Guide: Aston Martin DB4 GT Bertone Jet
Background
During the 1950s and early 1960s, a number of Aston Martins were equipped with bodies designed in Italy.
Most famously, the DB4, DB5 and DB6 were all styled by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan.
During this time, special customers were occasionally able to purchase a rolling chassis and order truly individual coachwork.
Between 1953 and 1954, US industrialist-turned-car dealer, Stanley “Wacky” Arnolt, commissioned his Carrozzeria Bertone to build a small series of special-bodied DB2/4s. The chassis were shipped to Turin where Bertone produced a variety of memorable Spiders, Convertibles and a unique Coupe, all of which differed in detail from one another.
At the London Motor Show in October 1960, Aston Martin launched a lightweight version of their flagship DB4 GT complete with coachwork styled by Zagato of Milan. Designed for racing, these factory sanctioned Berlinettas came with even more powerful engines than the standard DB4 GT.
DB4 GT Bertone Jet
Two months after the Zagato variant was unveiled, Aston Martin sent the last standard DB4 GT chassis over to Italy. However, instead of Milan, chassis DB4GT/0201/L (0201) headed for Turin where it was transformed into the ultimate two-seat Gran Turismo by Bertone.
Unlike Bertone’s earlier Aston Martins, which were designed by Franco Scaglione, this latest creation was the work of a young Giorgetto Giugiaro.
Rapidly completed, the finished Bertone Jet was displayed at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show between March 17th and 27th.
Originally painted light green with a grey interior, the Jet’s appearance at Geneva was somewhat overshadowed by the brand new Jaguar E-type which Enzo Ferrari famously described as the most beautiful car in the world.
Bodywork
Unlike the production DB4 GT, chassis 0201 was equipped with exposed headlights either side of a wide rectangular intake complete with hexagonally patterned grille. Chrome quarter bumpers were mounted above brake cooling scoops that flanked a larger air inlet for the oil cooler.
The front lid had a distinct power bulge complete with slim vertical air vanes.
An elegant bank of vents was carved out from behind each front wheel, the upper edge of which formed a swage line down each flank.
The cockpit had slim pillars with opening front and rear quarterlights.
The rear windscreen merged into a distinctive sloping tail capped off with elaborate rear bumperettes and custom single piece lights.
Unlike the standard DB4 GT, the Jet’s body panels were predominantly formed in steel; only the sills and front and rear aprons were aluminium.
Interior
Inside, Bertone fitted a custom body coloured dash with black vinyl top and matching knee roll.
A 10,000 rpm tach and 160mph speedometer were located directly behind the standard wood-rimmed steering wheel. Six smaller gauges were positioned in a central bank above the ventilation controls and radio.
A chromed passenger grab handle was mounted in front of the glovebox.
Well-padded leather seats came with ribbed centres to match the door panels. Electric windows were fitted as standard.
Subsequent History
After its appearance at Geneva, chassis 0201 was displayed at the Turin Motor Show from late October to early November. By this stage the car had been repainted blue.
When its show career was over, the Jet spent time in Beirut and the USA before it was acquired by Aston Martin Chairman, Victor Gauntlett, in the 1980s.
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Bertone - https://www.bertone.it
