Few British grand touring cars embody the elegance, craftsmanship, and historical importance of the Aston Martin DB4 Series 1.

Introduced in 1958 as a completely new generation of Aston Martin, the DB4 represented a transformative moment for the marque — blending advanced engineering, Italian coachbuilding influence, and refined high-performance capability into one of the most sophisticated GT cars of its era.

Today, the earliest Series 1 DB4 models occupy a uniquely important place within the Aston Martin collector world.

Produced in extremely limited numbers and featuring distinctive early-production characteristics, these cars are regarded as the purest and most historically significant expression of the DB4 lineage that would eventually lead to the legendary DB5.

The example offered here is especially extraordinary.

Believed to be the third right-hand-drive DB4 ever produced at Newport Pagnell and originally retaining a “PP” pre-production engine designation, this remarkable Series 1 combines early factory significance with fascinating period competition history and extensive restoration provenance.

The Birth of the Modern Aston Martin GT

The DB4 marked a decisive turning point for Aston Martin.

Replacing the earlier DB2 and DB Mark III models, the DB4 introduced an entirely new chassis platform and a dramatically more modern design language inspired by Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring.

Built using Touring’s patented Superleggera lightweight construction technique, the DB4 combined elegant proportions with structural sophistication and high-speed capability.

The Series 1 cars remain especially desirable due to their distinctive early-production details, including:

  • Frameless side windows
  • Rear-hinged bonnet
  • Unique grille design
  • Early bonnet scoop configuration
  • Sparse, driver-focused interior design

Production was exceptionally limited.

Only 149 Series 1 DB4s were produced in total, with just 76 examples built in right-hand drive for the UK market.

One of the Earliest DB4s Ever Built

What elevates this particular DB4 beyond even the rarity of the standard Series 1 is its extraordinary production significance.

Factory records indicate this example is believed to be the third right-hand-drive DB4 ever produced at Newport Pagnell.

Even more importantly, the car was originally assigned a “PP” engine designation — denoting “Pre-Production” — further confirming its status as an exceptionally early and historically important example within the DB4 lineage.

Initially retained by Aston Martin itself as a London demonstrator vehicle, the car was later delivered to Dolcis Ltd of Great Dover Street, London, on 15 October 1959.

Cars with this level of factory significance rarely appear publicly, particularly within the Aston Martin world where early production examples hold special importance among collectors.

The Richard Williams Connection

The provenance becomes even more compelling through the car’s ownership history.

During the early 1970s, the DB4 was acquired by renowned Aston Martin specialist Richard Williams, founder of the legendary R.S. Williams engineering company.

Williams had completed his apprenticeship at Aston Martin in 1961 while the DB4 remained in production, later establishing himself as one of the most respected Aston Martin engineers and specialists in the world.

Under his ownership, the car evolved into a highly capable fast-road DB4 personally used in Aston Martin Owners’ Club events and hill climbs.

Mechanical upgrades included:

  • Later 4.0-liter DB6 engine
  • Triple Weber carburettor Vantage setup
  • Wider offset wire wheels
  • Subtle wheel arch modifications
  • Performance-oriented fast-road configuration

The result represents one of the earliest authentic examples of a modified high-performance DB4 developed directly by one of the marque’s most respected figures.

Comprehensive Restoration and Modern Usability

Following more than 30 years of ownership by a later custodian, the car underwent a comprehensive restoration completed by respected Aston Martin specialists Pugsley & Lewis and Prestige Restorations.

The restoration reportedly exceeded £222,000 and included:

  • Full engine rebuild to 4.2-liter specification
  • Unleaded fuel conversion
  • Complete cosmetic restoration
  • Interior retrim in Vaumol Tan leather
  • Refinishing in Ferrari Blu Scozia
  • Mechanical recommissioning

The result is a DB4 that retains its historic significance while offering improved usability and enhanced touring capability.

Additional features include:

  • Factory air conditioning
  • Power steering
  • Discreet Bluetooth connectivity
  • Extensive historical documentation
  • Factory build sheet
  • Heritage Certificate
  • Original buff logbook

Ferrari Blu Scozia over Vaumol Tan

Visually, the specification is exceptional.

The car is finished in Ferrari Blu Scozia — a deeply elegant metallic blue rarely seen on DB4s — paired with beautifully retrimmed Vaumol Tan hide upholstery.

The combination enhances the DB4’s Italian-influenced Touring design while preserving the understated elegance expected of a classic Aston Martin GT.

The overall presentation feels both period-correct and subtly elevated beyond factory standard, perfectly matching the car’s unique history and fast-road character.

One of the Most Significant Early DB4s Available

This DB4 Series 1 occupies an exceptionally rare position within the Aston Martin collector market.

It combines virtually every characteristic serious collectors seek:

  • Extremely early production significance
  • Pre-production mechanical history
  • Factory demonstrator provenance
  • Richard Williams ownership
  • Period competition history
  • Extensive documented restoration
  • Enhanced fast-road usability
  • Rare Series 1 configuration

For collectors seeking one of the most historically important and beautifully restored early DB4s currently available, this example represents a truly compelling opportunity.

Looking for a Car Like This?

The Aston Martin DB4 Series 1 combines early Newport Pagnell production significance, Touring Superleggera design, and exceptional collector provenance in one of the most important British GT cars ever produced.

Our Luxury Car Sourcing service provides access to historically significant Aston Martins, rare collector-grade classics, and highly exclusive grand touring icons worldwide — including discreet off-market opportunities through trusted international networks.

Vehicle Specifications

  • Model: Aston Martin DB4 Series 1
  • Year: 1959
  • Mileage: 39,600 miles
  • Engine: 4.2-liter inline six-cylinder
  • Transmission: 4-speed manual
  • Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
  • Exterior Color: Ferrari Blu Scozia
  • Interior: Vaumol Tan leather
  • Steering Position: Right-hand drive
  • Key Features:
    • Believed third RHD DB4 produced
    • Original “PP” pre-production engine designation
    • Former Aston Martin demonstrator
    • Richard Williams ownership history
    • Triple Weber carburettor setup
    • Comprehensive restoration
    • Heritage Certificate
    • Factory build sheet
    • Factory air conditioning
    • Power steering
    • Bluetooth connectivity
    • Extensive documented provenance

Dealer Information

This Aston Martin DB4 Series 1 is offered through Joe Macari Performance Cars, the renowned British specialist dealership focused on historically significant collector automobiles, rare grand touring cars, and exceptional modern and classic automotive icons.