Since Goldfinger hit the silver screen in 1964, the Aston Martin DB5 has enjoyed 60-odd years of limelight, masquerading as the world’s least secret agent’s faithful mechanical companion. However, the car that you see Bond bombing around in is actually a DB4 Series V Vantage, the final iteration of the model before the DB5 was introduced, albeit fitted with the DB5’s larger 4.0 engine. But what does ‘Series V’ and ‘Vantage’ actually mean? Let’s unpack the name and learn some history.
The DB4 was built by Aston Martin between 1958 an 1963 in five different series, distinguished by various developments made to the car throughout its production, totalling only 90 cars. That gorgeous lightweight bodywork was designed by Carrozzeria Touring in Milan, and while the bodywork was Italian, the DB4 was actually the first car to roll out of Aston Martin’s then shiny new factory at Newport Pagnell. The DB4 initially featured a 240hp twin-cam inline 6 cylinder engine, but with the introduction of the Series IV in 1961, a new SS (Special Series) engine was offered with a 10% bump in power and an oil cooler as standard.
Just before the production run ended, the Series V was revealed in 1962. Designed to be more comfortable for backseat passengers, the body was extended by 9cm and the roof ever so slightly raised. Just 55 DB4 Series V were made, but the 1963 DB4 you see here is even more of a unicorn being one of the special Vantage models. The Vantage combined the SS engines with the covered headlights of the DB4 GT, distinguishing itself with chrome rings around the headlights. It is unknown how many of the 55 Series V DB4s were Vantages, but it’s safe to say that it is one of the rarest and best versions of perhaps Aston’s prettiest road car ever.
Now available with Bastian Voigt, this matching numbers DB4 Series V Vantage remains in stunning condition and boasts a fully documented history via the original British logbook and later registration papers. Having undergone a complete restoration between 1990 and 1991, this DB4 was repainted in the beautifully subtle Aston Martin colour: Midnight Blue. Following its restoration, this DB4 would go on to take first place in two Concours d'Elegance events in 1991. Since then, this DB4 has had just two owners - a further indication of just how special this car is. The most recent owner fitted the car with its rather fetching whitewall tyres and a new set of Borrani spoke rims, although a complete set of original wheels is also present. Now looking for its next owner, this DB4 Series V Vantage is arguably cooler than Bond himself.
Photos by Keno Zache
