This DB4 GT ‘Continuation’ was hand-built at the Aston Martin Works, Newport Pagnell in 2018, the same site upon that its illustrious forebears were manufactured between the years 1959 to 1963. It marks a poignant return then to where the final Vanquish S rolled off the production line in 2007.
Launched in 1959, the DB4 GT was straightaway endorsed as one of the most revered of all Aston Martins. Having evolved from the production DB4 (launched the previous year) and introduced in the same year that Aston Martin scored an historic outright win at the Le Mans 24 hours race, the DB4 GT was a true supercar of its day. Shorter, lighter, sleeker, and with a more powerful version of the legendary Tadek Marek-designed 3.7-litre, straight-six engine than the DB4, not only was the GT version at the time Britain’s fastest passenger car, it was also a born circuit success scoring a debut race victory at Silverstone in the hands of (Sir) Stirling Moss.
A total of 75 DB4 GT’s were built in its heyday; eight only of these were lightweight models, many of which still survive today. Remaining faithful to the design of the original factory lightweight, the ‘Continuation’ has been built with Aston Martin Works’ exemplary attention. Employing a blend of old world craftsmanship and modern techniques, Continuation cars have benefitted from marked improvements in: engine performance, handling, braking, and hence overall safety. Great care has been taken as well to ensure that these enhancements reflect the original’s exceptional qualities while at the same time retaining its feel and character.
To underline authenticity, the VINs (Vehicle Identification Numbers) of Continuation cars carry on from the last original DB4 GT to be ordered (chassis 0202R), thus guaranteeing an unbroken bloodline through the Newport Pagnell-built pedigree. Combining the authenticity of a hand-crafted David Brown-era car with sympathetic application of modern engineering advancements and standards, the DB4 GT Continuation is a fusion of classic design and contemporary methods.
Here is car number 5 of 25, finished in Caribbean Pearl, proudly presented here to coincide with the official launch of Aston Martin Works’ new Heritage showroom at 8 Dover Street, W1.
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The car was displayed, courtesy of Mr David Mason and arranged by Aston Martin Works from Monday 3 September to Sunday 9 September 2018.