Fast Last Aston from the Past

The last standard-bodied DB4GT produced, this '64 Aston Martin recently fetched a record $1,265,000 at auction

Introduced in September 1959 as a higher-performance version of the DB4, the DB4GT took the already-powerful (240 hp) DB4 engine, added twin ignition from two distributors/coils and twelve small (10 mm) spark plugs, three twin-choke Weber carburetors, and an increased compression ratio to boost the power to an honest and impressive 302 hp.

The Dana-Salisbury rear had a Powr-Lok limited-slip differential and was offered in five ratios ranging from 2.93 to 4.09. The DB4's wheelbase was chopped by five inches, thus eliminating its tiny rear seat area, and a 36-U.S.-gallon gas tank was fitted with fuel fillers on either side of the car.

With a lighter curb weight and more powerful engine than the DB4, the DB4GT could jump from 0–60 in a whisker over six seconds and go from rest to 100 mph in a bit over 14 seconds. Top end was measured at 153 mph with the 3.54 axle ratio. To provide effective braking, Girling four-wheel disc brakes were employed as standard equipment.

Of the 75 "standard" DB4GTs, only six are known to have full Factory Lightweight construction details. The half dozen Lightweights are divided into two sub-species. We can describe the first of these as "BUILD SHEET GTS" since they were originally ordered with this specification and are so described on the factory build sheets and in the Aston Martin Owners Club (AMOC) Registry. The other lightweight type is the "BESPOKE" or Service Department-created GT. Ex Aston-Martin Chief Engineer and Head of Racing, Ted Cutting, wrote to this author on November 11, 1994, with a clarification of the two types:

"The cars ordered as built as lightweights from the start were so described on their build sheets and completed by the Competition Department or in some cases by the Service Department, depending on the work load of each group at that time. The "Bespoke" GT chassis were modified to lightweight spec after build completion, but before their final assembly by the service shop."

AML Service Department-modified GTs like 0175/L, the example presented here, are not listed as a Lightweight on their build sheets, but a close examination of the the factory features of this car leaves little doubt as to its origins.

The GT we have the pleasure of offering here was actually the last DB4GT built and sold by Aston's Newport Pagnell Factory.

The SCM Analysis

This car sold for $1,265,000 at RM's Phoenix auction, January 19, 2007.

You can sense the climax of a great movie scene when you hear the following words: "Choose your words carefully, they may be your last." I have to admit my personal favorite is when Gert Frobe lashes out at Sean Connery in "Goldfinger" with the immortal phrase, "Choose your next witticism carefully, Mr. Bond, it may be your last." Gets me every time.... And with our topic here, an Aston Martin, it is especially fitting.

Auction catalogs choose their words carefully, and in the case of DB4GT0175L, extremely carefully, but at the same time, they can still be confusing.

Go faster, go lighter

Here's what I think is plenty enough undisputed merit to sell this GT, in and of itself, at this price.

(1) Lot #252 was the last standard bodied DB4GT produced—cool beans. The last of anything is a nice fact for collectors; the first or last always generates more buzz.

(2) A factory build sheet that confirms matching numbers showing once again, this is the real deal.

(3) This is one of 30 DB4GTs in LHD. That's the 40% minority and always a plus on these shores—probably a 15%–20% value bump over RHD.

(4) A solid timeline of ownership and recent restoration history—no condition mystery here.

(5) Shows nicely, great overall patina/feel for race, tour, or street use. (Personally, I would remove the vintage boy-racer add-ons such as the bonnet bug deflector, the foglights, the rear air exit venting, and so on that in my view cheapen the look. I would also fit a correct steering wheel. But that's a matter of taste and these things are easily changed).