Aston Martin DB4

Aston Martins saloon and convertible, produced from 1958 to 1963, was the first production car capable of 0-100mph in fewer than 30 seconds. Another early car to share the classic DB name, it also achieved folklore in the sixties film classic: The Italian Job. When Michael Caines character Charley Croker is released from jail he drives an Aston Martin DB4 Convertible. Work started on the Aston Martin DB4 in 1956, and the new car was eventually shown at the London Motor show in 1958 to huge acclaim. A definite sixties British-classic motor, the Aston Martin DB4 was capable of a max speed of 140 mph and 0-60 mph in 9 secs.

Aston Martin DB4

  • Aston Martin DB4 History

    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 designed by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan. Alloy panels were 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 another year. The DB4 could reach the 100 mph mark in 21 seconds, an unbelievable feat at the time. Its great muscular look, luxury and performance, all ensured Aston Martin was back in competition with the Italian and other continental sports car manufacturers. A DB4 convertible was also announced at the London Motor Show in 1961. The new 3.7 litre, six-cylinder twin overhead camshaft, all alloy engine was also raced in 1956, and was also raced in the DBR2 in 1957.

  • Aston Martin DB4 Series

    There were five DB4 series:

    • Series 1 - Rear hinged bonnet, heavy duty bumpers fitted after the first 50 cars.
    • Series 2 - Front hinged bonnet and bigger brake callipers, plus enlarged sump.
    • Series 3 - Separate rear lamps on a polished aluminium plate. Also two bonnet stays and an electric tachometer and interior improvements.
    • Series 4 - New grille with 7 vertical bars and more shallow bonnet intake and recessed rear lamps.
    • Series 5 - Longer wheelbase and higher roof line plus 15inch wheels and DB4GT style instrument layout.

  • Aston Martin DB4 Specification

    • Engine: DOHC straight six
    • Capacity: 3670 cc
    • Top Speed: 140 mph
    • 0-60 mph: 9 sec.
    • Power: 240 @ 5500 rpm, 240 lbs-ft @4250 rpm; Vantage: 266
    • Transmission: 4-speed manual with optional overdrive or optional Borg-Warner 3-speed automatic

  • Aston Martin DB4GT and Zagatto

    The DB4GT debuted at the 1959 London Motor Show. The car was designed by Aston Martin and used the Superleggera construction system of aluminium panels on tubular support frames. Although similar to the DB4, the changes added up to a very different motor car. Five inches were taken out of the original DB4 wheelbase, making the GT easier to handle on a race track and reducing the overall weight. The engine was also equipped with a new twin-plug head and 45 DCOE Weber Carburettors. The increased power output to an impressive 302 bhp made it very competitive. Shown at the London Motorshow in October 1960, the DB4GT Zagato at 1,225kg was 45kg lighter than the standard GT mainly due to perspex windows and less luxurious trim. Four cars were lightened further for racing and proved extremely competitive. Production numbers were 75 standard cars and 19 Zagato bodied cars.

    Aston Martin DB4GT and Zagatto Specification[B] [B]

    • Engine: DOHC straight six
    • Capacity: 3670 cc;
    • Top Speed: 153 mph
    • 0-60 mph: 6.4 sec.
    • Power: 302 (DB4 GT) 314bhp (DB4GT Zagato)
    • Transmission: 4-speed manual DB