1962 Aston Martin DB4 (SS Engine)
Unveiled in 1958, the Aston Martin DB4 ushered in a new era for the marque. Radically redesigned from the ground up, it featured an all-new platform chassis with four-wheel disc brakes along with a straight-six engine designed by Tadek Marek.
But it was the gorgeous fastback body conceived by Touring of Milan that truly captured imaginations and came to define subsequent Astons.
As the company’s flagship grand tourer, continuous improvements were made over the DB4’s lifespan. Marque enthusiasts recognize five distinct series separating the earliest cars from late-production variants. Upgrades encompassed subtle styling modifications like recessed rear lights and vertical grille bars along with more robust cooling and refined mechanicals.
Arguably the most celebrated change came in 1961 with the introduction of the Special Series variant. Nicknamed the “SS”, it boasted triple SU HD8 carburetors, higher 9:1 compression, and larger valves resulting in a quoted 30 more horsepower over stock for a total of 266 horsepower.
Only 97 left-hand drive DB4s from the Aston Martin factory were ever equipped with the coveted Special Series engine.
Factory options include chrome wire wheels, power windows, overdrive transmission, Armstrong shock absorbers, limited-slip differential with 3.77:1 gears, and an engine oil cooler.
The example here, chassis DB4/965/L, represents the apogee of the breed. As one of just a handful SS-powered Series IV cars, it marks the ultimate evolution of David Brown’s seminal grand tourer. Masterfully restored by Works engineers, this matching-numbers Caribbean Pearl over black 1962 DB4 wants for absolutely nothing today.
Credit: RM Sotheby’s
