples of the DB4 Series V Convertible ever produced, this particular vehicle stands alone as the sole unit fitted with the DB4 GT engine from the factory. The DB4 model, a trailblazer in the marque’s lineage, paved the way for a dynasty of DB models that would later epitomize the quintessential British grand tourer.
The DB4 made its debut in 1958, boasting a revolutionary chassis, engine, and body design. Notably, the DB4’s bodywork bore the distinctive touch of Milanese coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, lending it an unmistakably Italian aesthetic. Its fastback silhouette set it apart from its British sports car counterparts. The DB4 remained in production until 1963, evolving through five series, with the final series resembling its iconic successor, the DB5 immortalized by James Bond. In 1961, Aston Martin introduced the DB4 Convertible, consisting of 70 units, divided between Series IV and Series V.
The zenith of collectible ’60s-era Aston Martins is undoubtedly the DB4 GT, introduced in 1959 with a focus on competitive racing. Distinguished by its shortened wheelbase and a high-performance 3.7-liter inline-six engine, the DB4 GT boasted over 300 horsepower, thanks in part to three Weber carburetors. This Series V Convertible, equipped with this formidable powerplant, left the factory on July 19, 1963, destined for Aston Martin of Brooklands, Weybridge. Its striking exterior, clad in Midnight Blue, harmonized beautifully with the red Connolly leather interior, accented by a black soft-top roof and optional chrome wire wheel
The car’s initial owner was Mr. Goodwin of Hale, Cheshire, and while historical records from 1963 to 1970 remain scarce, factory service notes indicate an engine replacement in February 1967, necessitated by a failure. The originality of this DB4 Convertible, which changed hands numerous times throughout its peripatetic journey from the UK to the United States and back to the UK, had been compromised over the years, prompting a comprehensive restoration.
Chassis No. DB4C/1173/R was acquired by its current owner in 2014, embarking on a journey of meticulous restoration under the skilled hands of Aston Martin Works. This restoration spared no expense, culminating in the creation of a bespoke “SS” (Special Series) engine block and GT cylinder head, designated No. 370/1076/SS. Extensive hand-fabrication efforts resulted in the production of several new body panels, all while preserving the original blue and red color scheme.
Throughout the meticulous restoration process, this exquisite automobile was showcased at the firm’s stand during the 2019 Rétromobile event in Paris. The restoration journey reached its pinnacle in 2022, marked by the completion of the project. This remarkable vehicle is accompanied by a comprehensive dossier, including a build sheet, previous titles, and digital reproductions of period photographs. Additionally, it comes with an Aston Martin restoration certificate and an elegantly bound book chronicling the entire restoration process. With a high-end estimated value of $1.95 million, this Aston Martin DB4 Series V Convertible is poised to capture the hearts of collectors and enthusiasts alike at the forthcoming RM Sotheby’s auction in London’s iconic Marlborough House.
