DB4 and DB4 Convertible

Production dates; October 1958 - June 1963

Tadek Marek's new 3.7 litre, six-cylinder twin overhead camshaft, all alloy engine first ran in 1956 and was raced in the DBR2 in 1957.

Work on the DB4 started in 1956, at the same time as the DB Mark III. The key people involved in the development of the DB4 were General Manager John Wyer, Chassis Designer Harold Beach, and Engine Designer Tadek Marek. Every major component in the DB4 was new. The four-seater body was design by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan, using their 'Superleggera' construction in which alloy panels are fixed to a tubular frame built onto a substantial platform chassis.

The new car was shown at the London Motor show in 1958, sharing a stand with the DB Mark III which was to continue in production for almost a year. The DB4 was the first production car capable of 0-100-0 mph in under 30 sec. claiming to reach the 100 mph mark in 21 seconds. A landmark model that put Aston Martin back in competition with other Mediterranean sports car manufacturers.

A DB4 convertible was announced at the London Motor Show in 1961.

By the time the DB4 ended its production run, there were five distinct series.

Series 1: Rear hinged bonnet, heavy duty bumpers fitted after the first fifty cars.
Series 2: Front hinged bonnet, bigger brake calipers and enlarged sump.
Series 3: Seperate rear lamps on a polished alumninium plate, two bonnet stays and an electric tachometer, along with interior improvements.
Series 4: New grille with seven vertical bars, shallower bonnet intake and recessed rear lamps.
Series 5: 3.6'' longer wheelbase, higher roof line for more headroom, 15'' wheels and DB4GT style instrument layout.

Specification
Price New: £ 3,976 (Saloon), £ 4,194 (Convertible)

Engine: DOHC Straight six, 3670 cc, 240 bhp @ 5500 rpm, 240 lbs-ft @4250 rpm; Vantage: 266 bhp @5750 rpm

Transmission: 4-speed manual with optional overdrive or optional Borg-Warner 3-speed automatic

Suspension:
Front: Independent with helical coil springs, upper and lower wishbones and ball jointed king pins. Telescopic shock absorbers.
Rear: Live Hypoid axle mounted on trailing arms and transversely mounted Watts linkage. Helical coil springs with Large double action lever arm shock absorbers.

Brakes: Dunlop Servo assisted brakes with front and rear discs

Length: 14'9"

Width: 5'6"

Height: 4'4"

Wheelbase: 8'4"

Weight: 1308kg

Top Speed: 140 mph

0-60 mph: 9 sec.