1958 | Aston Martin DB 4

DB4/107/R was first registered in October 1958 by David Brown Industries as a works development and demonstration car. During a full Aston Workshop restoration in 2006 evidence of the cars vital role in DB4 development became clear, with non-standard brackets and mounting points, now redundant, left in place on the chassis. Alongside its vital role in development of the DB4, 107/R also saw use as a company car as a favourite of Aston Martin owner David Brown. The car, with its recognisable registration "4 SMU", became well known in the period. Our research has also uncovered the car starred in the 1960 Terrence Young film "Too Hot to Handle", starring Jayne Mansfield and Christopher Lee.

This car was used on an extensive "proving" tour of Europe by Chief Racing and Rectification and Development Engineer Des O'Dell. It is featured in cine film and photographs taken by Des during this trip, and features in the well reviewed book "Aston Martin DB4 GT Racing and Rectification" by award winning author Guy Loveridge. Des used the car as his support vehicle to the DB4GT racing programme which included Monza, Le Mans, Clermont Ferrand and Montlhery.

Originally fitted with prototype engine 370/PP/105 (the oldest existing prototype engine as per the Aston Martin Owners Club), numerous developmental engines were fitted over its use by Aston Martin before it's original engine was refitted which remains in the car now. A clear indication of its prototype usage is the fitment of fully framed door windows, not found on production cars until the Series 2 was released in 1960.

Aston Martin Works sold the car in 1961, with ownership going on to change multiple times throughout the 1960s. After Mr Stanger of Gosforth, Newcastle purchased the car in 1967 it went on to remain in one-family ownership for nearly 40 years when it was purchased by Aston Workshop as a restoration project. A full restoration, as detailed in this book written about the history of the car, was undertaken including a development of the engine to 4.2L capacity for a useful increase in power and torque. After completion of the restoration the car was shown at the 2007 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

This 1958 Aston Martin DB4 is now presented for sale by Aston Workshop. Having covered 14,083 miles since restoration this car is in fantastic order, representing a rare opportunity to own an early DB4 with Aston Martin Works provenance in supreme condition. Our helpful sales team are happy to discuss this unique chapter of Aston Martin history in further detail; please call +44 (0) 1207 268 932 / +44 (0) 7827353195 or email sales@aston.co.uk.