Expert restoration by Haynes Heritage Engineering returns the Museum’s iconic 1961 DB4 to running condition. It is now on public display as part of Haynes Motor Museum’s Collection.
After more than 20 years as a static exhibit, the 1961 Aston Martin DB4 has been carefully restored to full running condition by Haynes Heritage Engineering, the specialist classic car workshop at Haynes Motor Museum. The car will remain part of the Haynes Motor Museum’s Collection and is now on display to the public.
Originally purchased at auction and generously donated by John Haynes OBE and his wife Annette to grow the Museum collection, the DB4 embodies a remarkable chapter in British automotive history. Widely regarded as one of Aston Martin’s most desirable models, the DB4 combined Italian-influenced Superleggera design, a powerful straight-six engine, and effortless high-speed touring ability, establishing the blueprint for generations of Aston Martin Grand Tourers.
Prior to being acquired by John Haynes, the DB4 was written off in its first year of use and later involved in a number of smaller incidents, meaning it required significant structural repairs. These included the careful reconstruction of the front section and the correction of historic repair work, with every step prioritising the car’s originality and historical integrity.
The car has been returned to its original Dubonnet Red paintwork, the exact shade it would have left the Aston Martin factory in 1961. Over 200 hours of hand metalwork, approximately 300 hours in the Paintshop, a full engine rebuild, and the reinstallation of the original Fawn leather interior were required to complete the project. As a result, the car retains both its historic authenticity and full road-going capability.
“Restoring this DB4 has been an incredible opportunity to showcase the craftsmanship of our team,” said Nick Lockey-May, Workshop Manager at Haynes Heritage Engineering. “Visitors to Haynes Motor Museum can now admire the DB4 both for its beauty and for the expert work that brought it back to life.”
The restoration work was carried out by Haynes Heritage Engineering, a public-facing workshop based within the Museum grounds, supporting both private projects and the ongoing care of the Museum’s Collection.
All profits generated by the workshop are reinvested into the Haynes Motor Museum charity, supporting the preservation of its internationally significant Collection and helping inspire future generations through education, engagement, and hands-on engineering expertise.
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