One to Buy: ex-Essex Racing Stable 1960 Aston Martin DB4 GT Lightweight (SOLD)
Of the 75 DB4s built to GT specification, just four were originally configured as Lightweights.
Compared to the standard DB4, the GT variant already boasted an extensively uprated specification to include a short wheelbase chassis, thinner gauge body with faired-in headlights, high compression 302bhp engine and close-ratio gearbox.
With racing in mind, the Lightweights were taken to another level again. Aluminium alloy was used far more extensively during construction, myriad parts were drilled for lightness and supplementary equipment was trimmed down to the absolute minimum.
Two of the four cars built to Lightweight trim were right-hand drive and two were left-hand drive.
The pair of right-hand drive examples were delivered to Tommy Sopwith (Equipe Endeavour, 0124/R) and John Ogier (Essex Racing Stable, 0125/R). Both cars were works supported and raced with great success.
Currently on offer at the Tom Hartley Jnr. showroom in the UK is chassis 0125/R.
This was the car raced to sixth overall at the 1960 Rouen GP by Jonathan Sieff. It then appeared at the Goodwood Tourist Trophy where Roy Salvadori finished second behind the Rob Walker Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta of Stirling Moss.
In its final outing of 1960, Salvadori teamed up with Innes Ireland for the Paris 1000km at Montlhery where 0125/R finished sixth overall behind a quintet of Ferraris.
The car subsequently appeared for the Lombank Trophy at Snetterton in early 1961 (where Salvadori finished third). For 1962, 0125/R was sold to privateer, George Pitt, who raced it sparingly.
Today, this superb DB4 GT Lightweight is presented in its original colour scheme of Sea Green with Off White Connolly leather seats having recently undergone a recent refurbishment.
Reprinted below is Tom Hartley Jnr.’s description for what is undoubtedly among the most significant Aston Martin DB4 GTs in existence:
A truly outstanding Aston Martin, arguably the most important of all DB4GTs.
Built as a ‘Master Project’ car and sold new to John Ogier’s Essex Racing Stable.
Run and prepared as a ‘Works’ car and driven in period by Works drivers.
Roy Salvadori famously piloted 18 TVX to a second-place finish to Stirling Moss in the Rob Walker Ferrari 250 SWB at the 1960 Goodwood TT.
Recently refurbished and returned to its original colour combination.
