1959 Aston Martin DB4 - Ex' Tadek Marek - Nicholas Mee & Company

1959 Aston Martin DB4 - Ex' Tadek Marek

- An important development vehicle for Aston Martin in the early 1960’s
- Registered personally to Tadek Marek in 1965
- Finished in Aston Martin Racing green over original black hides
- 4 litre, triple Weber carburetted ‘Vantage’ engine
- Mated to a 5-speed ZF gearbox
- Wonderful ‘preserved’ condition
- ‘The greatest DB4 that no one has ever heard of’

Preserved in its current specification, as last owned by the renowned former Aston Martin Chief Engineer and engine designer of the famed Aston Martin 6 cylinder, all alloy engine, in various specifications, the engine type which powered all Aston Martin cars built between 1959 and 1973 and latterly, the all-alloy V8 engine used in Aston Martin cars until 2000.

Finished in Aston Martin Racing Green, this ex’ experimental car, utilised by Aston Martin’s engineering department as a development test bed, before being acquired from the company and further developed by Tadek Marek in 1965, has a history and specification like no other DB4. The detailed specifications of this fascinating car, include unique features never available in production cars of the day. Summarised below, they are a reflection of engineer Marek’s ingenuity and perception of all that a DB4 should be.

Purchased by the last owner directly from Marek’s former business partner in 1973, this exceptional and highly developed testament to his engineering skills, has been regularly maintained and carefully preserved by leading Aston Martin specialists over 48 years of single custodianship, maintaining the original special equipment and features, as engineered by its legendary former owner.

A superb driving experience, due to the early model’s light weight and the most powerful version of his own engine design, as fitted, this exceptional early DB4 Series 1, drives like no other DB4 and is a tangible reflection of Marek’s vision, of how a DB4 should be in its ultimate form.

During Marek’s personal ownership, development continued with his engineering team within Aston Martin during the 1960’s, to the unique and personal specifications, as it is now, and which has been fervently preserved thereafter. This immensely competent DB4, is a testament to the character, skill and vision of Tadek Marek and is a unique legacy, fascinating to explore and wonderfully enlightening to drive.

We are proud to have to offered this car to market for the first time in 48 years, a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire a historically important DB4, formerly owned by one of the most important individuals in the history of the marque. Unique and in a superbly preserved condition.

Extracts of unique ‘in period’ development specification:

- Early Series 1 model. Rear hinged and low scoop bonnet

- DB4 GT front bodywork, lamps and grille.

- 4.0 litre experimental engine (uniquely stamped, engine number 370/207/4/V) with 45 DCOE 9 Triple Weber Carburettors

- 5 speed ZF transmission

- 15’’ road wheels

- DB4GT / DB5 Instruments and Dashboard – trimmed in hide

- Uniquely profiled wood rimmed steering wheel.

- Electric, framed, side windows

- Electric operated rear ¾ window

A special thank you to Stephen Archer, Aston Martin Historian and Author and the Aston Martin Heritage Trust for their assistance in contributing to and participating in this video.