One of Aston Martin’s most coveted models, the 1963 DB4 Convertible, stands as a masterpiece of British motoring history. With only 70 ever produced, this particular example, chassis DB4C/1173/R, holds a unique place as the only DB4 Convertible to be factory-fitted with the legendary DB4 GT engine. Having undergone a meticulous restoration by Aston Martin Works from 2019 to 2022, it now returns to the spotlight, radiating elegance and engineering brilliance.
A Rare Gem with Unique Factory Upgrades
Originally delivered to Aston Martin of Brooklands in Weybridge on July 19, 1963, this DB4 Convertible was adorned in a stunning Midnight Blue exterior paired with a luxurious Red Connolly leather interior. It featured chrome wire wheels and a Powr-Lok 3.31:1 differential as optional extras. But what truly set this car apart from its peers was its heart—a powerful DB4 GT-spec engine, making it a one-of-a-kind marvel from the factory.
A Storied History Across Continents
Chassis 1173/R was first owned by Mr. Goodwin of Cheshire, who registered the car under the number plate “70 GLB.” It saw regular use, clocking over 65,000 miles by 1971, as detailed by factory service notes. After changing hands a few times, including a period in California under Hewlett Packard executive Marcel Cohen-Hadria, the DB4 eventually returned to the UK in the 1980s before finding its way back to the United States.
By 2006, the car was in need of a full restoration. It was acquired by its current owner in 2014, who entrusted Aston Martin Works to carry out a no-expense-spared restoration.
A Concours-Level Restoration by Aston Martin Works
Over the course of three years, Aston Martin Works painstakingly restored this DB4 Convertible to concours standards. The body was stripped to bare metal, and traditional methods were employed to handcraft new panels. The car was repainted in its original Midnight Blue, while the interior was meticulously reupholstered in Red Connolly leather, maintaining its factory-correct color scheme.
The original GT engine had been replaced in 1967, but Aston Martin Works ensured that the replacement matched factory specifications. A new “SS-type” engine block was installed, along with a “GT” cylinder head, returning the car to its original performance potential. The brakes, suspension, and transmission were all overhauled, with a new wide-ratio gearbox installed.
The DB4 Convertible was displayed during its restoration at the prestigious Rétromobile event in Paris in 2019, showcasing the craftsmanship behind its revival. By 2022, the car was completed, earning an Aston Martin restoration certificate and a leather-bound book documenting every stage of the process.
An Aston Martin Like No Other
Chassis DB4C/1173/R is accompanied by its factory build sheet, period photographs, and an Aston Martin Assured Provenance certificate, making it an irreplaceable piece of automotive history. As the only DB4 Convertible ever fitted with a GT-spec engine from the factory, this rare beauty is now available for sale, fully restored and ready to dazzle a new owner. Priced between £775,000 – £875,000, this iconic Aston Martin represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a truly unique piece of the marque’s heritage.
London, 2024
Price: £775,000 – £875,000 GBP
Source: rmsothebys.com
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