One to Buy: Pale Primrose 1960 Aston Martin DB4 GT (SOLD)
Launched at the London Motor Show in October 1959 (twelve months after the original DB4), the DB4 GT was Aston Martin’s answer to the Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta that had been unveiled in Paris a couple of weeks prior.
Like the Ferrari, the DB4 GT was conceived as a model that could either be driven on the street or at the highest level of competition.
Unlike the standard DB4, the GT was a pure two-seater built on a short wheelbase chassis. To further save weight, Aston Martin fitted a body fashioned from 18 gauge magnesium alloy and lightened Borrani wheels. In the same vein, the engine and block were cast in RR50 alloy.
The high compression 302bhp engine with its Weber carbs, twin plug head and high lift camshafts was coupled to a close-ratio four-speed ‘box. Brakes were also uprated and a long-range tank plumbed into the trunk. Aerodynamics were improved thanks to a redesigned front end with covered headlights.
With a top speed of 152mph and 0-62mph time of 6.2 seconds, the DB4 GT was the fastest Aston Martin road car yet. When stripped for racing, it was a very serious proposition indeed.
Of the 75 DB4 GTs built, just two were painted Pale Primrose and only one of these currently retains its original colour scheme. That car is chassis 0121/R on offer with Tom Hartley Jnr. in the UK.
Reprinted below is Tom Hartley Jnr’s description for this outstanding British icon:
Chassis #0121/R is a very special Aston Martin DB4GT.
Delivered new in July 1960 and 1 of only 2 examples to be finished in Pale Primrose from new and the only example finished in this colour today.
Following our purchase, we entrusted the car to marque experts Spray Tec for a fresh refurbishment which included returning the car to its stunning original colour combination and at the same time taking the opportunity to ensure all the details throughout were absolutely period correct, of which very few DB4GTs are. This work was overseen and managed by noted Aston Martin Historian Stephen Archer.
What quickly became apparent throughout the works was how original of an example #0121/R is. It not only boasts its original chassis, body, engine (block and head) and gearbox but still retains its correctly numbered 45 DCOE4 carburettors. When you consider only 75 DB4GTs were ever produced and how many of those have been heavily campaigned and modified, very few can claim the originality of this particular example.
Offered complete with its tool roll, original instruction book, workshop manual and dedicated history file which includes its original build sheet.
