The best all round car, however, is probably the Series IV Vantage with the Special Series engine, before the car put on weight to become the Series V. It has all the merits of the early car, but its engine by now is almost bomb-proof" (Robert Edwards, 'Aston Martin - Ever the Thoroughbred').There is a case to be made for the Aston Martin DB4 Series IV Vantage being among the marque's best kept secrets. Notable as the first Aston Martin design on which the word 'Vantage' was used to signify a distinct model (rather than a state of engine tune), it was only in production between March and October 1962. Sharing the same eponymous visage as the later DB4 Series V Vantage and DB5 complete with faired-in headlamps, seven-bar grille and reprofiled bonnet scoop, the DB4 Series IV Vantage was some 3.5-inches shorter, 1.5-inches lower and several hundred pounds lighter than either of its successors. An altogether nimbler and more engaging machine, it offered a driving experience that some ranked second only to the DB4 GT.In comparison to a standard DB4 Series IV, the Vantage boasted not just iconic James Bond-esque styling but also a significantly reworked 'Special Series' engine. As well as an extra (third) SU carburettor and boxed plenum chamber, the unit benefited from an improved inlet manifold, higher compression ratio (9:1), revised distributor advance curve, special pistons, larger inlet / exhaust valves and hotter plugs. Utilising the same 'big sump' bottom-end as its lesser siblings, the enhanced 3670cc DOHC straight-six was credited with developing some 266bhp and 255lbft of torque (an increase of 26bhp and 15lbft respectively). Bringing a welcome extra dose of performance, it was allied to four-speed all-synchromesh manual transmission. True to Aston Martin tradition, an 'ordinary' DB4 Series IV could be ordered with a Special Series powerplant (just as five DB4 Series IV Vantages received the 'twin plug' GT motor). Based around a steel platform chassis equipped with independent coil and wishbone front suspension, a trailing arm located 'live' rear axle and four-wheel disc brakes, the svelte four-seater was bodied using Carrozzeria Touring's patented 'Superleggera' technique whereby its hand-crafted aluminium panels were affixed to a latticework superstructure of small diameter steel tubing. Proving as exclusive as it was expensive, the DB4 Series IV Vantage accounted for just forty-five sales during its eight months on the assembly lines (chassis DB4/951/R - chassis DB4/995/R). Interestingly, DB4 GT production amounted to seventy-five cars (albeit split across Series I - V). Although, readily confused with its less wieldy siblings, the DB4 Series IV Vantage has long been appreciated by the cognoscenti and even dubbed "the thinking man's DB5". The first customer DB4 Series IV Vantage, chassis DB4/952/R was ordered via Aston Martin dealer Cyril Williams Motors. Dispatched by the factory on 27th April 1962, its generous specification included an oil cooler, DB4 GT instrument pack, wide-ratio gearbox, overdrive, Powr-Lok limited slip differential and heated rear screen as well of course as a Special Series engine (number 370/957/SS). Finished in Dubonnet Rosso with Fawn leather upholstery, it was supplied new to the mining company H.S. Pitt & Co of Stourbridge on 7th June 1962. Road registered as '111 EBF', the Aston Martin later migrated to America. Seemingly well cared for on the other side of the Atlantic, chassis DB4/952/R was still in remarkably original condition when Mr David Akehurst of Gillingham (Kent) repatriated it during 1997.Reunited with its distinctive UK number plate thanks to the intervention of the Aston Martin Owners' Club the car next changed hands in May 1999. Bought by Ian N. McCallum who had been looking for a DB4 to run as a 'fast road' car alongside his DB5 racer, the Series IV Vantage was duly entrusted to renowned marque specialists Goldsmith & Young with instructions that its engine, suspension and brakes be sympathetically upgraded. Various necessary chassis repairs aside, he specified that its scruffy Dubonnet Rosso paint and original Fawn leather upholstery be left untouched. Thus, the vendor's first impressions upon encountering chassis DB4/952/R when McCallum put it up for sale in May 2003 were less than favourable. However, a quick test drive was all that was necessary to win him over as he recently recalled: "The car was fantastic! Fabulous light gearchange (ignoring the weak 2nd gear synchro) brisk acceleration, loads of torque and terrific handling. So much better than any DB I'd owned".Determined to make the most of the extra power and torque that Goldsmith & Young had liberated by taking the original Special Series engine's capacity up from 3.7 litres to 4.2 litres, the present custodian treated '111 EBF' to a gearbox rebuild (complete with close ratio internals), back axle overhaul and upgraded rear brakes (the front ones having already been done). However, after a year's pleasurable motoring he decided to rid chassis DB4/952/R of its microblistered paint and worn out upholstery: "Restoration was started in earnest July 2004 and completed December 2007 with assistance from Aston Engineering. Intriguingly, as the interior trim panels, window frames and aluminium finishers were stripped down, most of them (not all) had the wrong number written / stamped on the reverse - '959' as opposed to '952'. Ditto, the door hinges. Someone had obviously misread the '2' for a '9' at the factory, which even when one looks at the handwritten production sheets, was an easy mistake to make and no doubt one repeated by many a manufacturer of small production hand built motor cars over the years. As originality was key these errors in its original manufacture were not corrected when the items were restored and refitted. After all, I wanted an authentic 1962 car back, not some over restored facsimile. As an example, the steering wheel was entrusted to an antique restorer to 'freshen' as opposed to make like new. Although, an extensive 'body off' refurbishment, it was essential that all external body panels were repaired and not replaced wherever possible. Most of the under bonnet inner panels were too far gone and so were replaced with copies that had been remanufactured to the same pattern and which were fitted using the same method as when chassis DB4/952/R was first built. The end result is stunning".We are further informed that this very special Aston Martin is "a matching numbers car, right down to the original key numbers on all lock barrels" and that "all of its original aluminium body panels have been retained with the exception of the sills". With its full flow oil cooler, enlarged radiator core, 4.2 litre engine, close ratio gears, improved brakes and uprated suspension, '111 EBF' proved an absolute delight on a recent test drive. Finished in Silver Birch with black leather upholstery, it is described by the vendor as being in "excellent overall" condition. As one of just forty-five DB4 Series IV Vantages and the first customer car, we have been told by the Factory that chassis DB4/952/R is most welcome to attend its Works Service Open Day on Saturday June 21st 2008 and the AMOC's St John Horsfall Silverstone Meeting the day after both of which events will be celebrating fifty years of the DB4. A magnificent motor car, it is offered for sale with a large history file (copy build sheets, Goldsmith & Young / Aston Engineering invoices etc) photographic restoration record and current MOT certificate."