Anyone have an AM DB4?

all I can say is, DO IT!!! They are one of the most beautiful cars to ever be made.

 

It is also just a classic style. I get all tingly just thinking about the car. I remember watching Aston Martin on Victory by Design, and I kept scrolling back the play bar to the DB4. This is one of few cars that I wish to know everything about, but unfortunately I cannot help you at the moment because I do not know too much about the car. All I can say is find the one that is right for you. Remember how you talked about your search for your F40? I believe this is another car that you need to be just as discriminating in your search. Don't buy until you have found YOUR car.

Good luck!

 

my father had a rhd db-6 vantage spec for many years. it was a lovely car but not nearly as sexy as the db-4. there are not many nicer machines as the sexy and bespoke db-4.

good luck in your hunt.

pcb

 

Do you know of any shops in Orlando that you trust to work on it?

 

I don't know a huge amount about the DB4 myself (despite being a massive Aston fan), but these guys seem to be one of the leading classic/vintage Aston places in the UK - the Aston Workshop, see www.aston.co.uk

Currently in their stock they have a couple of DB4s - including one GT. Unforunately for your needs, both are right hand drive, although they also do 'Recreations' (it would seem their definition being 'renovation', not 'replica') - they strip a car down and do it completely rebuild it to the buyer's bespoke preferences (I believe this can include LHD) - they currently have a DB4 Zagato listed on their site for £250,000 (+European taxes - I guess you could reclaim them and pay US import duty if exporting).

Sorry if this post is just useless waffle, but based on my limited knowledge, it is pretty much a worldwide market for these cars and these guys probably have a good knowledge of the European market if you were interested in importing from Europe.

 

Aston Workshop do not have the best reputation, regrettably. Their cars have all been there forever, and their prices are quite, ahem, enthusiastic.

My suggestion would be to spend some time on the AM Owners' Club forum at www.amoc.org. While not nearly as active/entertaining as FChat (but then, what is?), you'll find no shortage of information and people willing to help you and provide guidance.

Most of the U.S. posters seem to have newer cars, DB7 and later, while the owners of DB6 and prior models seem to be located in England and the continent. Still, you'll get a good feel for what to look for.

I would also suggest you check out Steel Wings (sorry, no contact details) and Tom Papadopoulos at www.autosportdesigns.com in NY - they are also pretty dear, but have a good AM selection.

Best of luck,

Neil

 

Many years ago I spent some time working on a few Astons. The DB4 was my favorite. The 5 and 6 had more power but were a little like a fast locomotive on rails. The 4 was much lighter feeling and more nimble. It I would have considered a sports car while the others were GT's. It is a simple and well made car with the usual difficulities in the electrical department. As simple as they are electrically I would look to redo it all with quality modern stuff while disguising it to look all original. Mechanically they are simple and tough.

 

I second the forum. You'll find lots of help and advice.
Parts should be no problem as AM has their Heritage program designed to keep the old cars on the road. AM New England is the U.S. representative. http://www.astonmartin-lotus.com/home.php
Also try
http://www.kevinkayrestorations.net/
They did some work on my Virage and are outstanding. They specialize in the older models.
Phil

 

I'm green with envy. Arguably the most beautiful cars of all times and (certainly the DB4 Zagato is) of the 60s. Good luck to you!

 

Simon, I don't mean to invade your privacy, but what other cars do you have other than the F40 - an F40 and a DB4 are v.different cars and I'm always interested to know what it is about a certain car that makes someone buy one. I'm intrigued but understand if you don't want to divulge on an open forum.

 

adopt me! . I wish my dad actually spent money instead of putting it into funds and the like.

 

Just noticed this in yesterday's Sunday Times:
http://www.bramleyweb.co.uk/stock/details.asp?StockID=1412

LHD DB4 Saloon with Vantage spec in concours condition (car is in UK). They're asking £159,950. Not sure if it'll be suitable for your needs (modern concealed electronics) but thought I'd let you know anyway. No pics on their website but there were some in the paper although being newsprint they didn't really show much (I guess they could email you some).

 

You sound to have a similar philosophy and taste to myself - I love the raw modern cars like the F40, but also love many 50's and 60's cars purely for their looks as well. Can't wait to see pics of the DB4 next to the F40 ;-) No other car (yes even a Ferrari) is as cool as an Aston! But then being British I would say that...

I wish as a child my dad had had the 'DB4 or F40' dilemma for the school run!

Thanks for sharing your automotive story - hopefully one day I'll get to share mine as well!