Chassis No. DB4/816/L

Engine No. 377/92

One of the greatest of all Aston Martin road cars, the DB4 featured crisp, handsome, and lightweight Superleggera bodywork by Touring of Milan, on a platform-style steel chassis carrying a potent twin-cam six-cylinder engine. Fulfilling Aston Martin owner David Brown's intention of building a true "Gentleman's Express" that could eat up highway miles swiftly and in comfort, it was capable of 140 mph. Examples were sold to wealthy enthusiasts all over the world. Today they continue to be favored for their performance and cosseting fitments, and have long been a favorite of modern collectors, Jim Taylor among them – his collection includes two examples!

According to documents on file, this original left-hand-drive DB4, chassis no. DB4/816/L, was ordered by attorney David K. Wolfe of Tucson, Arizona, who traded in his 1959 Jaguar coupe to local dealer Precision Motors on the acquisition, specifying overdrive, chrome wire wheels, and whitewall tires. A copy of the build sheet from Aston Martin Dorset is included within the file, and confirms original fitment with this engine, no. 377/92, as well as the left-hand-drive specification.

Mr. Wolfe was apparently a devoted and passionate owner, as he retained and enjoyed the car for nearly thirty years, a remarkable span of time. Parts and service records are included for the original owner until the late 1980s, with considerable cosmetic and mechanical restoration undertaken by Western specialists, including the well-known Christopher Salyer of Oklahoma City, later in his ownership. The car was then bought by Bob Buerlein of Richmond, Virginia, who occasionally exhibited it at Aston Martin Owners Club events before the DB4 was purchased by Jim Taylor in 2002.

The car is finished in a hue closer to Aston Racing Green than this DB4's original California Sage, and retains its original left-hand-drive setup and engine with dual SU carburetors. The body was restored, with previous modifications such as subtly flared fenders removed, and presents arrow-straight, with excellent panel fit, and is trimmed with correct original bumpers.

In Mr. Taylor's ownership it has undergone considerable sorting with noted marque specialists Autosport Designs, including fitment of rear telescopic shock absorbers, Pertronix ignition, a period Becker AM/FM radio with auxiliary input in an original radio box, an original steering wheel, racing seat belts, and complete new upholstery with Wilton wool carpeting throughout. The dashboard includes a full complement of Smiths gauges, including clock. Power brakes are mounted, along with halogen headlights, both for driving enjoyment. The car rides on 16-inch chrome wire wheels with knock-offs, in excellent condition, shod with Avon Turbospeed tires. A knock-off hammer is provided in the nicely restored trunk, with original matting, as well as a history and maintenance file which accompanies the car.

Recording 2,704 miles at the time of cataloging, this is a superb driver's DB4, properly set up to use and enjoy on the road, in the best tradition of Jim Taylor and its original caretaker of nearly thirty years. It is an exceptional grand tourer in every way, suitable for any number of rallies all over the country for which it would be ideal.