Aston Martin confirms 25 ‘continuation’ DB4 GTs will arrive next year, completing the 75 original examples built between 1959 and 1963.
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Turns out Jaguar isn’t the only British manufacturer bringing an old icon back to its former glory in a limited edition run.
Just a few weeks after Jaguar announced that the missing nine XKSS models would be rebuilt from the chassis up, Aston Martin had announced that it will produce a limited edition run of 25 lightweight, DB4 GTs. The ‘continuation models’ will boast VIN numbers following chronologically on from the original 75 DB4 GTs built between 1959 and 1963 ‘for an unbroken bloodline’. Each will also be produced at Aston’s former UK factory in Newport Pagnall.
“Built in our recently refurbished, state-of-the-art facilities in Newport Pagnell, the DB4 G.T. Continuation is hand built in the same location as its illustrious forebears, and marks the return of production to the historic home of Aston Martin for the first time since the last Vanquish S was completed in 2007,” spoke Paul Spires, Commercial Director of Aston Martin Works.
Production of the ‘continuation’ 25 will remain faithful to the original DB4 GT, of which only eight of the original 75 were lightweight builds and today can fetch up to $5 million apiece. Alongside traditional build though will be contemporary engineering and technology.
The continuation lightweights for instance will feature the same Tadek Marek designed 3.7-litre straight six engine of its forebears, but will produce a very 21st century 340bhp, 38bhp more. Power will be sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox, though the DB4 GT will feature stronger brakes. The bodywork meanwhile will follow original construction methods, using a tubular frame and thin-gauge aluminium panels.
The GTs will also feature the shorter, snappier chassis of the original DB4 GT, a two-seater designed specifically for on-track competition. Introduced in 1959 – the same year Aston scored its only outright victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans – the DB4 GT quickly took victory on home turf at Silverstone with Formula 1 legend Sir Stirling Moss behind the wheel. Aston Martin has confirmed that, in-keeping with the DB4 GT’s competitive sprit, a two-year international track-driving program will be offered to new owners, including testing at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi and tutelage from Le Mans class winner Darren Turner. First customer deliveries are set to take place late next year.
Price? Something hideous to be confirmed. And now, time to see the Aston Martin DB4 GT in race action at Goodwood…
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You can check out more Aston Martin stories HERE, and our day with a 1963 DB4 Series V Vantage HERE
Aston Martin | DB4 GT ('59-'64) |
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Engine: | Inline6cyl,3670cc |
Power: | 302bhp @ 6,000rpm |
Torque: | 270lb ft @ 5,000rpm |
Transmission: | Four-speed manual, rear-wheel drive |
Front suspension: | Double Wishbones with Coil Springs Damper Units and Anti-Roll Bar |
Rear suspension: | Live Axle with Trailing Arms Coil Springs Damper Units Trailing Links |
Brakes: | Unassisted Girling Discs |
Wheels: | 16in (front and rear) |
Tyres: | 6.00 × 16 (front and rear) |
Weight (kerb): | 1270kg |
Power-to-weight: | 238bhp/ton |
0-100kph: | 6.2 secs |
Top speed: | 245kph |
Basic price: | $5700 (in 1959) |