1960 Aston Martin DB4 GT Coupe

The Aston Martin DB4GT made its debut at the London Motor Show in September of 1959. It was developed from the production DB4 with increased performance. They were more powerful, lighter, and shorter. The bodywork was comprised of thin 18-gauge aluminum alloy. The wheelbase was shortened by approximately five inches, and the rear seats were deleted on all but three special-ordered cars, reducing weight by around 200 pounds.

The engine found in the DB4 GT received many modifications including a higher 9:1 compression, a twin-plug dual-ignition cylinder head, and triple dual-throat Weber 45 DCOE carburetors. Power was increased to 302 brake horsepower, an impressive increase over the claimed 240 brake horsepower of the standard DB4. Top speed was in the neighborhood of 153 mph with 0-60 mph taking just 6.1 seconds.

The Aston Martin DB4 GT was the first car that could go from standstill to 100 mph and then brake to a dead stop in under 20 seconds.

The DB4 GT had faired-in headlamps with Perspex covers. The backlight and rear quarter windows were also of Perspex on many examples, while bumper overrides were deleted, and the roll-down windows were frameless within the doors. Twin, competition-style, quick-release Monza fuel fillers were added atop each of the rear wings. They had a high-capacity fuel tank mounted flat in the trunk. Special lightweight Borrani wire wheels, usually with 42 spokes, light alloy rims, and distinctive three-eared knock-offs completed this package.

The DB4 GT had fine Connolly leather upholstery and deep pile Wilton carpet.

Between 1959 and 1963, Aston Martin built just 75 DB4GTs. Of those, 45 were supplied in right-hand drive and 30 in left-hand drive.

Chassis Number DB4/GT/0141/L
This car was the 41st DB4GT built and was put on display in Turin for the 1960 Motor Show. It was finished in Snow Shadow grey over black leather upholstery. It was one of the 30 left-hand drive cars built and one of the three to be specially ordered with rear seats. They had tiny buckets that could accommodate small children or over-night bags. They could be folded up to make a clean package shelf behind the driver and an adult passenger. Installed in the trunk were racing-style double gasoline tanks.

After the motor show, the DB4GT returned to the factory, where an overdrive was fitted. It was then sent across the Atlantic, and on February 2, 1961, it was delivered to its original owner, Gurdon Bayne Wattles of New York. Owners over the year included Alan Lampert and ken Boyd. In the late 1990s, the car was given a restoration. It was finished in the shade of Silver with the interior tailored in black leather. The work of the restoration exceeded $50,000.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2014