Registration – 185 XUK

Chassis No. – DB4-1122R

M.O.T. – April 2025

Odometer – 81,000

‘185 XUK’ is truly an astounding car. One of just 136 Aston Martin DB4 coupes made with the uprated Vantage specification and the subject of a no-expense-spared restoration. ‘185 XUK’s’ chassis number of 1122 reveals it to be a MK V model and the 121st of that series to roll out of Newport Pagnell. This matching numbers car is a UK specified and supplied example being delivered new to its first Perthshire based owner by dealers Aberfoyle Motors in November 1962. The DB4 was specified with overdrive, a 3.77 ratio rear axle, Bray Block heater, heated rear screen and chrome wire wheels. The first lucky owner retained ‘185 XUK’ for a full 23 years until 1985 when it was sold at a warranted mileage of 35,000. At that point the Aston Martin travelled south and was enjoyed by four owners in the London area over the next 26-years. In the mid-1990’s ‘185 XUK’ underwent its first comprehensive restoration at around 47,000 miles. The work extended to the mechanicals, an engine rebuild as well as the paint and bodywork. Despite being acquired in a sound and useable condition a previous owner initiated a show standard restoration in 2017. At this stage the body was stripped back to the metal and all components were removed and replaced or restored. The triple carburettor Vantage engine was sent to world renowned specialists RS Williams for a £40,000 full engine rebuild. The bodywork was completely restored and the paintwork painstakingly reapplied. A number of thoughtful and subtle upgrades were also made at this stage – more of which shortly. The restoration was complete in 2018 at a total cost of around £190,000. The odometer reading roughly 80,000 miles at this stage and was zeroed on completion of the restoration. Today the odometer reads a little over 1,000 miles. ‘185 XUK’ is being sold with the most comprehensive paperwork files imaginable. This includes diligently kept notebooks from the first owner, logging the mileage covered and all work undertaken between 1962 and 1985. Work from both subsequent restorations has also been painstakingly documented and recorded. Despite its MOT exemption as an Historic Vehicle, ‘185 XUK’ is complete with an advisory free test valid until April 2025.

The Aston Martin DB4 was a watershed car for the historic British marque. Much more than a mere revision of its predecessor, it boasted a svelte lightweight, superleggera body designed by Carrozzeria Touring in Milan. Out went the Lagonda 2.9-litre engine of the DB2/4 MK III in favour of a new 3.7-litre Tadek Marek straight six unit. Upon its introduction in 1958, the DB4 became the first model to be built at the famous Newport Pagnell factory. This example’s latest restoration is a triumph and as thorough as its six figure cost would suggest. The attention to detail exhibited is truly outstanding. The underside presents probably better than a brand new DB4 did. The braking system, suspension, rear axle and floor pans all look like new. The whole underside appearance is remarkable. The engine bay is pristine, and its original factory Vantage engine looks as good as it performs. The interior is every bit the equal of the rest of the car and has been completely re-trimmed and re-upholstered in sublime red leather.

During the restoration a raft of expertly chosen upgrades were made to further enhance the usability and utility of ‘185 XUK’ for the modern world. These include a high power ignition system, high power alternator, a custom aluminium radiator, aluminium fuel tank, Kenlowe fan, uprated HBE handling kit, stainless steel exhaust system, fully upgraded sound deadening, modern central locking system, RSW hose set and stainless steel oil cooler and pipework. Such is the calibre of ‘185 XUK’ that it was featured in a Prestige and Performance Car multipage feature in 2023. The tester concluded the feature by reporting that “the last time I enjoyed this kind of visceral excitement was when I drove a majestic Lamborghini 350 GT 20 years ago.” This, then, is clearly an Aston Martin DB4 Vantage with vanishingly few equals.

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