DB4 GT Continuation

[ajr550]

Thoughts on news that AM may be building another 25 DB4 GT's for track use.
Can't help think that the brand is starting to be diluted with money spinners but maybe that is not a bad thing if it ensures a sound financial future.

[Dewi 1]

I have noticed the lack of response to your post.

I have not heard anything about this project.
Is this possibly the next Dr. Palmer, 'six month special'?

Is it intended that Works will build these cars, or one of the Aston Martin specialists?
It sounds very similar to Jaguar recently building their Lightweight E-type cars. Even though almost identical, Lord March does not consider them eligible to run in the Goodwood races, because not built pre-1966.

[RichB]

got a link to the news item?

[RobDown]

like (I suspect) many, I don't really have a strong view. If it means we get to see more DBT GTs (even if modern built) then that's a good thing. If it gives AML a profit to invest in developing new cars, that's also good.

I personally wouldn't buy one.

And if I had a genuine DB4 GT I'd be livid. But I don't....

[RichB]

I can't find anything about it Rob so for the moment I assume it's just journalist chatter.

And I imagine DB4s are being converted to DB4GTs as we speak Let's be honest, if you've ever been to Aston Works you'll have seen them more or less rebuilding DB4s from scratch. The DB4GT is just a short wheelbase DB4 so that bit's easy. Not sure where they'll get the engines from but I imagine someone is recasting blocks and heads so it would be easy.

[RobDown]

Totally agree Rich. I was horrified on the Works Tour, the restoration process appeared to involve throwing away almost the entire car and starting from scratch.

I've not seen a story on this, but I wonder what the pretext is for producing 25 new DB4 GTs? Presumably, like Jaguar with its Lightweight E-Type, its something flimsy along the lines of "we had some chassis numbers allocated that weren't used"? Rather than them finding a hidden store of actual engines/chassis from 50-odd years ago

[stevewak]

First news here: https://k500.com/story-item/aston-martin-to-announ...

[RichB]

"K500 hears whispers"

[ajr550]

I would put more faith in K500 than say Autocar so to me this has the ring of truth.

[RichB]

ajr550 said:

I would put more faith in K500 than say Autocar so to me this has the ring of truth.

I could ask why but it would be wasted as it's your opinion. I'm not saying it will or will not happen but to me when a puff article starts with "a whisper" and ends with "watch this space" it means it's pure conjecture on the part of the journalist and pure click-bait for the editorial team.

[ajr550]

Which is why I used the word "may" in my OP.My point is slightly different.
To me AM seem to be embarking on a lot of projects GT8/GT12/V12S Manual/Vanquish Zagato/DB4 GT Continuation all of which should make money for them.
My concern is that the limited edition cars they are producing are badge engineered to tap into the current market rather than properly engineered performance models.If my analysis is right the brand will be diluted.
I always want to love the product more than I can when I see the spec.I am currently without an Aston and would love to buy one again but am always disappointed when I look closely at what they offer.
By the way congratulations to all who have bought the limited edition cars I am sure you will love them.

[Jon39]

On the subject of 'continuation' cars, a journalist had a dig at Jaguar, following their announcement of a second 'continuation' project.

It seems that Jaguar found another batch of unused chassis numbers from a past model. Those cars were never built, because the fleet order for X-types was cancelled.

Edited by Jon39 on Friday 6th May 20:58

[ajr550]

Call me cynical but having just picked up the latest edition of Vantage,the "independent" AM magzine which is stuffed full of DB4GTs I am now convinced that the Continuation will happen.

[George29]

How come they would just be for track use? Seems a bit odd as I doubt many classic car events would allow a newly built car would they? I think the new low drag E types aren't allowed at Goodwood for example.

I'm not so sure the owners of the original DB4 GTs would be too thrilled either - 25 more on the market can't do wonders for their short term value can it?

[roughrider]

George29 said:

How come they would just be for track use? Seems a bit odd as I doubt many classic car events would allow a newly built car would they? I think the new low drag E types aren't allowed at Goodwood for example.

I'm not so sure the owners of the original DB4 GTs would be too thrilled either - 25 more on the market can't do wonders for their short term value can it?

I guess they won't meet any current safety legislation?

[George29]

roughrider said:

I guess they won't meet any current safety legislation?

Ah never thought about that. Are the other recreations that have been done just track only then? Seems a bit odd if you can't race them either. Although if I had enough money I'd have one just to park in the garage and stare at!

[ajr550]

The missing six E type Lightweights are track only.
DB4 GT Continuation would be a not a dissimilar concept to the Vulcan but aimed at those who prefer older models.

[Jon39]

George29 said:

... if I had enough money, I'd have one just to park in the garage and stare at!

I hope nobody will say you already do that now, with your DB9.

We have missed hearing your news George.
Please give us your comments on;
1. The Aston Martin GT8.
2. Your season plans for motorbike racing.
3. The rumours that you now work in the glamorous world of Formula One.

[ajr550]

ajr550 said:

The missing six E type Lightweights are track only.
DB4 GT Continuation would be a not dissimilar concept to the Vulcan but aimed at those who prefer older models.

[George29]

Jon39 said:

I hope nobody will say you already do that now, with your DB9.

We have missed hearing your news George.
Please give us your comments on;
1. The Aston Martin GT8.
2. Your season plans for motorbike racing.
3. The rumours that you now work in the glamorous world of Formula One.

The DB9 has over 10k miles on it now after this weekend. It hasn't been getting that much use at the moment as I've been away a lot (see point 3), but it still gets taken out when the weather is good

1) I don't mind it but it seems it's only been done because Aston are cashing in on the back of the success of the GT12, and they couldn't make more GT12s as it would upset the existing owners. I'm sure it will sound fantastic, it looks nice (although I prefer it without the wing), and hopefully it will perform as a viable alternative to a GT3RS. Call my cynical perhaps - I doubt it will, however it will beat it in the exclusivity stakes (if that is somehow important to a track based performance car???). I also think it's in a difficult place with the pricing, to spec it up (to imo how it should have been - centre locks / titanium exhaust as standard), you've got some serious competition! I've no doubt they will sell them all, just if I was in the market for something like that, I'd struggle to see the value for money in it. I'd take a Vantage S and an Exige or a Radical in place of it personally.

2) Just as and when really. Did a couple of 4 day events out in Spain at the start of the year, then raced at Donington the other week with Bemsee and didn't do the best (finished mid pack at best, although I qualified alright in the damp!). Think I've booked a couple of race weekends at Cadwell, one at Croft, and one at Anglesey so far. Plus will probably do a trip to Mugello in August again

3) Indeed I do, but don't believe the rumours that it's glamorous! Long hours, and a lot different to what I was used to in aerospace but I'm enjoying it Only downside is it's down South so I'm away a lot.