In early 1959 Aston Martin built five cars which were fitted with engines that were slightly modified for development purposes. These cars were built at the Aston Martin Feltham facilities, rather than the more common Newport Pagnell factory and like all early production cars, they came with a rear hinged bonnet and frameless door windows. The engines had a unique casting for what appeared to be testing for a fuel injection unit, as well as special early ‘AM’ insignias marked on the cam covers. All of these engines were marked with a ‘PP’, or ‘pre-production’ designation,
which was contained within the engine number. Alan Archer, chief registrar of Aston Martin during the mid-1980s confirmed in a letter to the owner at the time, that this car, DB4/109/R, was indeed one of the original five cars outfitted with a pre-production engine at Aston Martin’s Feltham facilities.
The early history of DB4/109/R is well documented. The original factory records shows that the car was delivered
on March 25th, 1959 to the supplying dealer Cyril Williams of Wolverhampton, as a demonstration car. It was then
sold to Wholesale Supply Ltd. before being purchased by F. Hawkinson of Overhedge Farm, Congleton. In the
early 1960s, DB4/109/R was sold to the owners of Vowles Aluminium Foundry in West Bromwich. The original buff
log book then takes up the ownership history with the car being sold to Julian Timmins of Sutton Coldfield and then
to Hugh Ladds of Higham Ferrers in February of 1972. Mr. Howitt of Corby purchased the car on June 15th, 1985 and
proceeded to undertake a comprehensive restoration. Since Mr. Howitt sold the car in 1995 the car has only had two
owners, who have maintained it to a high standard. The car comes complete with a photographic record of the restoration undertaken by Mr. Howitt, in addition to invoice records of an engine rebuild in 1999, front suspension rebuild in 2002 and the replacement of the wiring loom in 2006.
As presented today the car remains in good condition, albeit with some wear since its older restoration was completed. The dark blue metallic paint is very good, having benefitted from recent re-conditioning and the body panels, while not perfect, fit nicely. The engine bay appears clean and is largely original and retains its original
cam covers with the AM inscriptions and the fuel-injection casting. The off-white interior shows signs of wear and use. The suspension has been uprated to Koni’s, the disc brakes have been upgraded, and an oil cooler fitted, to cope
with modern traffic conditions. The car reportedly drives and handles beautifully and potential purchasers will appreciate the performance that these late fifties sports cars have to offer. Perhaps most impressively, potential purchasers will find a comprehensive file documenting all of DB4/109/R’s very interesting early history as well
as comprehensive maintenance records from the mid-1980s and several MOT certificates.
As only five of these factory prototype and works demonstration cars were ever produced, they are of great interest to marque historians. Of course the occasional drive on the open road will reveal a character that is thoroughly enjoyable and decidedly Aston Martin.
One of five early factory prototype's and works demonstration cars
One of five early factory prototype's and works demonstration cars