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