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David Brown Automotive

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Not to be confused with companies of David Brown (entrepreneur).

David Brown Automotive Limited
Company typeLimited Company
IndustryAutomotive
Founded2013
FounderDavid Brown
Headquarters
Silverstone
,
England
ProductsLimited production cars
Websitedavidbrownautomotive.com

David Brown Automotive is a British coachbuilder and manufacturer of limited production cars based in Silverstone, England. The company was founded in Coventry in 2013 by British businessman David Brown to create modern interpretations of classic vehicles. Its first model, the Speedback GT was launched in 2014. David Brown Automotive was placed into administration in November 2024. MB Insolvency appointed as administrators.[1]

History

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Founding (2013)

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David Brown Automotive was founded in Coventry, England in 2013 to create coach-built classic-inspired cars featuring modern technologies and convenience.[2] The company was founded by its eponymous David Brown, who bears no relation to Sir David Brown of Aston Martin and his companies.[1][3] This was realised with the Aston Martin DB6-inspired Speedback GT,[4] which was announced in March 2014.[5] The car is based on a one-off example that had been custom built by Coventry-based Envisage, initially for Brown's personal use.[6] The vehicle and consequently, the marque made its debut at the Top Marques show in Monaco in April of that same year.[7]

Expansion (2017)

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On April 6, 2017, the company announced Mini Remastered, inspired by the classic Mini, launched in Shoreditch, London.[8] Following the company's expansion to a second model, David Brown Automotive was relocated from its Binley factory to a new 18,000 sq. ft dedicated build facility and headquarters at Silverstone Park in April 2017.[9] The Speedback GT and prototypes for the Mini Remastered and Speedback Silverstone Edition were showcased at the Geneva International Motor Show in 2017 and 2018.[10][11]

Models

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Speedback GT

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Main article: David Brown Speedback
Speedback GT at Goodwood Revival September 2014
David Brown Automotive Speedback Silverstone Edition, launched at the Geneva International Motor Show 2018

Launched at the Top Marques Show in Monaco in April 2014, the Speedback GT is the marque's first model. Inspired by the 1960s and the Aston Martin DB6,[12] the grand tourer was coach-built using the Jaguar XK all-aluminium platform.[13][14] The company sources its production to British-based suppliers and builds the cars at their build facility in Silverstone, UK.

The Speedback GT was designed by former Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) designer Alan Mobberley.[15] Its body is produced using traditional coach-building methods; the aluminium body panels are hand beaten and then rolled over an English wheel. The bucks over which the panels are beaten have been milled out using a 5-axis CNC milling machine from CAD data, obtained from the full-size design clay model. The car is powered by a 5.0-litre Jaguar AJ-V8 engine generating 503 bhp (375 kW; 510 PS) with a six-speed ZF automatic transmission. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) in 4.6 seconds with further performance upgrades available.[16]

At the Geneva International Motor Show in 2017, the Speedback GT was showcased in two specifications, one left-hand and one right-hand drive. These full-production specification examples encompassed over 230 engineering and design refinements from the original Speedback GT prototype, including soft-close doors and enhanced noise insulation.[17]

Speedback Silverstone Edition

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David Brown Automotive Speedback Silverstone Edition, launched at the Geneva International Motor Show 2018

Launched on March 6, 2018[18] at the Geneva International Motor Show, the Speedback Silverstone Edition is the third particular edition model made by David Brown after the Mini Remastered Café Racers Edition and Monte Carlo Edition. The model was launched to celebrate the company's first anniversary of its move to the new Silverstone build facility and headquarters in April 2017.[19]

Limited to 10 examples, the Silverstone Edition is the performance version of the Speedback GT. The grand tourer features additional performance from a 5.0-litre Jaguar AJ-V8 engine, which generates 601 bhp (448 kW; 609 PS) and 565 lb⋅ft (766 N⋅m) of torque.[20] Updated rear suspension adds further dynamic handling to the model over the existing set-up from the Speedback GT.[21] The car features a bespoke 'Fly by Night' paint finish, applied over 8 weeks is offered with a fading dark painted stripe and a tan leather interior cockpit with brogued and fluted seats.[22]

Mini Remastered at the Geneva International Motor Show 2018
Mini Remastered, Inspired by Monte Carlo at the Geneva International Motor Show 2018

Mini Remastered

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Main article: David Brown Mini Remastered

The Mini Remastered is the company's second model. It is a remastered version of the original Mini, which had been built between 1958 and 2000. The Mini Remastered was launched at a private event in Shoreditch, London in April 2017, and made its world motor show debut on 20 April 2017 at the Top Marques Show in Monaco.[23]

Launched in three specifications, the Mini Remastered was showcased in standard form, alongside two limited-production special editions:[24] One special edition is inspired by Café Racers, with a history to the classic 1960s motorbike movement, and a second special edition inspired by Monte Carlo, along with the racing heritage of the classic Mini on which the cars are based.

Each Mini Remastered is built on an original classic Mini donor vehicle's 1275cc I4 (A-series) engine and gearbox, which is refurbished to deliver up to 83 bhp (62 kW; 84 PS). A new steel body shell is custom made by British Motor Heritage, which is then coach-built by David Brown Automotive.[25][26] Interior technology and connectivity are added, including electric power-assisted steering, air conditioning, an electric start/stop button, remote central locking, full LED lighting and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system.[27][28]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Breeze, Joe (28 March 2014). "David Brown Automotive Speedback – The full story". www.classicdriver.com. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  2. ^ Mullen, Enda (17 February 2016). "First Coventry-made David Brown Speedback GT delivered". Coventry Live. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  3. ^ "David Brown To Launch New British Sports Car In 2014". Motor Authority. 20 January 2014. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  4. ^ Zientek, Henryk (5 April 2014). "David Brown Automotive's Speedback recalls classic Aston Martin DB6". The Huddersfield Daily Examiner. Retrieved 7 April 2014.
  5. ^ Wolfcale, James (12 February 2014). "David Brown Automotive is building a new Jaguar-based sports car". Road & Track. Retrieved 12 February 2014.
  6. ^ Report, Robb (15 November 2017). "The Classic Mini Receives an Ultra-luxe Makeover by David Brown Automotive, and the Result is Stunning". Robb Report Singapore. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  7. ^ Gibbons, Duncan (17 April 2014). "Look: Gorgeous new supercar built in Coventry makes Monaco debut". Coventry Telegraph. Retrieved 17 April 2014.
  8. ^ Baker, Erin (8 April 2017). "Mini Remastered: the Sixties icon reimagined by David Brown Automotive". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 20 August 2018.
  9. ^ Counts, Reese (3 April 2017). "David Brown Automotive to reveal new Project 2 this spring". Autoblog: Car News, Reviews and Buying Guides. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  10. ^ "David Brown Automotive Displays Two Speedback GT's at the Geneva Motor Show 2017". International Property & Travel. 31 March 2017. Retrieved 20 August 2018.
  11. ^ "Speedback Silverstone Edition pays homage to mid-century Aston Martin DB5". Roadshow. 6 March 2018. Retrieved 20 August 2018.
  12. ^ "Heavy Metal: The Apex Interviews David Brown". The Apex. 31 October 2021. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  13. ^ Rendell, Julian (27 March 2014). "David Brown Automotive Speedback GT sports classic looks, modern performance". Autoweek. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
  14. ^ "600bhp David Brown Automotive Speedback Silverstone Edition previewed | Autocar". www.autocar.co.uk. Retrieved 20 August 2018.
  15. ^ Graves, Stephen (11 April 2014). "David Brown Speedback GT is an Aston Martin DB5 for the 21st century". Stuff. Archived from the original on 16 November 2014. Retrieved 11 April 2014.
  16. ^ Garlitos, Kirby (10 February 2014). "2015 David Brown Automotive Project Judi". Top Speed. Retrieved 12 February 2014.
  17. ^ Baker, Erin (14 March 2017). "Geneva Motor Show 2017: Aston Martin DB5 reborn as the Speedback GT (yours for £594,000)". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 20 August 2018.
  18. ^ "Introducing the Speedback Silverstone Edition". 8 April 2018. Retrieved 20 August 2018.
  19. ^ "David Brown Speedback Silverstone Edition revealed – 593bhp V8-powered GT car". Evo. Retrieved 20 August 2018.
  20. ^ "David Brown Speedback Silverstone Edition unveiled with 600bhp | Autocar". www.autocar.co.uk. Retrieved 20 August 2018.
  21. ^ "How to make a modern classic: the DBA Speedback Silverstone Edition". The National. Retrieved 20 August 2018.
  22. ^ "David Brown Speedback Silverstone Edition". Retrieved 20 August 2018.
  23. ^ "Mini Remastered by David Brown to launch at London motor show | Autocar". www.autocar.co.uk. Retrieved 20 August 2018.
  24. ^ "Mini Remastered by David Brown to launch at London motor show | Autocar". www.autocar.co.uk. Retrieved 20 August 2018.
  25. ^ "Insight: the story behind the Mini Remastered | Autocar". www.autocar.co.uk. Retrieved 20 August 2018.
  26. ^ "Mini Remastered by David Brown Automotive | PistonHeads". www.pistonheads.com. Retrieved 20 August 2018.
  27. ^ "Insight: the story behind the Mini Remastered | Autocar". www.autocar.co.uk. Retrieved 20 August 2018.
  28. ^ Hearn, Adrian (7 April 2017). "The original Mini is making a comeback to become the car for the 21st century". The Mirror. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
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