1959 ASTON MARTIN DB4

An Icon and the very definition of Aston Martin’s motor sport intention, of competing in international sports car racing. The 1959 -62 Aston Martin DB4 GT, a competition derivative of the famed DB4, was announced in 1959 and the first prototype raced by Sir Stirling Moss, finished with outright victory in its maiden race. Behind the competition intent, was also to produce an ultimate high-performance road car, one which would combine the creature comforts of the DB4 with the ultimate in road car performance available in period.

Whilst not dissimilar in appearance to the standard DB4, the DB4GT is a significantly different car, in particular under the skin. Built on a lighter and significantly shorter wheelbase chassis, clothed in aluminium body work and with an enhanced engine and mechanical specification, the DB4GT was in period Aston Martin’s standard bearer in international motor sport, although fully equipped for fast road use as well, all adding some meaning to the expression, ‘’Race it on Sunday and drive it to the office on Monday”.

The captivating example we are delighted to offer is the second example constructed by Aston Martin and very first, built in Right Hand drive configuration. Delivered when new through agents Brooklands Ltd, to its first owner in December 1959, finished in Bristol Red with a VM 3323 Cream Connolly Vaumol hide interior, the lucky 1st owner a racing driver and gentleman farmer, would no doubt have been delighted to own the very first example in the UK, of the 75 examples to be built, before production ended three years later.

Spared the ravages of circuit racing or competition use and extensively driven on the road during its early years, this examples initial maintenance is recorded to have been carried out by Aston Martin’s own service division, whilst covering in excess of 6k miles over the first 12 months of use.

Sold in 1961, the car passed through a small number of owners, before being acquired in 1990 by the co-founder and period owner of the Sytner motor group. During the ownership of former British Touring Car champion Frank Sytner, a chassis restoration to the car was completed, including a complete re-paint in Aston Martin Racing Green. Thereafter, the car was owned by a renowned Aston Martin enthusiast and long-term owner, who enjoyed the delights of DB4 GT ownership for 23 years.

During the long-term enthusiast’s ownership, a mechanical rebuild was completed by renowned specialists, in stages. The well recorded major works having been carried out by the mid 1990’s, included a complete engine rebuild to 4.2 litre capacity, completed with strengthened forged conrods and Cosworth forged pistons, dynamometer tested and recording a very health 350 bhp output, as shown on the dynamometer print out included within the extensive history file. Other restorative works included, to the transmission, cooling system, brakes and suspension, including a lowered front roll centre conversion with adjustable suspension arms and a strengthened front anti-roll bar. The restorative works and engine rebuild, were all carried out by renowned Aston Martin specialist engineers R. S. Williams Ltd of Cobham, England.

Predominately, this highly original DB4 GT has been used over the years for European tours, concours events and participation on one occasion, in a Brooklands Double Twelve trials event, run at the historic Brookland motor circuit. Latterly and by 2015, after having covered 15,000 miles since the restorative works, ownership passed once more, to a well-established UK based collector who professionally stored the car, driving it occasional for short runs and show purposes, before passing the car on to the last owner of 10 years, who acquired this well preserved and road equipped example, recognising the DB4 GT to be the ultimate symbol of Aston Martin’s performance pedigree and an icon, of the Aston Martin story to date.

Coveted by collectors worldwide, the DB4 GT we are proud to offer is in an excellent overall condition, has been inspected by our Heritage technicians and is confirmed to have matching engine to chassis numbers. Restored and gently aged, this car has covered a well recorded 15,000 miles since the restorative works were completed and performs superbly.

Showing only slight signs of wear, commensurate with its limited use since restoration, this wonderful example of the DB4 GT has the satisfying ambiance of a well preserved and gently aged interior, so often lost forever in fresh and overly restored examples. is fittingly finished in Aston Racing Green paintwork and is equipped with its original chromed bumpers and brightwork finishers. A thrill and pleasure to drive, this DB4GT does not disappoint and is supplied fully prepared, with a fresh scheduled service completed by our own team of skilled Heritage engineers and detailed preparation.

Included with the car is a highly detailed hide bound history folio, which includes a copy of the factory build details, all known service history, copy restoration invoices, original MoT certificates covering the last 40 years, previous owners correspondence, contemporary and period magazine articles, a tool roll, vehicle jack and copper mallet.

A Golden ticket into concours or historic motorsport events, this glorious DB4 GT is available now for viewing and inspection at our Hertfordshire based showrooms and workshops, close to major UK airports and central London.