One to Buy: Barn Fresh 1962 Aston Martin DB4 Discovery
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To replace the ageing DB2-based platform that had served the company so well since 1950, Aston Martin introduced the brand new DB4 at the Paris Motor Show in October 1958.
Styled by Touring of Milan, the DB4 was the first Aston Martin to be built at the company’s Newport Pagnell factory in Buckinghamshire.
It was constructed around a modern pressed steel monocoque with independent double wishbone suspension up front, a live axle at the back and disc brakes all round.
In the engine bay was a thoroughly reworked version of Aston Martin’s dual overhead camshaft straight six taken out to 3.7-litres. Bodywork was by Touring of Milan; as the DB4 used a steel monocoque, Touring’s Superleggera framework was only required for the bonnet surround, windscreen, roof, rear wings and tail.
Between 1958 and 1963, the DB4 went through five different iterations. Additionally, Convertible, Vantage and GT variants were also produced.
Currently on offer with Gullwing Motorcars of Astoria, New York, is this fixed head Series 4 fresh from 30 years of barn storage. Most notably, the Series 4 came with a flatter and wider bonnet intake scoop and a bar rather than meshed front grille. Inside, the ashtray was moved from from the top of the dash to the transmission tunnel.
As well as all of its correct Series 4 features, this DB4 retains its original matching numbers engine and transmission. It is finished in the handsome colour scheme of blue with dark red upholstery.
Opportunities to purchase original and unrestored cars from this era become increasingly rare with every passing year.
