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.

[@denniswhite9721]

Stephen Archer is the man when it comes to Aston and this is a wonderful video about Marek and the DB4 GT. Wish there was another with Stephen about the DBR1. Thanks so much!

[@foxxster3565]

What an incredible man, and an incredible car he created. Utterly fascinating life story. What a life he lived.

[@TheVolquard]

if you have them handy, take your Bose QC35 and listen to Mr. Archer and turn up the volume, it is absolutely brilliant. you can hear his passion and love to ASTON MARTIN. Thank you Nicolas Mee for letting us take part in your video.

[@richmck007]

I have the Bowers and Wilkins PX 7s and they tell the story from a British rather than American sounding perspective!!!! We both would be equally thrilled if we could have heard the DB4 rev its engine for much longer than in the video!!!!!

[@Krsfal]

Really enjoyed this please can you make more of these longer films and with mr archer love his test drive. Thanks Nicholas Mee

[@broti]

what a beauty - and what an interesting story! thank you very much for that!

[@MsAston007]

Bravo! Beautiful Aston and a well done documentary.

[@GadgetyMV]

Lovely car, intriguing history, great presentation.

[@richardcarter1000]

Great video of a unique car. Very special. Thank you.

[@iareid8255]

According to an Aston Martin one time general manager (Who's name I've forgotten, Steve?) in his book, is that the engine was originally designed with a cast Iron block but that the iron foundaries had no spare capacity to make these blocks, but aluminium founders had so a change was made and the engine used an aluminium block. This initially proved slightly troublesome as engine oil pressure could be lost when it was driven hard. The solution was to grade the main bearings so that a very tight control of bearing clearance was acheived by selective selection of the shells , graded in 0.00025" variations in size, If my memory is correct. DB5s had a front hinged bonnet which improved engine access. The other feature which I always liked was the twin fuel filler caps, one either side which was accessed by pulling alittle lever in side the cabin near to the rear window. Also in the same book I refered to earlier, Marek said when asked to design the V8 that it should not be used for racing? That didn't last long.

[@thomasmulhall4873]

Marvelous video, great production values as always. I could sit and listen to both Mr. Mee and Mr. Archer for hours. I am honoured to have worked on 2 different DB4s, a DB6, and 2 early DBS cars. I hope someday to possess the same historical and technical knowledge that both these Aston men have. Thr reverence about which Tadek Marek and Aston Martin are spoken comes through in these videos. Thank you for giving us a glimpse into what looks to be the best specification DB4 in existence.

[@nicholasmeeco]

Thank you Thomas, your wonderful feedback is very much appreciated.

[@richmck007]

Woah! What a story, indeed this could easily be turned into a great classic novel which in turn could be made so well as a movie! Love the cross country story with twists and turns just like a classic DB4..5..6 or even seven!!! Imagine moving 20DBs back when trailers probably did not exist. Bring this to the English film studios and it would sell!!!

[@nicholasmeeco]

Thank you for the wonderful feedback. Tadek certainly had a full life! We believe there are plans underway for a movie, in his homeland of Poland. Would love to see it!

[@ranjanaluwihare1511]

Gosh, Thankyou that you have brought Tadek Marek attention to us, & a legend who brought us Aston Martin to date! Wonderful! 🙏🏽

[@nicholasmeeco]

Thank you for watching! We are glad you enjoyed it!

[@russcooke5671]

They should make a film about Tadek. Google him and see what I mean. Incredible man incredible life. ❤❤❤

Brilliant discovery! Is it Aston Green?

[@Memovox]

Poland stronk!

What is the colour? Is it the famous „Aston Green“?

[@nicholasmeeco]

It is indeed.

@@nicholasmeeco : i have the only DB7 i6 in Aston Green with Parchment and Forest Green interior, a „one of one“ with certificate by AMHT, and therefore I’m in love with that very special colour!

[@UberLummox]

I thought it went from DB-6 to DBS. Haven't heard of a DB 7 yet. I don't know a whole lot about Astons. Must be the one that looks like a DBS but w/a 6cyl. from about 1967, right? Sounds like an extremely special car, especially a one-of-one!!!

[@russcooke5671]

How much difference is there between California sage and Aston green. ❤