1961 Aston Martin DB4 GT

Developed from the DB4, the DB4 GT was conceived and built with international sports car racing firmly in its sights.

The DB4GT prototype, DP 199, was race in the Spring 1959, driven by the inimitable Stirling Moss in the BRDC GT race at Silverstone, recording an outright victory, for the new model. Between 1959 and 1961, just 75 DB4 GT’s were produced with many being owned and driven in sports car racing, including by the renowned Essex Wire racing stable.

The DB4GT presented, Chassis 0139/GT, was delivered new to its first Surrey based owner and regularly maintained with the manufacturer’s service department at Newport Pagnell, before being released after 17 years of single ownership, to Aston Martin enthusiast Ian Warrener of Powys in Wales, passing through 3 further owners before being sold into the USA in the early 1980’s. Returning to the UK in 1989, to Philip Cowan of St Andrews in Scotland. Purchased by the last owner in 2006, the car was entrusted to Aston Martin specialist engineers R S Williams Ltd, for restoration. After completion in 2008, the car completed a tour to southern Spain and been subsequently used on occasional outings in the UK since.

Featured in the authoritative Palawan Press published book ‘The Aston Martin DB4 GT’, 0139/R has principally been used from new, as a road car with no notable competition use recorded. Presented in its original build colour of California Sage, the interior is now trimmed in Tan Connolly Vaumol hides.

Today, 0139/R maintains matching numbers of engine to chassis, with the engine rebuilt by RSW during restoration, now producing 365 bhp and 385 lbs/ft of torque. Fitted with suitably uprated suspension and improved braking, the performance after restoration of 0139/R, is in all respects superb and a testament to the restorers own engineering heritage.

The history file accompanying 0139/R, includes a highly detailed period service history from Aston Martin’s Newport Pagnell service facilities, over the first owner’s custodianship. A copy of the manufacturer’s build record, a BMI Heritage Trust Certificate, an original DB4GT brochure, maintenance invoices and correspondence as well as a detailed account and photographic record of the restoration carried out by RSW, with engine Dyno sheet and detailed specs.

Using the renowned DB4’s Superleggera construction as a basis, the chassis of DB4GT’s was reconfigured with a shorter and lighter wheelbase, the engine race developed with high compression pistons, a twin ignition system and a triple set of 45mm Webber side draught carburettors, in all developing considerably more power and torque. Coupled with a David Brown close ratio 4 speed manual gearbox, optional final drive ratios and Girling disc brakes front and rear, the combination proved highly effective in period international sports car racing.