Saturday 10th December 2016

Aston Martin DB4 GT continuation

Aston Martin joins the historic revival business with a limited run of 25 track-only DB4 GTs

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Though still based on the same Gaydon site Aston Martin no longer has access to the Jaguar Land Rover test track the other side of the fence. Perhaps though they still peer over it on occasion and, one imagines, having seen someone shaking down 'continuation' E-Type Lightweights or a 'new original' XKSS thought 'we'll have a piece of that'.

To all the youngsters THIS is drifting

Certainly the temptation to build from scratch limited numbers of iconic classics and sell them for seven-figure prices to collectors as factory built cars is one facing a number of brands since Jaguar took advantage of the lost serial numbers to 'resume' production. These cars have successfully publicised JLR's new classic operation and demonstrated the skills of its engineers; debates will rage about the morals of doing so and provenance of the cars that result but so long as the numbers are limited the PR value seems worth upsetting a few purists.

So to Aston Martin, which has announced a 25-car (re)production run of the iconic DB4 GT, the short-wheelbase version of the DB4 raced to success by Stirling Moss and others after its debut in 1959. 75 cars were built in period, eight of which were to the lightweight spec that inspires the 'new' car. It will be built at the Newport Pagnell facility, home to the Aston Martin Works heritage department and reviving car production on site for the first time since 2007. Again, a perfect way to showcase the kind of work that can be carried out by the centre, which also restored boss Andy Palmer's rather lovely Vantage not so long ago.

Racing success reflected in track-only spec

Picking up from chassis #0202R - the last DB4 GT built in the original run - the cars are continuations built to the same specification as the original, meaning lightweight aluminium bodywork over a tubular frame and powered by a 340hp, 3.7-litre, twin-plug version of the Tadek Marek straight-six. This drives through a manual four-speed gearbox and limited-slip differential, the shortened wheelbase making it a more agile and manoeuvrable car than the standard DB4. Aston Martin admits the continuation cars will "benefit from improvements in engine performance, handling, braking and safety" and, though hand finished "in time-honoured tradition", use modern digital technology to improve the fit and finish of panels.

The extent of these modern influences will, no doubt, inspire much muttering into beards but Aston Martin clearly wants the cars to be enjoyed, albeit only on track. To that end they've put together a two-year driving package based at tracks around the world and including Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi. Significant that this is the only circuit mentioned by name in the press release? Possibly but the general set-up seemingly follows a similar format to that offered with the (also track only) Vulcan, with input from Aston Martin works drivers to help owners get the most out of their cars.

So who next? Will Ferrari start going through the blueprints stored in its Classiche department and build a few more 250 GTOs? Can Porsche resist the temptation to restart 2.7 RS production or knock out a few more original 911 Rs? With the values of originals consigning many to a life as static exhibits and a new generation of cash-rich buyers seemingly less hung up on period originality the temptation will be hard to resist for many.

[RichB]

Yas Marina that famous track so often frequented by DB4GTs back in the day...

[Blue62]

It's all about the money I guess but brings back happy memories nonetheless. As a nipper I remember our near neighbour, Nick Cussons owning one before he moved on to a Lola T70, I used to have the honour of wiping the Lola paintwork down and cleaning off the race numbers with a petrol rag, but the DB4 is the car that left the biggest mark. My dad had limited interest in cars (and nothing like the means), so I blame Cussons for all the money I have lost over the years.

[thegreenhell]

article said:

So who next? Will Ferrari start going through the blueprints stored in its Classiche department and build a few more 250 GTOs?

They should build the other 61 cars they needed to satisfy group 3 homologation rules for racing in period.

[angry jock]

It could be argued that Aston started the whole continuation thing with the 4 Sanction II and 2 Sanction III DB4 GT Zagatos that were built in the late 80s and early 90s.

Edited by angry jock on Friday 9th December 21:57

[Gandahar]

Milking the cow and bean counters now got interested.

Funny how both Aston and Jaguar could have done these years back except the huge amounts of money were not in the offering, so they didn't bother. Now they are.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[DexB15]

Awesome! Just imagine if they did the DB4 GT Zagato as well...

[thegreenhell]

No mention of price? Well original list price in 1960 was £4,668 which is around £98,000 in today's money. I bet they won't cost that much this time...

[MDMA .]

DexB15 said:

Awesome! Just imagine if they did the DB4 GT Zagato as well...

FoaF had 2, sold one recently. Undisclosed $$$$$

[73RS]

While we can be cynical about the money motivation, I just love these kinds of cars - I can't argue about more of them. More chance I will get to see one. And for the real pros who get get to build them, must be amazing. Go on, build loads, not just 25.

[williamp]

Gandahar said:

Milking the cow and bean counters now got interested.

Funny how both Aston and Jaguar could have done these years back except the huge amounts of money were not in the offering, so they didn't bother. Now they are.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

well, they aere in the business of selling cars for profit. Being a car manufacturer, its sort of what they do. Aston tried selling cars without profit countless times in the past. It never worked well...

[MadDog1962]

They will be fine things no doubt.

But probably at prices only affordable by chic sheiks and middle eastern royalty.

If they're keeping the British industry afloat and preserving skills what's not to like?

[AJB88]

Have lived next to the AM Heritage set up in Newport Pagnell for nearly 6 years, some amazing machines hiding in there.

[V8 FOU]

I don't have a problem with this.
If I had the money....Yawn....

Be good on the road though. Anyone want to do a share on one for the use of my trade plates!!!

[dinkel]

Such cool cars.

OK, maybe E-types are a tad more succesful than these DB tractors: but how epic do they look?

Edited by dinkel on Monday 12th December 08:58

[Atmospheric]

How long before other "premium" manufacturers do a "classic" line?

It could work.

[998420]

DELETED: Comment made by a member who's account has been deleted.

It's Capitalism gone mad, whatever next.


I cannot quite understand the anger some people are drumming up for these, I doubt many posts are made by owners of "original" versions but I do think that quite a few of those were pretty much a VIN tag and some rust at some point...

[big_rob_sydney]

I do wonder if someone had shelled out an enormous amount on what they thought was a limited edition car, only to find that there are or will be a larger number of them. Would that dilute the financial value of your investment?

From my personal point of view, I'm none too happy with this idea, and I say drive the nuts off whatever car you have, as opposed to sticking it into some cocoon and just watching it appreciate.

[dc2rr07]

I will have one at the original price please cannot see it having any adverse effect on the value of the original cars.

[CanAm]

thegreenhell said:

article said:

So who next? Will Ferrari start going through the blueprints stored in its Classiche department and build a few more 250 GTOs?

They should build the other 61 cars they needed to satisfy group 3 homologation rules for racing in period.

Maybe they could also build the balance of 250LMs of the 50 required for Group 4 in 1966.
(You do realise it was just a modified GTO and not a new car, of course. Even the FIA weren't THAT gullible!)

[R6VED]

Until last year I worked in the Heritage Parts supply department at Aston Martin. I am not really sure how I feel about this - I am sure that commercially it makes excellent sense....