1963 Aston Martin DB4 Vantage
· Light weight Superleggera body by Carrozzeria Touring
· Enhanced Inline 6-cylinder dual overhead cam engine; Renowned GT performance
· Converted from proper British right-side to US left-sided steering
The Aston Martin DB 4 Series 4 Vantage is perhaps the most widely recognized British sport car for what it isn’t: the James Bond Aston Martin DB5. One would be excused from the mistake as the car used as a prototype for the Aston Martin featured in the James Bond film Goldfinger was in fact based upon the DB4 with its signature headlight covers, muscular exhaust notes, and rakish good looks but was instead touted as Aston Martin’s brand new DB5. Named for the initials of the marque’s manager David Brown, the DB4 Vantage was a limited-edition version built by a sports car manufacturer who specialized in performance and racing cars since the 1920s. David Brown was credited for resurrecting the company’s racing success throughout the mid to late 1950’s.
On its own merits the DB4 was introduced in 1958 with its own unique platform chassis and bodywork designed by Federico Formenti, of Carrozzeria Touring in Milan, Italy. The technology applied to its Superleggera, or “Superlight” aluminum body was conceived as thin sheets of metal were formed over a tubular latticework frame to create a strong but lightweight skin that shaped the car’s exterior. Under the bonnet (the British term for the hood), sat a dual overhead cam inline 6-cylinder powerplant with three SU carburetors. Also made from aluminum alloy, the engine’s output of 266 horsepower could propel the Vantage model DB4 to speeds reaching 150 mph but was smooth and reliable enough to allow the car to be used as a grand touring car. With comfort in mind, the car offered luxurious interior appointments such as leather seating and room for 2 plus luggage or an occasional passenger.
The Vantage model could also be identified with its aerodynamic enclosed headlamps and a fastback rear with modest finned wings at the back. Never considered to be a high-volume automobile builder, Aston Martin only built 136 of the enclosed DB4 Vantage and just 32 convertibles. The light green car on display was originally built with right hand drive steering but was converted to left hand drive for use in the USA. Additionally, the engine displacement was increased along with several other performance modifications raising the horsepower rating of this vehicle to 360 horsepower.
Specifications:
Engine: 3.7-liter Inline dual overhead cam 6-cylinder over bored to 4.2-liter, 4-speed synchromesh transmission, 3 SU Carburetors, rear wheel drive
Chassis: Platform style chassis with independent front suspension, leaf spring rear suspension, Dunlop disc brakes front and rear.
Performance: Top speed 152 mph, 350 hp @ 6000 rpm; Torque 270 lb ft; 0-60mph in 9 seconds
Weight: 2877.6 lbs
