Jump directly to the content

A TV star has found a £300,000 Aston Martin DB4 hidden away in a shed.

Former Fifth Gear host Johnny Smith posted a video to YouTube explaining how he discovered the gorgeous classic, as well as its rich history.

A TV star has found a £300,000 Aston Martin DB4 hidden away in a shed
4
A TV star has found a £300,000 Aston Martin DB4 hidden away in a shedCredit: YouTube The Late Brake Show
Former Fifth Gear host Johnny Smith discovered the gorgeous classic
4
Former Fifth Gear host Johnny Smith discovered the gorgeous classicCredit: YouTube The Late Brake Show

The car is believed to be just the 24th DB4 ever produced by Aston but has now fallen into disrepair.

Owner Paddy Hook told Johnny on his channel that the car hasn't been started up since 1982.

It was bought by the father of a friend of his in 1951 and sat in a garage until it was moved to Paddy's shed in Devon decades later.

However, before the '50s it apparently led quite a fascinating life as the ultra-cool ride of an American spy.

READ MORE MOTORS NEWS

According to Paddy, the original owner was a "real-life James Bond" who fought with the Greek Resistance during WWII before joining the OSS, which would later become the CIA.

The car's glamorous backstory is more than appropriate given that it is the elder brother of the DB5, which won the hearts of film fans as the actual James Bond's car in 1964's Goldfinger.

Sadly, though, today it isn't in great condition, with rusted and corroded bodywork and dust all over.

Paddy and Johnny attempted to start it up, but found the engine was dead from years of storage.

After machining some new parts and reconnecting the electrics, the pair managed to get it going, but it will need some serious restoration work to return to its former glory.

Nonetheless, commenters were delighted to see a spark of life in the old sportster.

One wrote: "Anybody else get goose pimples when that engine started?

"Magnificent car and a great history."

Another added: "Great job, Paddy, it was great to hear the engine come to life; it sounded very good to me.

"This DB4 would be a great restoration project for someone who has the available funds.

"It would be wonderful to see this car with the original colour paint and in new condition driving down the road again."

It comes after a beautiful classic Land Rover that was previously owned by the late Queen hit auction for an eye-watering price.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

Meanwhile, a group of from Australia discovered a mind-boggling classic car graveyard in their neighbour's back garden - including a £300,000 Porsche.

The car is believed to be just the 24th DB4 ever produced by Aston
4
The car is believed to be just the 24th DB4 ever produced by AstonCredit: YouTube The Late Brake Show
Owner Paddy Hook told Johnny that the car hasn't been started up since 1982
4
Owner Paddy Hook told Johnny that the car hasn't been started up since 1982Credit: YouTube The Late Brake Show

Topics