How Does It Drive?

While the later DB5 got a syncromesh five-speed gearbox, and power steering and automatic gearboxes became more popular on the DB6, the DB4 is a more raw, traditional driving experience. That may make it appear less liveable for some, though the flipside for purists is it rewards drivers willing to make a bit more effort. Other than that it’s much the same as any of the DB cars, which is to say a delightful combination of a hugely charismatic and tuneful engine, strong performance, sure-footed handling and above average stopping power for a car of its vintage given the all-round disc brakes.

The 3.7-litre engine is a little down on power compared with the later cars, but the DB4 is lighter overall and GTs, those with the uprated triple-carb Vantage motor or examples that have been upgraded to similar spec at some point in their lives, can give you 300hp-plus and all the performance you need. With its shorter wheelbase and useful 85kg weight saving over the standard DB4 the GT is clearly the more dynamic choice, and perhaps the sportiest driving of all the DB models bar the even lighter Zagato.

What’s Good?

Like you need to ask! The DB5’s balance of muscularity and elegance are the perfect expression of what Aston Martin is all about, the sense that this is a car for gentlemen (if not necessarily gentlemanly behaviour) evident in every angle and detail.

True, it’s a degree of separation from the racing success of the DB4 GT and Zagato, to which those of a sportier persuasion may be drawn. But the DB5 is still a fast, powerful car more than capable of transcending those iconic on-screen appearances in its own right. It’s also the kind of car to score nods of approval from everyone who sees it, not just the petrolheads. And the feelgood factor of being seen in it will be second only to that of actually driving it.

Symbolically it’s also nice that the DB5 represents the diversity of the industry at the time, given it’s powered by an engine designed by a Polish engineer, styled by Italians yet somehow at the same time unmistakably English in its character.

What’s Bad?

Beautiful looks, a rock solid reputation and rarity are all very well, the flipside inevitably being that buying a DB4 of any type is going to be a very, very expensive business. Even if it all goes to plan. And if it doesn’t the potential to spend even more money is always there, especially with the temptation of barn finds, restorations and other money-draining projects. Never forget, the DB4 was an exotic, expensive car in its day and the nature of its construction means getting one up to standard is going to cost an awful lot of money.

That aluminium bodywork may not rust but the complex steel structure beneath it certainly can, while any sections where the two meet can mean an electrolytic reaction and further expense. Mechanically the news is better and engines and gearboxes are generally strong, but only when looked after properly. Given the value many cars will have spent many years sitting idle and not driven, so even if they polish up nicely for auction will require expensive recommissioning if you intend to use it properly.

Which Model To Choose?

How much do you have to spend? Obviously, a GT or a Zagato would be at the top of any classic car buyer’s wishlist, but originals are very much blue chip investments attracting values into the multiple millions. And with that in mind how much would you actually be able to enjoy it? Money no object you’d like to think you would but the reality may well be different. Convertibles are at the opposite end of the spectrum and have an attraction of their own but a coupe – or ‘saloon’ in Aston parlance – is probably the more appealing. Late-model Series 5 DB4s are, meanwhile, pretty much impossible to tell apart from a DB5 so you may as well go for the latter with its bigger engine and five-speed synchro ‘box, which leaves the earlier cars with their round, uncowled headlights. For the fact this visual signature is what sets the DB4 apart from others in the family we’d be tempted by one of these, perhaps with a sneaky Vantage engine upgrade for the extra power.

Specifications

3.7-litre six-cylinder, petrol

243PS (179kW) @ 5,000rpm

325Nm (240 lb ft) @ 4,000rpm

Four-speed manual/optional three-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive

1,308kg

9 seconds

140mph

1958-1963