The laudable premise behind
David Brown Automotive
is well known by now. Disgruntled by perpetually unreliable yet beautiful classics (his preferred anecdote at the unveiling involved a Ferrari Daytona, a road rally and a Peugeot 106), entrepreneur David wanted to build his own car using modern underpinnings but with 60s style.
Don't like the modern Jag style? Try this
The GT Speedback is the result. Not the most inspirational name, is it? Plain old GTS may have just worked better in fact. All other suggestions gratefully received (by us).
And to look at? When the curtain was first pulled back (that's not a cliche, it really was behind a pair of curtains) and the blinding LED daytime lights extinguished, it's good if not spectacular. That's to these eyes at least. What's important to remember is that DBA isn't doing this the Eagle way; the Speedback is based on a modern car and not a classic reimagined with modern technology. As such, its styling has to accommodate fundamentally larger underpinnings than a DB5 or E-Type or Ferrari 250.
Consequently some of the classic styling touches can looks a little awkward on a bigger shape, the 19-inch wire wheels in particular. The Speedback just lacks that beautiful delicacy that made the originals so beguiling, with undeniable presence but looking a little odd from certain angles. At least in the launch venue of Lapicida, 'one of the world's leading international stone specialists', another of David Brown's ventures. Let's see what it's like on the road.
Speedback will get its full unveil in April
The inside is more recognisably Jaguar, but with even greater emphasis on classic luxury. All the additional British wood and leather inside makes it appear even more opulent and, in theory at least, the interior uses components that will work (make your own comments about Jaguar reliability here).
And if you want one? The Speedback will get its official launch at the Top Marques show in Monaco on 17th April, where a price will be confirmed too. All that's known now is that it will be between £100,000 and £1m. Place an order there and David Brown suggests the car will reach the customer "in around five months".
Regardless of personal opinion on the Speedback's styling or the venture as a whole, it does seem David Brown is approaching this project realistically. He describes DBA as a "natural progression" of his previous business ventures, having always been involved in sales and cars. He's keen as well to stress the functionality of the car, that it's "not supposed to be a 60s car, it's supposed to be a 2014 car".
Yes, that is a picnic seat in the boot
With the project having run for just over a year, David Brown Automotive is very much in its infancy. The Top Marques show will be crucial for the Speedback and how prospective customers react to it, because ultimately it's their opinions that count and not ours. We'll keep you posted, and hope to drive it as soon as possible.
Quick video from XCar on the Speedback
here.