Aston Martin DP215 |
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Page 1 of 2 Next >> One year after the DB4's debut, Aston Martin launched the DB4 GT competition version. Designed to break Ferrari's GT-racing stronghold, the DB4 GT was built for both the works teams and privateers. Outwardly, subtle changes distinguished the the GT from the standard DB4. Under the Touring styled body various modifications were carried through that really turned the DB4 into a racer. Weight reduction was one of the objectives in the GT's design. Most weight was saved by the wheelbase reduction of just over 12 cm. For the body construction the 'Superleggera' principle of body panels fixed on a tubular frame was used. The alloy panels of the DB4 were replaced by 18 gauge magnesium aluminium alloy panels on the GT. Most distinguishable features of the GT were the large air scoops and the cowled front lights. The DB4 was the first road going Aston Martin to be equipped with the all-alloy 3670 cc straight six engine, designed by Tadek Marek. In stock form the engine produced a decent 240 bhp, sufficient for road use but not enough to face the competition on the track. Power was increased to a factory claimed 302 bhp by fitting a twin-plug head, 3 Weber Carburetors instead of the two SUs and twin distributors. As mentioned before, the DB4 GT made its public debut at the London Motorshow of 1959, but earlier in the year the prototype made an impressive competition debut in the hands of Stirling Moss in the International Trophy meeting at Silverstone. Moss took the victory in its class from a mediocre field. In the remainder of the season the DB4 GT proved fast and on pace with the less powerful long wheel base (LWB) Ferrari 250 GTs. Ferrari, however, were already working on a more powerful and short wheel base (SWB) version of the 250 GT. Production started in all earnest in 1960 and at the end of the year many DB4 GTs were raced by privateers in Great Britain with considerable success. Although it was intended as a competition car, quite a few of the 74 DB4 GTs constructed were used as road cars. Unfortunately, on mainland Europe the DB4 GT was outclassed by the considerably lighter Ferrari 250 GT SWB. At Le Mans in 1960, Aston Martin was humiliated with 250 GT SWBs taking the first five places in class. Page 1 of 2 Next >> |
Article | Image gallery (26) | DP215 | Specifications |
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