In many ways, the DB4 is the model that foretold Aston Martin’s future. Introduced in 1958, the saloon was entirely new from the ground-up, sporting a newly designed platform chassis with four-wheel disc brakes and an all-new, Tadek Marek-designed, double-overhead camshaft, inline six-cylinder engine. These mechanicals were then cloaked in a stunning fastback saloon body, penned by Touring of Milan, which would come to define the marque for decades to come.

As the years progressed, Aston Martin continued to refine their star model, with marque aficionados today separating the DB4 into five distinct series. Upgrades to each successive series included subtle body modifications of recessed rear lights, a lower bonnet scoop, and new grille with vertical bars, in addition to the resolution of mechanical issues such as engine overheating.

Perhaps the most notable change was in 1961, when Aston Martin allowed customers to specify the Special Series, or “SS,” engine. This highly tuned powerplant was fitted with triple SU HD8 carburetors, larger valves, and a 9:1 compression ratio, and was quoted as developing 266 horsepower—an increase of 30 over the standard model.

The Aston Martin presented here, chassis DB4/883/L, is one of only 97 left-hand drive DB4s to be factory-equipped with the revered Special Series engine. Originally finished just as it presents today in Midnight Blue over White Gold Connolly leather trim, DB4/883/L was built 28 March 1962 and dispatched to dealer J.S. Inskip in New York City for delivery to the discerning man who ordered this finely tailored automobile: Walter Gilmore, President of the Kenton Pharmacal Company of Covington, Kentucky.

A copy of the car’s original build sheet details its extensive factory options as required by Mr. Gilmore, including the Special Series engine, overdrive, electric window lifts (power windows), chrome road wheels shod in Dunlop RS5 tires, instrument panel with Smiths gauges, Armstrong shock absorbers, oil cooler, and a limited-slip differential with 3.77:1 gears.

After Gilmore’s initial ownership, much of the car’s early life is unknown, although records indicate it passed to marque enthusiast Glenn B. Hoidale of El Paso, Texas quite early in its life, and a 1974 photograph within the archives of the Aston Martin Owners’ Club illustrate US residency and that it still wore its original color combination at that time.

A prior sales ad for this rarified DB4 alludes to “multiple 1st place honors” at AMOC concours events during its life, which seems especially likely given its truly uncommon specifications. However, any awards or citations from such a distinguished life of exhibition no longer accompany the car, and as such RM Sotheby’s is unable to confirm this prior attribution. Thankfully, copies of the car’s build sheets and a BMIHT Certificate do confirm that DB4/883/L retains its numbers-matching 3.7-liter DOHC inline-six Special Series engine.

Seldom seen with this desirable specification, this Aston Martin is ideal for recommissioning or would make an exquisite starting point for full restoration—after which it will no doubt reward its owner both on the show field and on tour.