The year was 1960: The Beatles performed their first public performance; British National Service was abolished; Coronation Street aired for the first time, and, er, Prince Andrew was born. It was mostly a great time for Britain.
And the coolest car launched that year? Aston Martin’s DB4 Series II.
A fusion of British engineering excellence and Italian design elegance, the original DB4 was the first Aston built entirely at the manufacturer’s Newport Pagnell factory – and set the stage for the iconic DB5.
The DB4’s initial prototype had failed to excite Aston Martin’s leadership, so head developer John Wyer turned to Carrozzeria Touring of Milan, famed for its innovative 'superleggera' construction (lightweight alloy panels over a tubular frame).
Designer Federico Formenti sculpted the DB4’s sleek body, distinguished by a high-scoop bonnet profile, pressed alloy grille, and iconic ‘cathedral’ tail lamps. Its elegant proportions and arched rear wing became symbols of Aston’s golden era, which continued for more than a decade.
Meanwhile, chief engineer Harold Beech collaborated with Touring, creating a new chassis in just six weeks. This was then loaded with advanced features like independent front suspension, a Watt’s linkage for the live rear axle, four-wheel disc brakes, and rack-and-pinion steering – pioneering tech even Ferrari wasn’t using yet. There’s no doubt, the DB4 was ahead of its time.
It was also endowed with Tadek Marek’s twin-cam 3.7-litre straight-six engine, delivering 240bhp and signature DB-series torque.
The Series II DB4 refined early production issues with enhancements included a front-hinged bonnet, uprated brake calipers, a larger oil sump, and expanded interior space.
This example – Chassis No. 355/R – was built and delivered new in June 1960, finished in Sea Green with black hide interior.
With less than 56,000 miles on the clock, it’s an exceptional example of only 349 Series II ever made.
Restored with a body-off rebuild and engine overhaul by esteemed specialists in the late 1980s, and has been continuously cared for by dedicated owners, as evidenced by an extensive history file of receipts and documentation.
Acquired by its third long-term owner in 1997, the car remains faithful to its original factory specification with a matching-numbers 3.7-litre engine.
Recently, DB4/355/R underwent a bare-metal repaint in its original Sea Green, complemented by a full interior retrim in Connolly Vaumol Tan hides, new Wilton carpeting, and period-correct headlining.
Regularly serviced and stored in a climate-controlled environment, the car is presented in exceptional condition. Accompanied by its original build sheet, detailed restoration records, and a history spanning decades, this exquisite DB4 is now available for inspection at Nicolas Mee’s Hertfordshire showroom.
It’s the perfect vintage car to enjoy – preferably on a long and winding road.
£425,000, nicholasmee.co.uk
