This Saturday Bonhams is holding their yearly Aston Martin Works sale. Like always only Aston Martins will be offered.

One example is absolutely stunning and perhaps the nicest DB4 out of all the series made.

It is in my opinion the series I or first series. Lot 223 and is a 1959 Aston Martin DB4 Series 1 chassis Nr DB4/147/R.

There are several reasons why I like the series I of the DB4.

First it is the ‘purest’ in form and shape of all the DB4’s. The way to recognize series one cars are by the tail lights – they are elongated and ‘one piece’. Also the car carries the ‘slim bumper’ as opposed to heavier bumpers seen on the series II cars. The large front bonnet vent is correct, as is the mesh front grill.

Secondly the first DB4 series are quite rare (only 150 were made after only 15months of production). Out of all the 5 series of DB4 – series one cars are the rarest. And for me personally the most beautiful.

The Bonhams cars is also interesting as it comes from long term ownership (40 years), recent complete restoration, and is in extremely attractive color combination of silver/light blue with red (the original colors were grey /red).

The only negative I can find – but this might even be an opportunity from a price point of view – is that the car was in an accident in the early 1960s, and as a result carries a series 2 body. But like I said before the difference between a series 2 body and series 1 is almost unrecognizable (except for the bumpers and the added height for headroom).

The estimate for this early series 1 car is £370 – 430’ooo or CHF 530-620’000. I think the car will sell towards the lower end of the estimate which would represent a good buying opportunity for a very rare Aston Martin. For more information on this car please see details here.

(Credit all pictures: Bonhams).

For an in-depth report on the Aston Martin DB4 please see my report here.

This DB4 series one carries a very attractive color of light blue/grey. Notice the large air intake, slim bumper and mesh grille in front – all correct for an early series one car.

Series one to and two cars usually have elongated tail lights – something which would change with the series III cars.

I particularly like the fact the color combination of blue/grey with red interior. The car has been completely restored which might explain the relative high price.

by Edmond Saran