Introduced at the 1958 Paris Motor Show, the DB4 was a masterpiece of modern engineering. It featured styling by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan, with coachwork constructed using the Superleggera (Superlight) method of aluminum panels over a tubular framework. Featuring a glorious Tadek Marek-designed 3.7-litre straight-six engine, the DB4 is the progenitor of the mystique that the marque still enjoys today.

According to a copy of the original factory build record on file, this DB4 (chassis DB4/438/L) was delivered new to A.J. Cornforth, an Englishman living in Erlenbach, Switzerland. Finished in Peony Red over Champagne Connolly hides, with chromed wheels, oil cooler, rear defroster, and Marchal Fantastique fog lamps, the car was delivered on November 5, 1960. Mr. Cornforth retained the car for a few years before selling it to Major J.H. Bailey of Surrey, England. The DB4 then arrived stateside in July 1968, when it was purchased by Dr. David V. Rose, professor of Nuclear Engineering and Thermonuclear Fusion Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Prior to export, the factory recorded an extremely lengthy and extensive service, documented by records on file and fitting for a car about to enter the garage of a meticulous engineer.

The DB4 would come to California in 1980, when it was passed to Dr. Rose’s son. Hugh Alexander Rose sold the car in 2007 to H.H. Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who was the Prime Minister of Kuwait from 2006 to 2011, and it remained in his museum until 2021, when it was sold to the consignor, who had been conducting an extensive search for an excellent restoration candidate. Upon his purchase, the consignor had restoration work performed by the renowned Aston Martin specialist Kevin Kay Restorations of Redding, California, who rebuilt the engine, dyno-tested and tuned it, and rebuilt the gearbox. The car was painted in gorgeous Snow Shadow Grey by Christopher McComb Painting in Fresno, California; suspension work was carried out by British Sports Cars of San Luis Obispo; and fresh Connolly Vaumol Upholstery was installed.

This DB4 Series II is accompanied by an owner’s manual, along with workshop and parts manuals, jack, knock-off hammer, documentation, and a copy of its factory build record. This model is heralded as one of Aston Martin’s most beautiful designs, and is a joy to drive, blending a sporting character with comfortable, long-distance touring capability. The Series II remains one of the most desirable iterations of the celebrated model, featuring the “cathedral style” taillights, tall hood scoop, and original front grille design. This example, with its outstanding restoration, stunning color, long-term family ownership, and documentation is sure to appeal to astute collectors of 1960s GT cars.