Aston Martin DB4

Everybody knows the Aston Martin DB5. James Bond’s effortlessly cool grand tourer has come to represent the epitome of British car design—sleek, dignified, and confident. But fewer people know its predecessor, the DB4, on which the DB5 was heavily based. The DB4 race car seen here is a particularly fine example, and the subtle styling differences between it and the DB5 give the DB4 a more aggressive vibe than its legendary offspring.

The most noticeable difference between the DB4 and the DB5 is the headlights—the DB5’s units are enclosed in a glass dome whereas the DB4 features protruding circular headlamps. Because they lack the smooth, receding glass of the DB5’s units, the DB4’s headlights give the front fascia a more upright, stocky look. The race car version seen here is particularly muscular. Tape over the headlights—which is required at many vintage racing events to keep the glass from completely shattering in a crash and covering the track—lends the DB4 a purposeful, tactical appearance. 

Further adding to the Aston’s brawny demeanor are the two massive scoops, one sitting above and one lurking below the grille. The two intakes, combined with the wide frown of the classic Aston Martin grille, make the racing DB4 look like it wants to eat you. This is not a car you’d want to see looming in your rearview mirror around the track. 

Behind the bulging front fenders is an oval vent split by silver bar—an element that has become a staple of Aston’s design, appearing in a modernized form on the new DB11. The gleaming chrome side view mirrors act as a reminder of the race car’s noble Aston Martin origins. 

The DB4’s body panels feature no sharp creases, instead consisting of flowing, windswept curves that give the Aston Martin a floaty, elegant aura. This particular example’s simple lines are accentuated by the basic but classy livery—a green racing stripe runs the length of the car while yellow lipstick adorns the grille. 

While not as famous as its successor, the DB4—and especially this race car version—is just as beautiful, but with a hint of dynamic aggression that the more sophisticated DB5 lacks.

Grade

Front: A

Back: A-

Overall: A

Photos courtesy of James Harvey

Lamborghini Urraco

It’s pretty easy to identify a modern Lamborghini as a Lamborghini. Bonkers styling, full of razor-edged angles, gaping vents, and an aggressive stance, set them apart from the relative restraint of McLarens and effortless beauty of Ferraris. Furthermore, while Ferrari expanded its range to include the “downmarket” California and four-seater AWD FF, Lambo has stuck to a lineup of two high-intensity supercars and the occasional one-off for the past 15 years.

While Lamborghini has been focusing on blisteringly quick supercars of late, it hasn’t always been this way. Back in the 1970s, Lamborghini produced the car you see above, the (somewhat) practical and subtle Urraco. Built to battle other entry-level 2+2 sports cars like the Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 and Maserati Merak, the Urraco featured a more spacious interior, a 180-247 hp mid-mounted V8, and more subdued styling than the Countach it was sold alongside. However, the simpler design doesn’t make the Urraco any less stunning. 

Up front, the Urraco’s long, flat hood is duplicitous, suggesting a front-engine setup when in fact the V8 is housed behind the rear seats. Pop-up headlights hide above the thin chrome bumper, and the two deep, rectangular vents in the hood give the Urraco a more weighted, muscular look. 

The windshield protrudes upwards at relatively steep angle—especially compared to the one-box Countach—and the upright cabin hints at the more usable intentions of the Urraco. Slab-sided doors and light character lines give the Lambo a glassy, tranquil appearance.

The Urraco’s defining feature is the set of “wings” that cover the C-pillar. These black panels give the Urraco a unique look to distinguish it from its competitors, while also pairing with the rear window louvres to add a dash of athleticism. 

Lamborghini’s 2+2 would only stay in production for six years, before being replaced by the two-seat Silhouette and Jalpa. While not the most ambitious design, the Urraco’s crisp, smooth wedge and quirky C-pillar make is an elegant and interesting design, and a very lucky spot.

Grade
Front: A-
Back: A-
Overall: A

Photos courtesy of James Harvey