Lot 123: 1959 Aston Martin DB4 Series I Saloon

One of the finest of its type we have been privileged to offer, this magnificent DB4 was restored to the highest standards in 2000 while in the immediately preceding ownership and purchased by the current owner at Bonhams & Brooks’ sale at Aston Martin Works Service in May 2001 (Lot 161). Rebuilt by recognised Aston Martin specialists Bodylines, of Olney, the body had every panel except the roof replaced at a cost of £10,000, while the paintwork alone consumed a further £5,000. The project was overseen by DB Restorations, around £15,000 being spent on parts, including the rebuilt engine and chassis, and the ten-year rebuild’s total cost is put at circa £45,000. Sensible mechanical up-grades include (negative-earth) alternator electrics, halogen headlamps, Kenlowe electric fan and electronic fuel pump, while the sumptuous interior - trimmed by Gary Wright - boasts Connolly hide upholstery and trim, Wilton carpeting, Willans seatbelts and restored period Radiomobile radio. A front-hinged bonnet and electric windows, the former standard and the latter an option on Series 2 and later cars, are further improvements.
Since acquisition by the vendor the original four-speed manual gearbox - number ‘209’ - has been refitted to the car, and the engine stripped, checked and rebuilt by RB Motorsport (in 2001). The car has seen relatively little use during the present ownership, and indeed, fewer than 4,000 miles have been covered since the completion of its restoration in 2000. Presented in excellent overall condition, the car comes complete with full tool kit, screw jack, workshop manual, parts list and owner’s handbook, and is offered with an inventory of restoration work carried out, sundry invoices, assorted expired MoTs, Swansea V5 registration document and road fund licence/MoT to August 2005.