A rusty Aston Martin that has been standing in the forest for 40 years is being sold for 400 thousand dollars

A dilapidated 1960 Aston Martin is put up for auction at a preliminary price from 375 to 475 thousand dollars. The DB4 model went on sale in 1958 as a competitor to Ferrari and Maserati sports cars: the car was able to accelerate to 100 kilometers per hour in 8.5 seconds. Ironically, the abilities of this particular specimen were not used in any way for most of his life: the car stood motionless in the woods of Massachusetts for more than 40 years.

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This copy of the Aston Martin was produced in the UK in 1960, and then transported to the USA, where it was received by the official distributor of the company, Charles Honberg. It seems that at first the car was used for demonstration purposes or as a company car. Then it was acquired by TV presenter and voice actor Dallas Williams.

Subsequently, the DB4 was moved from Colorado to Massachusetts, and in the early 1970s, the owner of the car left it in the woods near his home. There it stood for several decades, until recently. The condition of the car has deteriorated significantly during this time.

Classic cars often spend many years away from human eyes in garages, but it is a very rare case that such a valuable and sought—after model had to be rescued from the forest.

Inside the car is a real time capsule: the steering wheel, trimmed with wood, is almost intact, and the personal belongings of the last owner are still in the cabin.

The retromobile will be sold on January 18 at the annual automobile auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. The auction house estimated this lot at 375-475 thousand dollars. In order for the 56-year-old rarity to be able to drive again, the buyer will have to completely restore it.

Auction organizer Rod Egan says: "We are thrilled that we have been entrusted with the sale of this amazing find with a great story that literally came from the forest." Despite the severe damage, the auction page calls the oldtimer "one of the most delightful and famous GT class models that have appeared on the market in recent years."

Aston Martin produced 1,200 DB4S from 1958 to 1963. The engine capacity of this model is 3.7 liters, the power is 240 horsepower, and the maximum speed is 225 kilometers per hour. In 1963, the British manufacturer continued the series with the DB5 model — the most recognizable James Bond car.