Aston Martin DB4 History
Catalog record
This is a brief catalog introduction with limited source documentation. A licensed, identity-checked lead photograph has not yet been added for this page. Detailed year, configuration and ownership coverage must be identified separately; this page is not a complete vehicle catalog.
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Model history available. Detailed year guides are not published for this model.
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Introduced in 1958, the DB4 was a landmark for Aston Martin: the first of the David Brown cars built at Newport Pagnell, clothed in an aluminium body built to Carrozzeria Touring of Milan's 'Superleggera' (super-light) principle over a tubular frame, and powered by a new all-aluminium 3.7-litre twin-cam straight-six designed by Tadek Marek.
A short-wheelbase, lightweight DB4 GT followed in 1959 with enclosed headlamps and more power, and in 1960 Zagato of Italy created the most coveted variant of all — the DB4 GT Zagato, of which only 19 of a planned 25 were built. The DB4 established the styling and engineering template that the DB5 and DB6 would refine.
Body styles
- Coupe
- Convertible
Notable special editions & performance variants
DB4 GT
Short-wheelbase, lightweight competition GT with faired-in headlamps and a higher-output engine; the basis for the Zagato.
DB4 GT Zagato
Lightweight, aerodynamic Zagato-bodied DB4 GT; only 19 built (of a planned 25), and one of the most valuable Aston Martins ever made.
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