1960 Aston Martin DB4 Serie II Superleggera

A masterpiece of British engineering skills with a touch of Italian style, the Aston Martin DB4 was the forerunner of the most famous Aston Martin produced during the David Brown era, the DB5. Thanks to an ambitious design, it was conceived as a completely new car from scratch. It was the head of development, John Wyer who wanted to use Carrozzeria Touring of Milan, with their patented 'Superleggera', which consisted of aluminium panels fixed onto a tubular chassis. And so, Harold Beech, Aston Martin's newly appointed chief engineer, was sent to Italy to work alongside Touring. In just six weeks, Beech designed a brand new platform chassis, while Federico Formenti of Carrozzeria Touring designed the elegant body shape that wowed the crowds at the 1958 Paris Motor Show. Packed with new features, the DB4 with the new chassis featured independent-wheel front suspension and a swinging rear axle with longitudinal arms and Watt's linkage. Four-wheel disc brakes and rack-and-pinion steering were also a technologically advanced innovation at the time, and Aston Martin was well ahead of Ferrari's adoption of them. The most exciting new feature was the innovative 3. 7-litre, twin-camshaft, aluminium, inline-six engine designed by Tadek Marek. With two SU carburettors, it had an output of 243 horsepower. From January 1960, the Series II DB4s received a series of modifications to address some of the problems that had become apparent during the production of the first cars, while retaining their original appearance, on the DB4/ 339/ L chassis they made useful mechanical upgrades such as improved front brake calipers, an enlarged oil pan and more space in the cockpit. This car was delivered in July 1960, part of the 349 Series II vehicles built. The most noticeable change was the move to a hinged front bonnet, a feature that would remain in use until the DB6. Originally ordered in Desert White over black Connolly leather, the car on chassis DB4/ 339/ L was delivered new to Switzerland to its first owner, a Dr Gross, who had requested fully chromed wheels and heated rear lights, essential for the snowy roads of Switzerland. In the late 1990s, the DB4 was bought by the second owner, who formally exported it to Italy in 2000, lovingly cared for for over two decades by the same family. Today painted in Silver Birch colour, with the beautifully preserved and original leather interior. Matching numbers, Italian number plates and documents, Aston Martin Heritage Certificate, warranty card and ASI. For further information, viewing and test drive, please contact the details below. We accept total and/ or partial exchanges and/ or permutations of cars of our interest of lower, equal and/ or higher value. Possibility of home delivery also abroad, with personalised transport by tow truck/ containerized cart, guaranteeing quality and privacy.