Released in 1958 the Aston Martin DB4 was an instant worldwide success, a year later at the 1959 Paris Motor Show Aston launched the newly developed GT version; it featured a shortened wheel base, strengthened chassis, minimal interior and a higher compression twin plug head, with a power output of 302bhp@6000rpm (62bhp above standard). In total 75 examples were produced by Aston Martin with 45 RHD and 30 LHD.
This beautiful example is in exact facsimile of chassis number DB4GT/0127/R it was owned and raced in Australia from 1987-89. Around this time DB4 GT prices began to climb very rapidly and in order to avoid jeopardising the original cars value and to continue to enjoy racing a DB4 GT, a project was undertaken to utilise an early series 1 DB4 as a donor car. It was a unique opportunity to build a true and accurate replica, in fact the original donor car DB4/180/R is believed to be the Paris Motor Show display car of 1959 (when the DB4 GT was originally launched).
The genuine car was partially dissembled in the late 1980’s with every available viewpoint being photographed, soon after with their values getting even higher DB4GT 0127 was sold to a gentleman in Jersey, UK. Work progressed slowly to replicate the rare GT with the series 1 donor car, as it turns out the only parts that were identical on a GT and a DB4 were the Boot Lid and the Rear Guards (although they had to also be modified).
Other modifications included the firewall being set back due to the twin distributors, the front guards had to be modified as the early GT's had a different profile around the headlamps to the later cars, because of the wheelbase shortening even the roof profile and centre pillar had to be re shaped. A new twin plug head was sourced with correct Weber carburettors and larger correct front brakes, Borrani wheels, alloy fuel tank along with many more original items had to be located.
The car was completed in 2001 except for the interior and a few minor items and was sold to a Melbourne enthusiast who completed the project soon after and has enjoyed it ever since.
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