The DB4 lives on.
December 9, 2016: 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 lightweight specification by Aston Martin Works at Newport Pagnell.
Launched in 1959, the DB4 GT was immediately celebrated as one of the rarest and most revered of all Aston Martins. Evolved from the production DB4 and introduced in the same year Aston Martin scored its historic outright win in the Le Mans 24 Hours, the DB4 GT was a true supercar of its day. Shorter, lighter, sleeker and with a more powerful version of the legendary 3.7-litre straight-six engine, not only was the DB4 GT Britain’s fastest passenger sports car, it was a born winner, scoring a debut race victory at Silverstone in the hands of Sir Stirling Moss.
A total of 75 DB4 GTs were built between 1959 and 1963. Remaining faithful to the design of those original eight factory lightweights, each DB4 GT continuation will be built with Aston Martin Works’ unrivaled experience and exemplary attention. Employing a blend of old world craftsmanship and modern techniques, continuation cars benefit from improvements in engine performance, handling, braking and safety, with great care taken to ensure these enhancements build upon the original’s exceptional qualities while retaining its feel and character.
At its heart is a version of the celebrated Tadek Marek-designed straight-six cylinder engine with two spark plugs per cylinder, transmitting its 340 horsepower to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential, just as in the original DB4 GT. Thanks to its shortened wheelbase the DB4 GT is a strict two-seater blessed with greater agility than the regular four-seater DB4. Its body follows the original construction, with thin-gauge aluminum 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-honored tradition.
Fittingly for a car created to celebrate one of Aston Martin’s most illustrious competition models, the DB4 GT Continuation is built to be enjoyed on track. Aston Martin Works has created a two-year international track driving program held at a number of the world’s finest race tracks, including the spectacular Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi. The ultimate arrive-and-drive experience, customers may also take advantage of Aston Martin’s dedicated driver training team. Comprised of expert instructors, they will help customers master driving techniques from an era when track driving was more art than science.
First deliveries of DB4 GT Continuation will commence in QTR 3 2017.
Ex-Automotive Executive
Instagram: @enzoteodoro
