VIN: the Jean Kerguen Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato (GTZ) chassis 0180/L
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HISTORY OF CHASSIS 0180/L
Chassis 0180/L was the first of two GTZs originally painted white although the Australian-bound second example (0186/R) was described as Desert White and came with red upholstery while 0180/L emerged in plain White with black upholstery. Soon after delivery, a handsome red and green centre stripe was also added.
Although the car’s official destination was listed as Switzerland, this left-hand drive GTZ was supplied new to Aston Martin’s French distributor and enthusiastic amateur racer, Jean Kerguen. Paris-based Kerguen had raced a variety of Aston Martins and Porsches during the 1950s and, since 1957, he’d been ever present at France’s biggest endurance race: the Le Mans 24 Hours.
0180/L was acquired for Kerguen’s attack on the 1961 Le Mans and debuted at the event’s annual test weekend on April 8th and 9th where it posted ninth fastest time. The Aston ended up as second fastest Grand Touring car (a works Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta had been quickest) but fastest of the four-litre GT class runners.
0180/L’s next outing was the 24 Hour enduro where Kerguen was joined by Jacques Dewez who raced under the pseudonym “Franc”. Starting at the head of the field (grid slots were still determined by engine size), 0180/L barely missed a beat all race and, having broken back into the top ten during the 21st hour, looked set for a strong result.
Agonisingly though, the Aston’s valiant attempt had to be abandoned during the final hour while lying ninth when a short circuit caused a flat battery and the starter motor ultimately failed while in the pits.
After the disappointment of Le Mans, chassis 0180/L was wheeled out to contest three more races during the 1961 season. For reasons unknown, Kerguen failed to finish the Auvergne Trophy six hour race at Clermont-Ferrand on July 9th. However, he bounced back to bag fourth overall in the Coppa Inter-Europa, a six hour slog around Monza in support of the Italian Formula 1 Grand Prix and round twelve of the FIA GT Cup.
Kerguen ended the season driving 0180/L alongside Dewez in the FIA GT Cup season finale: the Paris 1000km at Montlhery. On this occasion, the white Aston was never really in the running though and it came home 14th overall (14th in the over 1.6-litre GT category).
Chassis 0180/L was subsequently retired from competitive action. In 1962 Jean Kerguen raced one of the three Super Lightweight DP209 GTZs assembled by Aston Martin (0193/R).
More recently, chassis 0180/L was acquired by Germany’s National Auto Museum – The Loh Collection, where it currently resides in restored condition.
Notable History
Sold to Jean Kerguen, Paris
09/04/1961 IND Le Mans Test (J. Kerguen) 9th oa, 1st GT4.0 class (#1)
11/06/1961 WSC Le Mans 24 Hours (J. Kerguen / J. Dewez) DNF (#1)
09/07/1961 IND Auvergne Trophy, Clermont-Ferrand (J. Kerguen) DNF (#10???)
10/09/1961 GTC Monza Coppa Inter Europa (J. Kerguen) 4th oa, 4th GT2.5+ class (#62)
22/10/1961 GTC Paris 1000km, Montlhery (J. Kerguen / J. Dewez) 14th oa, 14th GT1.6+ class (#14)
Later acquired by Germany’s National Auto Museum – The Loh Collection, Dietzholztal
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: unattributed
