One of Aston Martin’s most iconic models – the DB4 GT - is to be celebrated with a special series of 25 track-only continuation cars.
Built to a lightweight specification by Aston Martin Works at Newport Pagnell, the original DB4 GT was launched in 1959, and evolved from the production version introduced in the same year. Shorter, lighter and sleeker, it had a more powerful version of the 3.7-litre straight-six engine and scored a debut race victory at Silverstone in the hands of Sir Stirling Moss as well as an outright win in the Le Mans 24 Hours race.
The DB4 GT was Britain’s fastest passenger sports car, and a total of 75 models were built between 1959 and 1963. Of these only eight were lightweight models, most of which survive today, and values now comfortably exceed £3m.
Remaining faithful to the design of those original eight factory lightweights, each DB4 GT Continuation model will be built with Aston Martin Works’ experience and ‘exemplary attention'. Employing a blend of old world craftsmanship and modern techniques, Continuation cars are set to benefit from improvements in engine performance, handling, braking and safety, 'with great care taken' to ensure these enhancements build upon the original’s qualities while retaining its feel and character, says Aston Martin.
Underlining that authenticity are the VIN numbers, which carry on from the last original DB4 GT ordered - Chassis 0202R - for an unbroken bloodline of Newport Pagnell-built models spanning half a century.
At its heart is a version of the Tadek Marek-designed straight-six cylinder engine with two spark plugs per cylinder, transmitting its 340bhp to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential, just as in the original. Thanks to its shortened wheelbase, the DB4 GT is a strict two-seater with greater agility than the regular four-seater DB4. Its body follows the original construction, with thin-gauge aluminium panels fitted over a tubular frame. To improve the accuracy and consistency of the panels, the continuation car’s bodywork uses state-of-the-art digital technology, before being hand-finished in time-honoured tradition.
The Continuation car is built to be enjoyed on track. Aston Martin Works has created a two-year international track driving programme held at a number of the world’s finest race tracks, described as the ‘ultimate arrive-and-drive experience’.
Paul Spires, Commercial Director, Aston Martin Works said of the DB4 GT Continuation programme: “For over 60 years Aston Martin Works has devoted unrivalled skill and experience to preserving Aston Martin’s heritage. Now we are creating something for the future, with a special series of 25 continuation cars that celebrate one of Aston Martin’s greatest cars - the DB4 GT Lightweight.
Dr Andy Palmer, Aston Martin President and CEO commented: “Aston Martin has a rich and vibrant heritage, as you’d expect from a company that has been building some of the world’s finest sports cars for 103-years. Of those the DB4 GT stands proud as one of the most coveted of all. It’s a mark of Aston Martin’s breadth of abilities that in the same year we launched the DB11 - our most advanced ‘DB’ production car ever - we can also embark on an adventure such as the DB4 GT Continuation. A project that taps into the unique passion and skills that exist within Aston Martin, I’m thrilled we have the imagination and capability to offer 25 enthusiasts the unique opportunity to commission their own piece of Aston Martin history.”
First deliveries of the DB4 GT Continuation will commence in the third quarter of 2017.