Preservation

Description

This Aston Martin DB4 was sold new in Auckland, New Zealand on the 27/9/1962.

Ordered with Goodwood Green exterior and Connolly red leather interior the options listed were chrome wire wheels, “Special Series Engine” and 3.54 “Powr Lok” rear axle. It is one of only 19 DB4 Series 4’s produced with the Special Series Motor which later became known as a “Vantage.” This optional engine had Triple SU carburettors, a higher compression ratio, bigger valves and a different cam profile giving 266 BHP over the standard DB4’s 240 BHP. DB4/917R had 10 NZ owners between 1962 and 1989 when it was sold to Christopher Packer of Hamilton NZ, showing 66,501 miles. Mr. Packer in turn sold/transferred the car to his brother, Anthony Packer who had the car shipped to his home town of Perth, Australia. In the 10 years Mr. Packer owned the car it spent almost 12 months in the UK so he could tour and do a rally with the AMOC of the UK.

In 1999 the car was sold to a Mr. Bruce Wookey of NSW where it spent the next 10 years. After Mr. Wookey’s ownership it was briefly owned by a Sydney stock broker until being bought by current owner Mark Johnson in 2010. DB4/917 has now travelled a genuine 92,000 miles from new and never been restored other than minor paint repairs. The motor is in original condition other than having the head removed for reconditioning in 2000 and a gearbox rebuild in 2011.The car is still used enthusiastically in road rally’s having participated in the “Melbourne Mille” and Werk 1 rallies. It has also run in the Australian Grand Prix “Historic Demonstration”.