ASTON MARTIN DB4 Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

In October 1958, Aston Martin unveiled a revolutionary car in its lineup at the Parish Motor Show, and a new era began for the British car manufacturer from Newport Parnell.

The DB Mark III was already at its third evolution, and the British automaker needed to upgrade. But it did that with a unibody architecture, ditching the body-on-frame system used before. That allowed Aston Martin to create a lighter vehicle. In addition, the DB4 sported a shorter wheelbase, so the car could have been nimbler than its predecessor. In the following year, the British automaker introduced an even sportier version: the DB4 GT.

With its thinner aluminum bodywork panels, the DB4 GT was created to demonstrate the brand's technical abilities and outrun the competition. Its wheelbase was even shorter than the one featured on the regular DB4, so the handling around tight turns was even better. To further improve the car's aerodynamics, Aston Martin enclosed the headlights behind thin protective lenses, flush with the front fenders. The lightweight version featured roll-up Plexiglas windows and drilled suspension elements. Thus, Aston Martin shaved about 150 lbs (68 kg) from the DB4's weight.

But being an Aston Martin, it couldn't leave all the luxury features from the cabin. The front bucket seats were still covered in leather, but the rear bench was removed.

Inside, the Connely leather and carpeted floors created a luxurious atmosphere for the occupants. A pair of bucket seats were fitted at the front, while a bench for two was in the rear. Yet, the car was mostly designed just for two people on board. On the dashboard, Aston Martin placed the instrument panel in front of the driver but added a clock closer to the passenger.

Under the hood, Aston Martin installed a tweaked-out 3.8-liter, straight-six engine. Less than 100 units of this marvelous sports-GT vehicle were ever made.

In October 1958, Aston Martin launched the DB4, a vehicle that made a career not only as a luxurious, fast GT but also as a star in movies.

The British car manufacturer from Newport Parnell had to replace the aging DB Mark III, which was the third evolution of a GT launched in 1950. So, instead of redesigning some bits and pieces, the automaker's engineers burned the midnight oil and created the DB4 from the ground up. It developed a new chassis with a shorter wheelbase, and for the bodywork, it employed Carozzeria Touring.

Sporting a broader grille at the front and tall front fenders, the DB4 proved that a luxury car could be fast. Its hood sported a functional air scoop that pushed the air into the carburetor. From its profile, the low beltline and the tall greenhouse fitted with slim A-pillars appeared as a successful experiment. The long roof sloped down towards the back of the vehicle had allowed the carmaker to create a spacious cabin, while at the back, the narrow quarter panels sported slim and vertical taillights.

Inside, DB4 boasted a luxurious cabin fitted with leather-wrapped seats and door cards. In front of the driver, the automaker placed the instrument panel fitted with four large dials, while closer to the side passenger was a regular clock. One that was useful on long, trans-continental travels. The Connely leather and carpeted floors created a luxurious atmosphere for the occupants. A pair of bucket seats were fitted at the front, while a bench for two was in the rear. Yet, the car was mostly designed just for two people on board.

Under the hood, Aston Martin installed a straight-six engine paired to a four-speed manual gearbox that sent its power to the rear wheels.