Aston Martin is building a limited run of 25 DB4 GTs, the lightweight flyer that was among the most powerful of British cars in the late 1950s and early ‘60s.
The new models will be built for the track only and owners will receive training from Aston Martin to be able to compete in an international driving programme, including the spectacular Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi. Each car is expected to cost upwards of NZ$2.5 million.
The DB4 GT is a rare breed with deep lineage. Just 75 were built and they were lighter and more powerful than the standard DB4. Stirling Moss drove the GT to victory in its competition debut at Silverstone in 1959.
Of the original 75, eight were even lighter, and it’s those on which Aston Martin is basing the new 25. They will each weigh 1230kg and carry VIN numbers that pick up from the end of the run of 75 in 1963.
The cars will be visually identical to the original DB4 GT but with modern revisions. The tubular frame remains, so too the lightweight aluminium panels, limited-slip differential, David Brown four-speed manual gearbox, and DOHC straight-six engine.
True to the original, the new engine gets two spark plugs per cylinder, but has been enlarged from 3.7-litres/3.8-litres to 4.2-litres to deliver around 255kW. The original generated 225kW, sprinted from 0-100km/h in 6.1 seconds and on to a top speed of 243km/h.
Aston Martin said it started “from scratch” with the new DB4 GT, drawing on the DB11’s supplier for the castings. Modern elements, like an FIA-specified roll cage, fire extinguisher, and seat belts will also be added.
The run of 25 will be built at Newport Pagnell in England, its headquarters for decades and now home to the Aston Martin Works heritage division. The original DB4 GT was produced on this site.
“Combining the authenticity of a hand-crafted David Brown-era car with sympathetic application of modern engineering advancements and performance enhancements, the DB4 GT continuation is a fusion of classic design and contemporary methods,” said Paul Spires, Aston Martin Works commercial director. “The result is a truly remarkable machine.”