Between the years 1958 and 1963, David Brown and his Aston Martin company produced a model that gave the Aston Martin a special status among those who loved fine touring sports cars. The DB4 (monogrammed after the millionaire industrialist owner) was introduced in 1958 and was nothing short of extraordinary. An aluminium framed Italian body by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan and Tarek's twin-cam striaght six engine ensured that the Aston Martin DB4 not only looked fast but had the punch to actually live up to its powerful appearance. Indeed, the body was built using Carrozzeria Touring's "Superleggera" principles which emphasized "super light" construction, a concept which added speed without sacrificing handling. Given the car's performance and power, it was nevertheless a graceful, elegent machine - the very definition of refinement. Luxurious leather upholstery and such options as fitted suitcases, fender mirrors and chrome wheels clearly marked the BD4 as the automobile for the driver with a love of style as well as adventure. The Aston Martin DB4 series included a fastback, four-passenger coupe and convertible coupe, a two-passenger GT coupe and a special edition "Zagato," of which only 19 were built for highly competitive racing. The year 1963 would be the final year for the DB4. It would be followed by the DB5, the automobile that will always be associated with James Bond. Nevertheless, it was the DB4 that ushered in the truly legendary years of Aston Martin, for it was the model which perfectly married performance with style. Now, a dramatic 1962 Aston Martin DB4 is re-created in a precision-engineered replica crafted in the 1:43 collector scale.

Engine: In-line, dual-overhead camshaft, six cylinder 224 cubic inch (3670 cc)
Horsepower: 240 bhp @ 5,500 rpm
Transmission: 4-speed manual with fully synchronized; optional overdrive or automatic
Top Speed: about 141 mph
Original Price: $10,500
Current Value: $32,000 to $55,000 (excellent condition)

(1997)

Scale: 1:43