Aston Martin DB4 Series I 1960, Inglaterra
Fotografia
In 1956 Aston
Martin began development of the all-new DB4, which debuted at the London Motor
Show in the fall of 1958. Not only did it set the tone of Aston Martin design
for years to come, the DB4 also introduced an updated engine designed by Tadek
Marek, whose name became synonymous with the marque’s engineering and
performance excellence. The 3,670 cc DOHC engine was entirely constructed of
aluminum and produced 240 bhp in standard tune with twin SU carburetors. Most
important, the new 3.7-liter six-cylinder engine provided a platform for
further development and continued with various displacements and power ratings
through mid-1972.
Aston Martin
turned to Carrozzeria Touring for its Superleggera (“superlight”) body design,
comprising a lightweight yet strong framework of small-diameter tubes dressed
in aluminum panels. The chassis, designed by Harold Beach, was both simpler and
more rigid than that of its predecessors, using a new pressed-steel frame.
Four-wheel Dunlop disc brakes matched the car’s impressive top speed of over
140 mph. The DB4 claims the distinction of being the first production car
capable of sprinting from 0–100 mph and back down to zero in less than 30
seconds. It is fair to say, then, that the DB4 placed Aston Martin back on equal
footing with its Italian counterparts from Ferrari and Maserati.
Offered
complete with a copy of its original build sheet, this first-series DB4 from
1960 is an original left-hand-drive example. The car was originally delivered
to Charles Hornburg, Aston Martin’s premier U.S. West Coast importer. Through
Hornburg, the car was sold new to Paul S. Pollack (Karl’s Shoes Limited) of Los
Angeles, California. Though much of this DB4’s early history remains unknown,
in the 1990s it was owned and fully restored by well-known and respected Aston
Martin vintage racing technician Mr. S. Rodd., now an Aston Martin franchise
dealer-owner.
Around 2000,
this DB4 was traded to Aston Martin dealer Miller Motorcars in Greenwich,
Connecticut. Subsequently, 245/L found a home with Mr. Raymond Minella, a
well-known Connecticut collector. In Minella’s care, this DB4 won several 1st
in Class concours awards. The car was then sold to another well-known Aston
Martin collector and moved across the ocean to the UK. Purchased in 2011 by Tom
Papadopoulos of Autosport Designs, 245/L returned to the United States. Having
only 6,000 miles since complete restoration, it was thoroughly serviced and
used for several seasons of motoring enjoyment. In 2016 it took part in the
Colorado Grand 1,000-mile vintage rally. Shortly thereafter, the car was sold
to its most recent caretaker. During this time, it was decided to return 245/L
to its original color combination of Snow Shadow Grey over a lovely Red leather
interior. It has thus been the subject of a complete photo-documented cosmetic
restoration and is now presented in exceptional concours condition throughout.
The Series 1,
with its rear-hinged bonnet, is considered by many to be the most beautiful of
the DB4 range for its egg-crate front grille, larger bonnet scoop, and straight
cathedral taillights, all part of the original Touring of Milan design. This
example, complete with books, tools, and factory jack, will make for a welcome
addition to an enthusiast’s garage or collection.
