Aston Martin DB4 Series 5 Vantage GT

Description

$650000 Aston Martin stunned the world when it unveiled the all new DB4 at the 1958 London Motor Show. Demand was strong for this sleek, Italian styled GT but production couldn't be hurried. The DB4 was the first Aston Martin to be fully manufactured in the former Salmons (and Tickfords) Coachbuilding Works in the Buckinghamshire town of Newport Pagnell. Unfortunately the early cars suffered overheating problems from the Tadek Marek designed twin overhead cam, 3.7 litre, straight six engine which was eventually solved by constant evolution which typified the model. A shortened, lightened and tuned DB4 GT was popular with the racing fraternity which spawned the ultra-rare and achingly beautiful DB4GT Zagato. A wonderful DB4 convertible was also eventually offered plus the DB4 derived four door Lagonda Rapide. David Brown so wanted a Lagonda saloon in the range but it's production was spasmodic and to special order only, as the factory was geared up to DB4 production. The Lagonda marque became dormant again in 1964 after production of the Rapide ceased. In 1964, the DB4 evolved to be come the 4 litre DB5, made famous by 007 James Bond himself in the films Goldfinger and Thunderball. The specially adapted Silver Birch DB5 became the most famous and desirable car in the world. There was no way the factory could keep up with the phenomenal demand fuelled by the films. Even today, 007 and Aston Martin are inseparable. Demand for DB5's is still far in excess of the other similar <b>...</b>

Keywords

Classic, Autos

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