First continuation DB4 G.T. rolls off production line

In December, Aston Martin announced that one of its most iconic models – the DB4 G.T. – was to be celebrated with a series of 25 track-only continuation cars. Now, the first of these special models are being completed at Aston’s Newport Pagnell base.

The DB4 G.T. was launched in 1959 and was immediately celebrated as one of the marque’s rarest and most revered creations. It was an evolution of the production DB4 and introduced the same year Aston Martin won the Le Mans 24 Hours. The car was created for performance, and was shorter and lighter than the production model, and featured a more highly tuned version of Aston’s 3.7 litre straight-six engine. A total of just 75 DB4 G.T.s were made, with only eight of them being lightweight models.

The continuation models remain faithful to the design of those original lightweights, and are being built by Aston Martin with a mix of traditional craftsmanship and modern techniques. As such the cars benefit from improvements in engine performance, handling and braking, but, according to Aston, don’t lose any of the DB4 G.T.’s character.

The continuation models use VIN numbers which carry on from the last original DB4 G.T. ordered – Chassis 0202R, and use the same Tadek Marek-designed straight six. However, modern manufacturing techniques mean that the new models will have 340 bhp, up from the 302 bhp of the original run. Power is driven to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual gearbox and a limited-slip differential, just as in the original DB4 G.T.

Given the racing history of the originals, Aston is keen for the continuation models to be used and enjoyed on track. To this end, Aston Martin Works has created a two-year international track-driving programme held at a number of the world’s finest race track, including instruction from Aston Martin’s driver training team.