Aston's lightweight GT challenger
The Aston Martin DB4GT model was developed specifically to contest the FIA's then-newly introduced Grand Touring Car World Championship of 1960. The new competition replaced the former FIA Sports Car World Championship, which the British marque had won, in face of strong Ferrari and Porsche opposition, in 1959. The short-wheelbase, lightweight DB4GT was launched at the 1959 London Motor Show and driven by Stirling Moss to win upon its debut at Silverstone.
Aston Martin's DB4GT model featured many modifications compared with the standard DB4 Coupe. No fewer than 5 inches were removed from the wheelbase and light-alloy doors, bonnet, bootlid, firewall, floors and even suspension parts were adopted to trim weight. Perspex replaced toughened glass in the windows. The DB4GT featured the standard DB4 model's 4-speed synchromesh gearbox cluster but now housed within a lightweight aluminium case, while the disc brake system was uprated with 12-inch front and 11-inch rear discs, clasped by Girling calipers.
The 3,670cc aluminium twin-overhead camshaft in-line 6-cylinder engine carried a redesigned new light-alloy cylinder head. The unit featured higher-compression pistons and breathed through a rack of three Weber twin-choke carburettors. Power output was quoted as an impressive 302bhp. Bodywork was thinly panelled on the Touring of Milan Superleggera principle.
Bonhams will be offering this 1960 Aston Martin DB4 GT at their upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale on the 13th July. Its estimated value is between £2.3m - £2.5m. For more information on this and other vehicles at the sale, click on the link below. Photos courtesy of Bonhams.