04.11.2015

ASTON MARTIN DB4 SERIES V 'OPEN HEADLIGHT' FOR SALE

Launched at the London Motor Show in 1958 and constructed using the sophisticated ‘Superleggera’ methodology devised by Touring of Milan, the Aston Martin DB4 is considered one of Aston Martin’s greatest achievements.

This highly specified Series 5 example, one of only 50 constructed, is believed one of just 5 built with the ‘open headlight’ configuration. Delivered new to Aston Martin agents, J Blake & Sons in Liverpool, 1034/R was primarily used by its then company chairman, former Monte Carlo Rally entrant and BRDC member Jack Reece, before being sold on and finding its way to the United States. It resided in the warm climes of California until its repatriation to the UK in 1988. The car was sold in 1993 via Paradise Garage of London to a committed DB4 owner who entrusted its maintenance to Aston Service Dorset and R.S. Williams Ltd, with the latter buying the car from him in late 2003.

Substantially restored between 2004-5, works carried out included chassis and body restoration, a full mechanical rebuild including the engine to 4.7 litres specification, gearbox and overdrive rebuilds as well as suitable upgrades to cooling, suspension and brake systems. R.S. Williams also commissioned a complete bare metal respray, re-chroming of brightwork and an interior re-trim with new hides and carpets, prior to a new owner taking delivery in 2005.

The substantial leather-bound history file included with the car gives details of the restoration works carried out, including an engine dyno sheet, showing true power 318 bhp and 330 ft/lbs of torque. It also contains a substantial number of maintenance and parts invoices, DVLA correspondence, all MoT certificates from 1988 onward and a copy of the original build records. Included also are charming and informative letters from previous owners in the 1990s.