The Honourable John Dawnay, 11th Viscount Downe, served as President of the Aston Martin Owners Club from 1980 through to the turn of the millennium. His clear affinity with the British marque included custodianship of a DB2/4, Nimrod NRA/C2 race car, a DBR1, and Project 212. He also took delivery of the DB4 Series IV offered here on 16 March 1962.

Per a copy of the build sheet, which is available to view on file, chassis number DB4/913/R was originally built in right-hand-drive form and specified with “sand & black” paintwork over Red Connolly leather. In addition, it was equipped from the Newport Pagnell factory with overdrive, a DB4GT instrument panel, limited-slip differential, and heated rear screen. Most significantly, a highly desirable “Special Series” (Vantage) engine was fitted.

The Service Work record also notes that by June 1963, it had covered 19,962 miles before Dawnay sold the car in November 1973 to family friend Richard Barton of London. Around this time, the original 3.7-litre engine (numbered 370/963/SS) was replaced by a 4.0-litre straight-six—a change noted in the accompanying period “buff” logbook.

Mr Mark Bennett of Cheshire then kept the Aston Martin from April 1989 to February 1991 before a new keeper retained possession through to May 2013, by which point the car was painted cream. This DB4 Series IV was then acquired by the vendor in 2016.

They, in search of increased performance, having previously owned a DB4GT, purchased the Aston Martin from RS Williams for £775,000. This sum reflected the marque specialist having undertaken a full restoration on chassis DB4/913/R. Further to changing the car to its present olive green over cream colour combination, it was converted to left-hand drive in anticipation of being enjoyed on European roads. The engine was also enlarged to its current 4.7-litre capacity. A letter on file from RS Williams confirms the extensive works carried out.

Now offered for sale as part of RM Sotheby’s inaugural Woodcote Park Auction, this enhanced and evolved DB4 Servies IV is sure to thrill its next owner on the open roads.