Aston Martin Picture Gallery - Aston Martin DB4GT

Aston Martin DB4GT (1959 - 1963)

db4gt Š Tim Cottingham 2002

To the uninitiated, the DB4GT was very similar to the standard DB4. But since values of GT's are currently about five times that of the standard cars, we should expect a very different package indeed. The DB4GT was introduced in September 1959 at the London Motor Show, based on the race winning prototype, DP199/1. The car featured faired in headlamps with Plexiglas covers which continued to be seen through the range right upto the DB6 Mark 2 in 1970. The theme continues to this day with both the DB9 and V8 Vantage having headlights enclosed by a transparent cover. In order to save weight, the bodywork was made of thinner 18 gauge aluminium, the wheelbase was reduced by 13cm, the engine was tuned and the rear seats were deleted on all but a small number of cars. Maximum speeds during testing was found to be 153mph with a 0 to 60 time of 6.1 seconds. It was also one of the first cars that could go from standstill to 100 mph and then brake to a halt in under 30 seconds.

Here is one of the most famous GT's with long histories on the racing circuit. After all, that's what the GT was designed for. The car on the left is a lightweight and was owned and raced from 1960 by John Ogier's Essex Racing Stable. Driven by the likes of Roy Salvadori, Sterling Moss, Jim Clark and Innes Ireland, the GT was regularly competing against the Ferrari 250GT.

The engine of the GT still with a capacity of 3670 cc (though some had 3750cc), was otherwise extensively modified. It featured twin plugs heads using two distributors (that's twelve sparkplugs in total) and triple twin choke 45 DCOE4 or 9 Weber carburettors plus a raised compression ratio of 9:1. Power output was claimed at 302 bhp at 6000 rpm, a useful increase from the claimed 240 bhp of the standard car.

A single large fuel tank was fitted (although some cars had twin tanks in the wings) and quick release filler caps are situated on each side. GT's were fitted with spectacular lightweight Italian Borrani wheels; 42 spokes with light alloy rims.

This 1960 car is very special as it is one of only a very few lightweight GT's; this one was a factory demonstration and experimental car. This car is fitted with a Zagato specification engine claimed to give 314bhp. You may notice that the car has a later DB4 grille and lower bonnet scoop and I think it has the later tail lights too. Cosmetic changes within the standard cars were also made to the GT although the GT's are not split into series as such.

Despite their tremendous rarity and value, the GT is still a popular race car at major historic racing events such as the Coys and Bonham's festivals, Goodwood Revival, Classic Le Mans and occasionally at AMOC events throughout the season.

This is perhaps the most original DB4GT of the 75 Touring styled cars. Chassis number 0123/R was kept by the same owner for over 40 years which explains it's wonderful origonal unmolested condition. For many years it was thought to be lost but it resurfaced in 2004 as the star lot in the AM/Bonham's auction in May 2004.

Over the previous year, DB4GT prices at auction had reached Ł400,000, so the estimate for this genuine 60,000 mile car of Ł290,000 to Ł340,000 would have appeared to be correct. Sadly the bidding stopped at about Ł270,000 - unsold. Values today are far higher. The true GT model started and stopped with the DB4; the 5 and 6 were never tweaked and lightened for the race track. The DB7 GT i6 made a brief appearance although never made production: the DB7V12 GT is a different beast altogther. Genuine DB4 GT's can be expected to change hands for an amount of approaching Ł500,000, more with racing history. One of the ultimate Aston Martins and a performance pinnacle of the marque.


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Page Updated Sunday February 17, 2008